Walking Cornish Alps Reveals Surreal Industrial Trails

The "Cornish Alps," an industrial landscape shaped by centuries of mining, are now becoming accessible to travellers. This unique region, characterized by vivid green lagoons and striking man-made peaks, is opening up through new trail networks.

The china clay industry began in 1746 when William Cookworthy identified kaolin deposits crucial for porcelain production. This discovery rapidly expanded into a major 19th-century boom, transforming the landscape and generating significant wealth.

As mining operations decline, the "Cornish Alps" landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with returning wildlife. New multi-use trails are now opening previously inaccessible areas, allowing nature to reclaim vast industrial expanses.

Iconic pyramid-shaped waste heaps, once industrial by-products, have become cherished landmarks dominating the local skyline. Residents famously rallied to preserve "Sky Tip," transforming it into a powerful symbol of community pride and resilience.

Despite the industry's evolution, china clay mining continues to bolster the local economy and provide vital employment. Extensive new permissive paths, including routes from Wheal Martyn, now offer unparalleled opportunities to explore this unique heritage.