Walk 2 - St Agnes Beacon

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The mine was taken over by West Kitty in 1900 and although pneumatic stamps and dressing equipment were installed in 1907, the mine was hampered by the expense of sending the ore to be processed in Jericho Valley, Trevellas. There had been objections to burning or 'calcining' the tin ore on site because fumes given off from the chimney, particularly those containing arsenic compounds, destroyed surrounding crops and vegetation. A tramway ran from the mine at the top of the hill to Quay Road which runs along the valley bottom, with full trucks of ore descending and pulling empty ones up to the top O. The ore then continued its journey to Jericho Valley by horse and cart.

In 1913 there were technical problems in the mine. The engine that removed water from the mine was stopped and so the water level rose. This was followed by a fall in the price of tin and the call up of men at the outbreak of war. The mine was closed in 1916, opening briefly to help ventilate Wheal Kitty mine in the late 1920s.

Follow the track up the slope, passing on your left a grassy sitting area called 'Wheal Friendly Retreat'. Continue between bungalows and, at the top, with the Roman Catholic Church on your left, turn left into Trevaunance Road.

Follow the road to the junction opposite the Anglican Church. Turn right and follow the main street for about 400 metres until you see the sign directing you to the car park where your trek began.

Turn right and your walk is complete