I have been on many annual pilgrimages to Cornwall, however I have never got around to visiting any of the historic Tin Mine sites for which the county is known for.
During the most recent visit, I made a point of changing that and went to a number of historic mine sites, starting with Rinsey.
I initially wanted to visit the “open” mine which is operated by the National Trust, however unbeknown to me, it was booking only and had not made one and they were sold out.
So, I had to make do with a walk around the (very windy) headland round to a couple of abandoned engine houses.
Unfortunately the fist one is currently under restoration so access was not possible and the second was quite a way down a rather dangerous cliff, which I decided not to risk.
This did not stop my enjoyment of the buildings which looked magnificent clinging to the cliff sides.
A bit of history about the site from one of the information signs –
Dominated by the distinctive ruins of tin and copper mines the headlands of Rinsey and Trewavas offer sweeping views across Mount’s Bay. Now a haven for wildlife, as abundance of wild flowers thrive on the headlands thanks to the ponies who nibble and trample invading scrub. From the cliffs you may see choughs, peregrines, kitiwakes, basking sharks and dolphins.
