West Somerset Mineral Line Raleghs Cross Short Walk

Join Walk Leader Phil Gannon from the West Somerset Mineral Line Association for an insight into feats of Victorian iron mining and engineering in the Brendon Hills.

Phil is a retired Chartered Building Surveyor working in West Somerset for 32 years. He is a former member of the Exmoor Mines Research Group and has helped the ENPA on project and conservation work.

The Mineral Line was built in the 19th Century to carry iron ore mined in the Brendons to Watchet for transport to South Wales.

This 4-hour walk visits the Carew mine site, Raleghs Cross mine site, Beulah Chapel, Bampton Road Stores, Source of Tone, Sminhayes and the Incline Winding House. It includes the Brendon Hill Incline which is steep and spectacular, but optional.

Image supplied by Graham Page demonstrating the contrast of the mineral line’s incline in the Brendon Hills in its heyday to today.