Mine (dis)

The abandoned tin and copper workings scattered across the moors above Okehampton tell a proper story of Devon's industrial past - one that most visitors to the area completely miss. Mine (dis) are the remnants of intensive extraction that peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries, when these hills were scarred with shafts, adits and spoil heaps in pursuit of profit.

What you're actually looking at is archaeology rather than a polished attraction. There's no visitor centre, no interpretive boards spelling everything out. Instead, you walk the moorland and spot the evidence yourself - collapsed stone structures, the dark mouths of mine entrances, sudden depressions where the ground has subsided. It's the kind of place that rewards curiosity and a decent pair of boots.

This appeals most to walkers with an interest in industrial heritage and those keen on reading landscape as history. Children might find it intriguing for half an hour, though it lacks the drama of a castle or the interactivity of a museum. The moorland setting near Okehampton means it fits nicely into a broader Dartmoor itinerary - combine it with a walk out towards High Willhays or loop back towards one of the caravan parks like Lydford, just under a mile away.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted across the moor itself, though you'll need good visibility and proper navigation. Allow two hours if you're serious about exploring the sites thoroughly. Best visited in drier months - the moorland can be bleak and boggy when wet.