Brimpts Mine (Shaft)

You're walking across open moorland when you stumble upon a gaping hole in the ground, surrounded by crumbling stone walls and rusted metal. That's Brimpts Mine, an abandoned tin and copper shaft that cuts straight down into Dartmoor. It's genuinely eerie - the kind of place that makes you understand why Victorian miners dreaded these workings.

The shaft itself is cordoned off, which is sensible given it plummets into darkness. What remains are the surface buildings and spoil heaps, stark reminders of 19th-century extraction. You can walk round the perimeter, poke about the ruins, and get a real sense of how brutal mining was on this landscape. On a grey afternoon, it's properly atmospheric.

Historically minded visitors will find this worthwhile - it's a tangible link to Devon's mining heritage, far less polished than museum displays. Don't expect interpretation boards or facilities; this is a raw, unmanaged site. Families with younger kids might find it bit underwhelming unless they're already interested in industrial history. Allow thirty minutes, maybe an hour if you're taking photos.

Located between Exeter and the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Brimpts fits naturally into a moorland walk. The surrounding landscape is magnificent - rolling heath, granite tors, and proper wilderness. If you're already exploring Dartmoor's trails, make the small detour. On its own, it's worth a stop rather than a destination.