St Ives Cornwall - Walks - Mên-an-Tol and Ding Dong Mine

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St Ives Cornwall

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Walk 2 - Mên-an-Tol and Ding Dong Mine

This circular walk starts and ends at the small car park near Mên-an-Tol stone circle, about 15 minutes drive from St Ives.

It takes you to the ancient stone circle, on to the atmospheric Ding Dong Mine, then back across the moors and down the track to the car park.

To get to the starting point head out of St Ives up The Stennack - B3306. At the top of the hill, as you reach the edge of town, keep straight on, taking the the coast road. Keep going past the village of Zennor, past The Gurnards Head Hotel. At the small hamlet of Trevowhan (grid reference SW409355) turn left onto an unclassified road, towards Penzance. Drive up the hill, down the other side, for approximately 1 mile (1.5 km), until you see a small parking area on the left (grid reference SW419344).

If you want to take a taxi call DJ Cars on 01736 796633.

Grid references are based on:
UK Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 102

Total Distance: 2.8 miles, 4.3 km
All distances are approximate.

Total Time: 1.5 hours at a fairly relaxed pace, with breaks to enjoy the scenery.

Grade: Moderate

Stage 1

Start at Grid Reference: SW419344

Head through the gate and up the trackway, heading North East.

Continue up the trackway, past various farm buildings on your left, until you reach a stile on your right, signposted Public Footpath.

Turn right and continue along this path for a short distance until you reach the stones of Mên-an-Tol.

This is a sacred site, so pause to enjoy the atmosphere and leave nothing but footprints.

(If you spot any damage, litter or anything else untoward please call the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network on 01736 787186).

Stage Distance: 0.6 miles, 1km
Total Distance: 0.6 miles, 1km
Gentle Uphill

Now at Grid Reference: SW428349.

Trackway To Mên-an-Tol

Mên-an-Tol Stones
Mên-an-Tol Stones

Stage 2

Leave the stones by the footpath, heading in the same direction as when you approached. On the horizon ahead you will see the distinctive sillouhette of an engine house - Ding Dong Mine.

Follow the path across the moorland, heading gently downhill. As you head down the mine engine house will disappear beneath the horizon.

You reach a narrow stream and will need to jump or step across.

Follow the path up the hill. Take care to stay on or close to the path, as there are old mine workings on either side, and no way of knowing how deep the holes are !

Emerge form the moorland at the ancient Ding Dong Mine. Climb up to the engine house to enjoy the views and explore the mine.

Stage Distance: 0.5 miles, 0.8 km
Total Distance: 1.1 miles, 1.8 km
Gentle Downill then Uphill.

Now at Grid Reference: SW435345.

Stage 3

Head back towards the path you came in by, but when you reach it take the right fork, onto a path running roughly parallel to it, heading North West.

Continue across the moorland - you will see a rocky outcrop in the distance ahead of you - Carn Galver.

The path continues roughly in a straight line, with Carn Galver in view straight ahead, across the moorland until you reach a crossroads with a wider track, with a gateway to your left.

Stage Distance: 0.7 miles, 1.0 km
Total Distance: 1.8 miles, 2.8 km
Level.

Now at Grid Reference: SW430354..

Stage 4

Turn left onto the track, through the farm gate. This track will lead you straight back to the car park.

You will pass a standing stone, in a field to your right - Mên-Scryfa. Pause to take a look if you wish, the stone has ancient inscriptions on it.

Keep going past the turning to Mên-an-Tol, continue downhill back to the car park.

Stage Distance: 1.0 miles, 1.5 km
Total Distance: 2.8 miles, 4.3 km
Level.

Now at Grid Reference: SW419344.

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