Botallack Mine

Things to do · Botallack

About Botallack Mine

<a href="https://cornish.co.uk/village/botallack–kelynack/” class=”duchy-internal-link”>Botallack Mine sits on the cliffs at St Just, where old engine houses stand above the Atlantic.

What you will find at Botallack Mine

The site includes the Crowns Engine Houses, which cling to the rocky shore below the cliff path. You can walk along the coastal paths above them and look down at the buildings. Because the headland is exposed, the weather can change quickly, so checking conditions before a walk is always sensible. The site connects to the South West Coast Path, making it easy to reach on foot from nearby stretches of coast. Also, the paths are uneven and steep in places, so stout shoes help. There is space to walk around the remains and take in the views across the Atlantic. The engine houses are the main point of interest for most visitors, and they are visible from several points along the path.

A stop on a wider day out

Botallack Mine works well as part of a day along this stretch of West Cornwall. You can walk further along the coast to Levant Mine Beach, or turn inland towards St Just. Nearby, there are places to stop for food and drink, and the area has quiet lanes and farm buildings dotted around the landscape. Then, because the site is open air and sits on a popular walking route, you can spend as little or as long as you like there. It is not a place with a large visitor centre or timed entry, so you can simply arrive and walk. The Queens Arms and Boswthas Farm are also nearby for a pause before or after your visit. Parking can be limited, so arrive early on clear days.

Planning your visit to St Just

St Just is a small town with a strong mining past, and Botallack Mine is one of its most striking coastal points. The roads to the site are narrow in places, so take care when driving. Also, the National Trust manages the site, and you can find further details on its website. Because the paths run close to unfenced cliff edges, keep dogs and children close. The views are wide and open, and on a clear day you can see for miles along the coast. Wear layers, as the wind off the sea can be cold even in summer. After a walk, you might head back into St Just for a meal, or continue along the coast path in either direction. Trevaylor Farm is also nearby if you are looking for a quiet place to stay in the area.

Explore St Just, browse more things to do in Cornwall, or discover Cornish towns and villages.