Kenidjack Valley facts for kids
Kenidjack Valley is a beautiful, steep valley located in Cornwall, United Kingdom. It's also sometimes called Nancherrow Valley. In the Cornish language, "Keunyjek" means "place abounding in firewood," and "Nanj Erow" means "acre valley."
A river called the Tregeseal River flows through the valley. This river eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The valley is found just a short distance north of Cape Cornwall and north-east of the village of St Just.
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A Look at Kenidjack Valley's History
Kenidjack Valley has a very interesting past. For many years, it was a super important place for tin mining. People dug deep into the earth here to find valuable tin.
Old Mining Sites Still Standing
Even today, you can still see the remains of old mines in the valley. These include places like Wheal Owles, Wheal Castle, and Boswedden Mine. There are also signs of the Kenidjack arsenic works, where another mineral was processed.
Miners used special tunnels called "adits" to get into the mines and to drain water. One old tunnel from the Wheal Boys mine, which followed a rich vein of ore called a "lode," might be from before the year 1670.
Back then, gunpowder was just starting to be used in Cornwall for blasting rocks in mines. Since this old tunnel doesn't show any signs of blasting, it helps us guess how old it is!
What to Do in Kenidjack Valley Today
Today, Kenidjack Valley is a popular spot for people who love the outdoors. It's a great place to visit if you enjoy hiking and exploring nature.
Exploring the Valley's Trails
Many visitors come to hike along the paths that wind through the valley. You can walk among the old mining ruins and imagine what life was like for the miners long ago. The trails offer amazing views of the valley and the nearby coast.
Spotting Wildlife and Birds
The valley is also a fantastic place for birdwatching. Many different kinds of birds and other wildlife live here. If you're quiet and patient, you might spot some interesting creatures. It's a peaceful place to connect with nature.
