Underground tours of Carrs Mine
Notes for visitors
Safety
Carrs Mine is safe for visitors, providing the simple instructions given by the guide are adhered to. It is classified as a working mine and MASHAM regulations (1993) apply (Management and Administration of Safety and Health at Mines - part of the Health and Safety Inspectorate).
Full risk assessments have been carried out, and the mine is inspected every four hours when open. There is an internal emergency phone and lighting system within the mine.
Access
Carrs Mine is only accessible by the public when accompanied by an approved guide from Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre.
We regret that the full mine tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, prams, pushchairs etc., or to children under the age of 5. Roof height is restricted in places and there is a series of 3 ladders to climb up a shaft to access a higher level of workings.
Lighting
Carrs Mine is lit all the way through, so additional lights are not required.
Headwear
A hard hat is provided and must be worn at all times underground, because of many changes in roof height. There is little danger of anything other than water falling on your head.
Footwear and Clothing
The floor is covered in loose limestone chippings, and in some areas the floor is wet or may have water up to 1” on it. Fashion shoes and open toed sandals are not advisable; we recommend good walking shoes, trainers or even wellies.
The temperature is a fairly constant 55F (10°C) all year. As previously mentioned, you may get dripped on from the ceiling. In areas where the way is constricted, you may come into contact with the walls, which are likely to be wet and have mineral deposits on them, which could stain. Skirts are not suitable for climbing the ladders. We, therefore suggest that you wear long trousers, warm jumpers and a waterproof coat, which can take these sorts of conditions.
Photography
The taking of pictures inside the mine is prohibited.
Bags
All bags, cameras and other items can be left in a locked cupboard in Carrs Mine Shop (also locked when no staff are present). This makes moving through the mine easier and safer and prevents loss or damage.
