Land of Iron

During the lockdown, we are all allowed to take in some exercise locally. Over the next few weeks we're going to highlight some things from East Cleveland's past you might like to see while you are out for a short walk.

Remember to remain local during the lockdown, no car journeys should be taken without good reason. If you're not local to any of the places we mention, there will be plenty of time to explore when we are out of lockdown!

This week on Lockdown Walks, we're heading back to the Skelton area, for a look at the Longacres Mine.

A real piece of hidden history, the remains of this mine can be found, almost hidden, yards away from the busy life of Skelton Retail Park, just behind Aldi. Standing proud amongst the grassy land is the brick walls of the top of a shaft, while next to it is the base of the engine that powered the headgear. The shaft is actually open, though with a high brick wall to protect it. Hidden in the undergrowth to the north-north-east of the shaft is the nineteenth century powder magazine (though do take care if you explore down there). To the direct west of the shaft is what is used now as a cycle track was actually the spoilheaps from the mine. The spoil was taken to fill in another shaft in the mine when it was closed in 1954.

The name of the mine lives on in the new pub on the retail park

The best guide to the site is once again our volunteer guide Steve, who recorded another one of our Heritage Walks series about Longacres.

Steve starts his walk on the banks of Skelton Beck, just upstream of the stepping stones at the ruins of Markse Mill (OS OL26: 663203). He then walks upstream past Saltburn Viaduct. You can follow the Cleveland Way back under the A174 bypass, then head to the remains of the mine at 667195 (this should be clearly marked on OS maps, even if the new housing estate and retail park aren't).

Do take care around the site, as the ground is quite rough in parts.

For more infomation about Longacres and other walks in East Cleveland, check out our online shop.