Walk 5 - Mount Hawke

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200-300 yards further on, just before the road sign for Porthtowan, you will find a vehicle barrier across a track which climbs the hillside towards mine buildings. These are the remains of Tywarnhale's Taylor's Shaft where the first electric centrifugal pumps in Cornwall were installed F.

These ruins can be visited by using the old service track that is hewn out of the hillside.

Returning to the bottom of the obvious track, take the smaller track on the left, ascending around a sharp right turn. You are now ascending parallel to the first track and above it.

Have a look across the valley at evidence of bygone mining activity - trial and surface diggings and capped airshafts. Do have a look down at the old buildings, the truncated chimney showing clearly its construction. Under your feet are the remains of an old cobbled track.

The well preserved engine house you now pass is that of John's shaft of Tywarnhale which was used before the electric pumps. Keeping the engine house to your right continue towards a hut, which you will then pass. This hut would have been used by surface workers as a croust (meal break) shelter.

You will note the contrast here between the heathland and the lush valley below, the different climate in just a few hundred metres as the crow flies: resulting in a complete change in flora and fauna providing an utterly different aspect.

At the track end, turn left onto another and enjoy the distant sea views to the left and ahead. Approaching the gate, pass to the left and then shortly after turn right across the grass into the housing estate. Follow the estate road ahead and then round a left-hand bend on to the main road, where you turn right.

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