The Alderley Edge mines in Cheshire, UK, were mined from the Bronze Age (c. 4000 years ago) until the early 20th century.
Most of the mines are still accessible although many surface features have been obscured by vegetation over the years.
Many of the mines are owned by the National Trust and have been leased from them by the Derbyshire Caving Club which maintains access and continues to explore and search for areas of mining that have been closed for centuries.
 
Yvonne and a friend from Derbyshire Caving Club with lead a trip around the mines (different mine from the one visited in April 2024). There is a maximum group size of 12, so please contact Yvonne directly to make sure there's still available places. (please email @enquiries for contact details if needed)
 
What to bring:
• Helmets and lights can be provided if required. 
• Footwear you're happy getting a bit wet and muddy, wellington boots are recommended. 
• Waterproof clothing is not required but clothes, which will not suffer from contact with sand and mud, are strongly recommended. The temperature in the mines is cool, but constant at about 10-12 degrees C. Dress as if for an autumn day in the garden!
• You can bring a camera or mobile phone but please be aware of the risk to the camera from sand and water and also respect the privacy of other visitors.  
 
To be prepared for the trip, you need to remember that you will be entering an abandoned mine with uneven floors and low ceilings.  You are very likely to have to stoop at some places, and may need to crawl on hands and knees in others.  Some trips will include a flat-out crawl. Hopefully we'll be able to do the underground boat trip! 
 
We will be meet in the main National Trust car park at 6.30pm and the trip will last approx. 2-3hrs (it can be extended or reduced based on people preferences on the night). 
 
A donation of £8 towards the maintenance of the mines would be gladly received by Derbyshire Caving Club if you're able to contribute via cash on the night or bank transfer beforehand please. Bank details provided upon request.