Great Flat Lode
50° 12' 30" N 5° 15' 5" WThe Great Flat Lode is an area rich in mining history.
The tin mines here were some of the most successful in the late 19th Century and produced over 90,000 tonnes of tin concentrate. The mines here closed around 1920. Since then the area has remained relatively undeveloped and it now contains some of Cornwall’s finest remains of engine houses and other mining structures.
The Great Flat Lode Trail not only runs south of Carn Brea, but also to the north of the hill, where some of Cornwall’s most celebrated mines are situated. The trail is a popular walking, running, cycling and horse riding route, which is mostly off-road, taking you through a mixture of farmland, heathland and old mine sites.
This part of Cornwall is rich in mining history and the car park at The Great Flat Lode is a great starting point to explore the area.
Get full 7-day weather and tide data for each location on our new 360 Cornwall App
- Carpark (Free)
- Hazard: Mine shafts / workings
- Limited access for wheelchairs
- Dogs allowed (All year)
History of Great Flat Lode
The Great Flat Lode is a historic mining area located in the heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. It encompasses a series of former tin and copper mines that operated from the early 18th century until the early 20th century.
Mining in the Great Flat Lode began in the early 1700s, with the discovery of rich veins of tin and copper ore. The area soon became a hub of mining activity, with dozens of mines operating in the area and producing millions of tons of ore.
The mining industry in the Great Flat Lode played a vital role in Cornwall’s economy and its development into a global mining powerhouse. At its peak, the area employed thousands of workers and produced a significant portion of the world’s tin and copper.
Today, the Great Flat Lode is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors interested in Cornwall’s rich mining heritage. The area features numerous walking trails, historical sites, and museums that showcase the legacy of the mining industry, including the famous ‘Tin Coast’ trail that leads visitors along the rugged coastline past abandoned mines and historic mining villages.
The Great Flat Lode is also recognized as an important site for biodiversity, with many rare plants and animals making their home in the area’s unique landscape.
Travel / Parking information for Great Flat Lode
Directions to Great Flat Lode
The Great Flat Lode is located inbetween Carn Brea and Four Lanes. It is signposted off Loscombe Road.
Parking for Great Flat Lode
There is a gravel car park which is free to use. From here you can walk the Great Flat Lode trail and take in the history and landscape.