Mining remains around Buxton - back to Orchard Common

 Last time I looked at Orchard Common I did note a couple of areas of lighter vegetation which could have been possible mine shafts, but I didn't see any concrete marker pillars and as they were next to an old quarry working I ignored them. However, on studying my OS map whilst writing my previous blog post I did spot a couple of round marks that looked like shafts next to the quarry. I recently passed that way again and decided to take a closer look.

A quick look around revealed two markers on the ground. This is the southerly one, hiding behind reeds;

There's a circle of raised ground next to the shaft, waste brought up from sinking the pit was often used to build a raised area partly for a horse gin and partly to try and protect the pit from flooding.

The second marker is close by;

This one is a little harder to spot.

A close-up of the marker;

And, looking back at the first shaft from a higher vantage point;

The raised ground can be seen in the middle of the frame.

These two can be found at SK 0240 6940, and sit between the 3rd and 4th pits in my previous post.

Interestingly I've only seen those marker pillars on Orchard Common so far, I've not seen any on Axe Edge.

More info on markers and remains here.

Whilst taking these photos a curlew flew around calling out, a sight and sound that I never tire of.

Paul.