Muddy Rating: Not very
As I'm sure you'll be aware from my previous posts, it's been very wet lately and trying to find walks that aren't belly deep in mud is pretty difficult. I love muddy walks of course, but mum is determined to find some new routes that don't involve lots of slipping whilst carrying a little person on her back.
Wheal Basset, near Redruth, is part of the mineral tramway routes the run throughout this area of Cornwall. It was a major producer of copper in the mid 19th Century, followed by tin which was discovered below the copper and was mined until 1918 when tin prices fell.
You can read all about the mine in the vanning house. This long building housed the vanners, which were shaking conveyor belt machines, separating the heavier tin from the waste. 
There are numerous routes to explore around the mine buildings, and if you want to walk further you could follow the Great Flat Lode trail for miles. It's also a popular route for horses so if you're lucky you might get the chance to eat some poo, or have a roll when no one's looking. I managed to do both before mum caught me!! 
Because this is a fairly high up walk, there are great views, but on a wet and windy day I imagine this isn't the most pleasant place to be. However, on a clear day you can't beat it for a bit of proper Cornish industrial history.
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