Ecton Copper Mines (Salts Level Underground Visit)
GA Cox Study Centre, The Hillocks, Ecton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AH
The mine was worked in the 1700s and 1800s, for over 60 years by the Dukes of Devonshire. It produced large amounts of copper and provided the Devonshire’s with large profits for many years, which are likely to have contributed to their developments in Buxton and improvements at Chatsworth House.
Salts Level (Saturday tours only), which from 1807 was used to bring ore out to surface, enters the mine at dressing floor level close to the education centre. It runs through competent rock to the main winding shaft and then the ‘pipe deposit’. This allows visitors to easily view a small part of the workings. For many this is their first chance to enter a mine and look down a deep shaft and view impressive mineral workings. There are also important details dating to 1804-07 to see, such as gunpowder shot-holes and stone sleeper blocks for an iron plateway that was laid for mine tubs.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1000-1600 Salts Level - Tours running about every hour
Location & directions
GA Cox Study Centre, The Hillocks, Ecton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AH
- Directions:
- A Google search for "EMET Parking" gets you to the exact spot. Parking is by the road-side for all tours. Salts Level tours depart from the study centre.
- Contact on day:
- Martin Long
- Telephone number:
- +447969774801
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- The surface features and engine house are free to visit but underground tours must be pre-booked.
- Booking contact name:
- Martin Long
- Booking website:
- https://buytickets.at/peakdistrictmineshistoricalsocietyueg/1681458
- Booking closes:
- 19 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
These tours are only suitable for able-bodied persons aged 12 years and over. Warm clothing is essential: The temperature underground is 8°c regardless of outdoor conditions. A hand-held torch would compliment the provided helmet lights. Access to the Study Centre involves an ascent of 26 metres (85 feet) from road level along a rough track. Sturdy footwear is required.
Additional information
Your name and address will be passed to the British Caving Association for insurance purposes. Already BCA insured? - just let us know.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 14
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
