4.7-Mile Circular Walk to Magpie Mine
Key Information About The Walk
Type of Walk: Circular
Average Time to Complete: 2 and a half hours
Where to Park: White Lodge pay and display car park, DE45 1NL
Toilets Nearby: Yes, compost toilets at the parking area
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep an eye out for livestock and stiles
Kid Friendly: Yes, though some parts may be challenging
Recommended Footwear: Hiking Boots or sturdy walking shoes
Introduction
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always enjoyed wandering around old ruins. There’s something quite magical about exploring and imagining what life must have been like back then, and so the disused and abandoned Magpie Mine has been on my bucket list for a while. Even though it’s not too far from Nottingham, I hadn’t got around to exploring it. And if the photos I’d seen of it online were anything to go by, it was going to be a fascinating day out.
I came across these two quotes to set the scene for you.
‘In the ruins, there is still beauty – the poetry of destruction’ and this is quite good too ‘Ruins are the cathedrals of time.’
Anyway, this is a 4.7-mile circular route which is slightly challenging at the start and then becomes an… easy breeze!
We parked at White Lodge pay and display car park, DE45 1NL. There are compost toilets.
Deep Dale and Magpie Mine Circular AllTrails Map
Here is one of the routes around Deep Dale and Magpie Mine – We did this one but went back to front to climb the big hill at the start rather than coming down it at the end. For 30% off AllTrails click here. 🥾
Slippy Stepping Stones
Following the AllTrails route, we came across a stream with a couple of stepping stones, which I bounced across quite easily, but poor Deb struggled, scared that she’d fall into the water. I don’t know why she was making such a fuss – when we hiked in soaking wet Norway last September, she quite happily trudged straight through lots of streams and rivers. She didn’t mind getting wet feet then did she, eh? This is Deepdale nature reserve which is known for its abundance of wildflowers.
It was like climbing Mount Everest!
The next challenge was a short steep climb up a muddy embankment. It was quite steep and poor Deb resorted to clinging on to a wire fence to haul herself up! It certainly focused my mind and at the top we went through a gate and set off across lots of rolling open fields with stunning views.
Keep Following the All Trails Route
It’s so easy to follow. You might want to download the route just in case you lose the signal.
St Michaels and All Angels Church, Sheldon
Following the route, you’ll come to a sweet little church, which was opened on 7 October 1864 to replace the original church that had become dilapidated and unsafe. I wonder if the villagers will be celebrating its 160th birthday this Autumn? It was designed by Samuel Rollinson, an architect from Chesterfield and it’s Grade 11 listed. It was closed when we walked past, but a quick Google search showed that the interior is rather lovely, with some stained-glass windows, and an interesting roof design with wooden beams. I think it’s a shame that these lovely old churches are locked up. I would have loved to go inside to enjoy the architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Sheldon
And then we were in Sheldon, the closest village to Magpie Mine. Sheldon is a lovely village on a hill above the River Wye. Sheldon is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086 and used to be an important place for lead mining during the 18th and 19th Centuries. There are lovely stone cottages, and I even spotted a traditional red phone box, (now a defibrillator), and a pub called The Cock and Pullet. So, we decided to stop for a drink and warm up. Stepping inside out of the cold there was a lovely open fire. It was busy for midweek and most people were tucking into pub meals. If you do decide to visit, remember it’s open every day apart from Mondays. I think it’s important to support these remote country pubs to keep them thriving – The old saying ‘Use them or lose them’ rings true out here. The staff were friendly, and we had a very nice time.
A Short Walk to Magpie Mine
Finally, the highlight of our walk, and standing dramatically in the landscape there was Magpie Mine straight ahead, and we had it all to ourselves. This is a popular tourist destination and it’s free to enter, and I expect it gets busy at weekends. This is one of the best examples of a lead mine in England and has Scheduled Monument Status. I was surprised to learn that lead has been mined in Derbyshire since Roman times, and this mine dates to the 17th Century. We wandered into the remains of the circular Gunpowder Store and took photos of the winding mechanisms. The main mine shaft is 200 metres deep but is now closed for safety. There’s a ruined Cornish engine house and several chimneys both square and round. Parts of the site have been renovated including the square tower and a replica of the horse gin has been built. A horse gin was used to wind the lead ore to the surface
Closed in 1958
It’s fascinating to think that this was once a hub of activity and industry.
Magpie Mine has a turbulent history of bitter feuds and even 3 murders in 1833, in which three neighboring Maypitt miners were suffocated by the fumes from fires lit by workers from Magpie Mine. The dispute was because of arguments over who had the right to mine in each vein underground. 24 Magpie miners were put on trial for murder. They were eventually acquitted as nobody could decide or prove who lit the fires. The three widows of the murdered miners were so consumed with grief that they put a curse on Magpie Mine, which ruined the mine, closing it in 1835. However, it did reopen in 1839.
Over the next few decades there were many problems caused by flooding and fire, and although various innovations and safety features were introduced by the owners over the years, it was a constant battle not helped by falling lead prices, and sadly the mine finally closed in 1958.
The Lovely Flat Walk back to the Car
It’s about 3 miles back to the car park, which includes walking down a long flat road. I do enjoy a stretch of walking along a flat tarmac road, because I can look around and enjoy the scenery rather than looking down at my feet all the time which I do on uneven paths, to avoid tripping up on protruding tree roots, small rocks, and uneven ground.
Walking on a flat road also eats up the miles quicker!
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Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic easy walk around the Peak District, and it has the bonus of including Deepdale Nature Reserve and historic Magpie Mine, while The Cock and Pullet pub in Sheldon provides a warm and welcome break, and the opportunity to have a drink and a delicious lunch.
Ashford In The Water To Monsal Head Group Walk
FAQs About Magpie Mine Walk
Yes, Magpie Mine is free to enter. It's a popular tourist destination in the Peak District, known for its significant history as one of the best examples of a lead mine in England.
Magpie Mine features a main shaft that is 200 metres deep. However, for safety reasons, the mine shafts are now closed to the public.
Magpie Mine has a rich and turbulent history, with lead mining activities dating back to the 17th century. Notably, it was the site of bitter feuds between miners, leading to three murders in 1833 over disputes on mining rights.
The Deepdale area is known for its rich biodiversity, especially its abundance of wildflowers in the spring and summer months. Visitors might also spot various bird species and other wildlife native to the Peak District's diverse habitats.
For those planning to take on the Deepdale and Magpie Mine Circular Walk, it's recommended to wear appropriate footwear as the terrain can be uneven and, in places, steep or muddy. Checking the weather before setting out can help ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable walk.
