Magpie Mine is a former lead mine near Sheldon in the Peak District of Derbyshire. We came on it rather by chance when avoiding heavy traffic in the Bakewell area. This was back in October 2008.
This is one of the best preserved mines in Derbyshire – some restoration has been carried out. It almost looks Cornish.
Apparently there are guided tours but with no one about we took an unguided one.
It was beginning to look quite stormy.
In fact it was distinctly gloomy. But cameras can fight the gloom and make it look pretty cheerful.
There were remnants of the old mine everywhere.
Here we have a winder, a stack and the cottage at the mine.
A view through an arch in the old mine building.
Another winder.
Magpie Mine in its setting.
But just what is this?