Where am I? DCC > ALDERLEY EDGE > VISITING THE MINES > VISITS FOR GEOLOGY GROUPS
HOW TO VISIT THE MINES - GEOLOGICAL TRIPS
We have become aware that we could provide specialist trips for people with an interest in geology. There is a member of the Club with specialist knowledge of geology and he is prepared to lead trips into the mines and onto the Edge to explain the geological features.
Planning your visit
Visits will be arranged in two formats. The shorter version will
last for about 3-4 hours (morning, afternoon or evening) and will usually
involve a visit into one of the mines, normally Engine Vein, where
structural and mineralogical features can be clearly seen. Engine Vein
displays faulting including slickensides, mineral impregnation on and
adjacent to the faults, mineralisation in the form of primary sulphide ores
of copper and lead as well as secondary carbonate and silicate ores of
copper. The impact of a cross-fault carrying cobalt rich ores can also
be seen. The structural and sedimentary features clearly demonstrate the desert
conditions prevailing in the Triassic Period including upward fining cycles,
ripple features and desiccation cracks.
Longer visits will involve a mine visit as described above together with a walk across the surface of the Edge to see the structural features of the horst block together with glacial and post-glacial features. During the surface walk, mineral exposures will be seen on the scarp face. Longer visits may include a visit into Wood Mine but this shows few features that cannot be seen in Engine Vein so will depend upon the group and the leader.
These visits can be arranged to suit the particular interests of the group which we know could range from amateur to full-time professional. In fact, we are very happy to take round people whose specialist knowledge in some areas exceeds our own as experience has shown that we can gain as much from such visits as the party we are leading.
Visits will normally include a look into our museum where a small selection of mineral specimens can be seen as well as a map showing the full extent of the mines.
Arrangements
Groups are ideally between 7 and 14 people. Too few makes the effort by
our leaders less worthwhile and too many means that those at the back miss much
of what is being described. Visits are dependent upon the availability of
specialist leaders who may be in full-time education of full employment so
please bear this in mind when you suggest dates. We normally look for a donation towards the
expenses of the Club (maintenance of access to the mines, provision of
lights and helmets, etc.) in the region of £6 to £8 a head.
You can download guidance on preparing for trips; please read these carefully. For information about parking, refreshments, etc., have a look at our page about the facilities on the site.
To discuss a trip with a member of the DCC, please email to geology [at] derbyscc.org.uk and your email will be forwarded to the member concerned.
More information
For a more detailed map of the area, follow this link to the main Alderley mines page or to read more about the geology, go to the geology page on this site. Leaflets about the mines are printed for the Open Days and can also be downloaded here:
All visits to the mines have to be arranged with a DCC member. All visitors (and members) have to comply with certain conditions including listing the names of all those who go down the mines. If you want to get the list prepared in advance of your trip, you can download a blank copy here: VISITOR LIST