Botallack Mine. Whats still to see Undergrond?

In this video we explore Cornwalls most iconic mine. Botallack.
We have been meaning to do this one for ages and we finally got a chance.
Be aware this one is exceptionally dangerous and we would highly recommend that you do not repeat this trip underground.
Thanks for watching if you enjoyed this video why no leave a comment.
Plenty of other mine videos to watch on my channel.
Ben

[@neilfurby555]

Excellent explore, great commentary as always. Thanks.

[@BenoCam]

😍👍👍

[@densalbeach1]

Many thanks, incredible insight into the lives of Cornish tin miners. What a hard life they had.

[@DoodlesMcpooh]

I watch your videos so I don't have to go down these places myself. Thanks for doing all the hard work for us.

[@Yoinkington]

"I'd love to go in there" I thought right until he vanished into the hole, at which point watching someone else do it on KZbin with my slippers on seemed like a much better idea!

[@robindale846]

A missed opportunity at the bridge to film a recreation, YOU SHALL NOT PASS

[@rickhowell3847]

we worked for Thyssens in '85 and put in the section in the Hazard adit held up with steel beams from 4.19 on, hence the airline as we cut the beams in with CP9s. The old beams from 1907 were still there. Plenty of attle above hanging like grapes (and probably below) so we used a fixed line to anchor onto, and loaded the rubbish into plastic bags and heaved up over the roof which was corrugated iron. The shaft water looks lower than when we were there, there was a bit of an incident using the sinking cage (which we used to get down from the surface, is still probably resting on hockey sticks at the top of the shaft) when the cage struck that bridge and nearly pitched the riders into the shaft.

[@BenoCam]

Cheers Rick all interesting stuff ! Love hearing all the stories from the old miners who worked down them. 👍

[@potrzebieneuman4702]

Reminds me of caving with mates back in the ate 70's in Queensland. I was the skinny bloke and used to get a rope tied to my ankles and sent into narrow crawlways to see if a way through was possible. Great video and that is the BIGGEST figure 8 descender I've ever seen.

[@corinnebrown3695]

It's beautiful there, I love it, but my legs went like jelly when they first went down & walked over that bridge! Brave people 😮

[@paulfranklin6747]

often stood there ,and a few other sites and wondered,thanks guys, proper job, interesting colour in the backs, can see why they were there.

[@louisesouthgate5231]

Always been fascinated by this place and its history. Great to see whats down there.... thanks guys. 👍

[@BenoCam]

Cheers. Glad you enjoyed

[@roger1uk676]

Been there today! So loved watching this!

[@timwright8785]

Been here so many times my favourite area of Cornwall there's an old zig zag path goes down the cliff which has eroded over the years must be more adits down on the beach

[@BenoCam]

The remains of the paths are still there although a little dodgy and it’s likely now you may fall off the cliff! There’s a couple more adits along there but they are very small and crawly.

[@paulmanta]

Its great down there. I got in a very long while ago and its nice to see some of it again.

[@BenoCam]

Ideal. I didn’t realise it was open. We looked years ago and didn’t fancy crawling in through that adit (in winter it’s often a big puddle there to crawl through) then I got told the adit in had collapsed so didn’t even go to take a look

[@paulmanta]

@@BenoCam Around 25 years ago when I was younger and much more stupid me and a mate spent the night at Botallack exploring. we got into a lot of adits that have since collapsed or been sealed up. The other good place to go is around the coast at Cot Valley. There were a few good adits there worth a peek. Not sure about Portherras cove adit in the other direction toward Zennor either, we used to go down that one all the time, we only went there to see if there was anything left of the Alacrity that grounded there with a cargo of coal in 1963 Far West Cornwall is a happy hunting ground

[@brianpentecostaldeplorable9841]

Great job ! With only an unhappy bearing and a couple of small leaks, I'd say a very great job ! Well done !!

[@BenoCam]

Haha I know what your referring too but you managed to comment on a different video 🤣

[@StavTech]

Brilliant! Those super tight places were sketchy as anything, that’s the bit I’d not do even if I did fit, which I defo wouldn’t 😂

[@MerlinKernow75]

I was there a couple of weeks ago. Nice to see underground.

[@JeffoJonJ]

..You guys have had way too many spingo's haha Thanks for giving me vertigo 😨😨

[@BenoCam]

🤣👍👍

[@samanthapenbridgecourt5190]

Love watching your videos.

[@christianmclean3331]

Great video Beno cam. The bridge of death was in such a huge chasm and Echo ey . The old timers removed so much rock , it's hard to get a scale on the Enormity . Thanks for uploading for all to see ❤ 🪖🔦🪜

[@StuFliesAroundCornwall]

Amazing exploration - far braver than me! I think I’ll stick to exploring from above 😂 Just subbed👍

[@darreno9874]

Hi Ben you could do another video there all about the higher workings open to surface

[@BenoCam]

Plenty there to look at ! Will get some more done when I have a chance

[@twin40dave]

Thats amazing well done guys

[@nigelridgeway2579]

Hi Ben, nice video, didn't Dominic Hudson dig this, I know he was on a long time but not sure if he finished it, when are you going to come to Rosevale? We are there every Saturday. Be good to meet you.

[@SteveW139]

I read Cyril Noall’s book on Botallack back in the 1970s and still have it. A fascinating mine and my favourite part of Cornwall.

[@cebusapella9125]

Just watched a video by Cornish Xplora of the same place uploaded at the same time as yours - looks a fascinating explore, if rather dodgy! Botallack is one of my favourite places. Many thanks

[@BenoCam]

Yes we did it last weekend and I think he did it Friday or sat. He’s just a lot quicker at making videos than me 🤣

[@Carolb66]

Hi Ben, yes this mine is so famous but very few including me knew its name. Stunning location in beautiful Cornwall. This video is absolutely fantastic ! So interesting, entertaining & bloody scary too! I just love your videos they are some of the the best mine explorations I've seen. I thought they are never going to cross that rickety wooden plank bridge in the mine with the drop pf 100's of feet? Yes you did! Amazing Ben & team stay safe. ❤😊

[@BenoCam]

Haha thanks Carol

[@mirkatu3249]

Love seeing the old photos, thanks!

[@philleggitt3005]

Even the props have history, as i believe they could well be from dismantled wooden ships...

[@lindathomas5500]

Wish you would upload more lol.. I always get excited when I see one of your videos has been uploaded!

[@KernowekTim]

Righton Ben. i hope the Carnsew Clan are all well. Been waiting for this one for a brev while. Cheers, Timmy R.

[@AdventureWithAsh]

This is my fav place in Cornwall 😍 managed to climb the tower when I was there last but didn’t head into the mines as didn’t have a head torch - had no idea this was here

[@BenoCam]

It is a truely horrible way in / out off the beach that puts most people off

[@AdventureWithAsh]

@@BenoCam looked pretty extreme - haven’t owned any climbing gear for a few years now so don’t think I’ll be attempting this one 🤣

[@chrisbray1640]

Fantastic video

[@darylbarnes1437]

Brilliant..

[@JenifAR87]

@8:48 Yeeeeeeeah

[@jakesgreatadventures]

Amazing video you gotta visit the box mine in corsham

[@BenoCam]

Done it around 10 years ago back when you could rent a key from the pub… thought it had all been locked up ? Would like to go back with the more modern go pros !

[@jakesgreatadventures]

@@BenoCam did you get to the red door?

[@jakesgreatadventures]

@@BenoCam it’s still their you have to get in a back entrance

[@kernow..exp.]

I always wondered what it was like down there mate what a great video

[@simongilbert2704]

very interesting . great job .

[@leemartin5878]

Very interesting

[@steveetches6013]

Wonderful video, thank you for making it. I visit Botallack every year with my family and it is fantastic to see what part of the workings look like. You mentioned that the area has been "shored up recently" I was just wondering has that work been done by other explorers like yourselves?

[@BenoCam]

Yes there’s a small group that go around doing things like that. Thought it was best not to name them but I’m sure they know we are grateful for their efforts. Interestingly these workings have been dug before and sadly it’s only a matter of time before they collapse and this area is no longer accessible again. It’s the nature of the ground down there. Even steel beams can’t hold up hundreds of tons of ground pushing down.

[@AnitaDil]

Great place with breathtaking views too. I haven’t dared ever to go down that path and get close yet in all my years in Cornwall!

[@BenoCam]

Now you can see what your missing out on !

[@Carolb66]

Thanks

[@BenoCam]

🙂 That’s the first time anyones ever done that 😍 It is appreciated. I do make a little bit of money from the adverts but it rarely covers the yearly amount of kit I kill in the process of filming them all. I have already killed one GoPro and two video lights so far this year 🤣

[@Carolb66]

@@BenoCam it's not much but I just want to show my appreciation of what you do. I will definitely get you more coffees or some like cake! 🥰🍰☕️

[@xlaptopx]

Carol, they need to take you along as tea and sandwich lady! 🤣@@Carolb66

[@Carolb66]

@@xlaptopx 🤣👍🥰

[@NicSkerten]

I made it down to just below the engine houses back in the late 70s before they were restored. Bit sketchy as it was a wet day and they are not the best rocks to scramble over. Never made it down to the beach as the tide had turned and was coming in. Didn't know there was a way in at the base of the cliffs which I should imagine must flood in the spring tides and storms. I believe that Botallack was always known to have "soft" rock and was one of the reasons why the undersea tunnel collapsed and flooded. You used to be able to see the red staining in the water when the seas were a bit rough but I understand that this isn't as evident nowadays - so has the breach sealed itself? Haven't been down there for nearly 20 years! Was planning a trip down to the blessed county in May with some planned photography around St Just and Pendeen but temporary health issues put paid to that!

[@BenoCam]

I think the breach was at Geevor as there was a job years ago where they grouted it sub sea. It’s certainly a beautiful part of the world and there’s plenty down that way to look at.

[@NicSkerten]

@@BenoCam I think I remember when there was some efforts to reopen Geevor that they were looking at linking in to the old workings of some of the adjacent mines - so that may have been it. Yes it is my favourite part of Cornwall - I grew up down there and still regard it as home even though I've not lived there for 50 years.

[@kingofthemountainstdf1370]

How do you if the air quality is good the deeper down you go ? It is clear from the video your comments say you can feel the sea breeze. But deeper down, if you do not have a air monitor, how can you be sure there is sufficient 02

[@BenoCam]

Well that’s a good question. Metal mines tend to be very good for air quality but that’s no guarantee it’s going to be ok. Especially down west with adits on the cliff like that even small, with the constantly windy weather (especially winter ) any tiny hole in the shafts behind and the wind will find its way up the mine and clean the air. An air monitor is a great idea though I would recommend taking one.

[@HighWealder]

Hazard by name, hazard by nature 😂

[@BenoCam]

Wheal hazard is right up there with my all time favourite “wheal busy” which is between chacewater and scorrier ! 🤣

[@dougodgers2650]

With great respect- you're mad !

[@BenoCam]

😍🤣🤣👍👍

[@petepaine5331]

Brilliant vid, thanks Ben. Just been upto Minions and had a look at some engine houses and Gold digging quarry. Was Botallack the mine the queen Victoria when down ?

[@BenoCam]

King Edward visited and went on a underground tour with queen Alexandria in 1905 ! Not sure about Victoria but possible. One of the kings also went down the iron mine at Restormal so it must have been a popular trip at the time.

[@zaf9834]

The way you came back up at the end has that way mostly been eroded now? I was wanting to go down to the lower area but there was a notice up restricting anyone to go down.

[@BenoCam]

There’s been a notice there for a number of years it’s just a tick in the box for the national trust so they can wash their hands of any liability from anything that happens the other side of that notice. If you think it’s a suitable risk and you are happy with it just simply step over the wire and continue on down but go steady especially if the rocks are wet.

[@petertrevorah7689]

Gonn meur ras a’th gwydheo splann. Byttegyns, nyns yw da genev an spasow mar dynn. Nebes ownek ov y’ga hever!😫

[@BenoCam]

What language is that ?!

[@abyssaljam441]

The national trust not being okay with you going into an old mine makes little sense to me. Yes a random guy showing up with a phone light crawling in would be incredibly stupid but it's a different thing with experienced cavers doing it. Like mines are meant to be accessed by humans so must be more safe than a cave as they have all the same hazards but you can fit through all the tunnels (assuming they haven't collapsed)...

[@sailingona]

Ace

[@kernowbysvyken5600]

whats that behind you at the start of the video

[@BenoCam]

It’s the site of one of the old buildings. It was a little breezy and I was just using it to get some shelter. It does look a bit like a shallow adit, there are a few there but they all go to collapses a short distance in.

[@vince6299]

Hi Ben . any ghosts in these Cornish mines .?

[@BenoCam]

No. Ghosts don’t exist.

[@andreask6230]

Interesting video, that's for sure. However, if you ever find yourself stuck in one of these holes, I will completely understand if there is no one willing to go in and search you. Sometimes you just have to take responsibility for your own stupidity.

[@BenoCam]

Well thankfully there are people who would be willing to come look for us just like I would happily go and look for another lost or trapped underground explorer. I would do this because of all the people like you, who either wouldn’t or couldn’t because they don’t have the skill set.

[@BenoCam]

Let’s not forget the dogs that’s people like myself have rescued or looked for down mine shafts too. Done a few of them. Maybe we should have left them down there, after all the dog was stupid enough to fall down.

[@andreask6230]

@@BenoCam Sure, any firefighter or other rescue staff is happy to jump into a crumbling hole to save someone who is looking for KZbin fame.

[@andreask6230]

But anyway, you are smarter than a dog. It’s your choice. I confirm videos are very exciting and I like to watch

[@martinriley106]

This is not brave this is stupid and often ends up putting our RNLI at risk when you people get into trouble?

[@BenoCam]

Have you accidentally commented on the wrong video Martin? This has absolutely nothing to do with the RNLI, they rescue people out at sea. Plus no one said anything about it being brave. Most people watch this and are just fascinated what’s underground which is still accessible by those suitably well trained and equipped (that would be us by the way)

[@IgnorantNortherntwat]

Excellent video, thanks! I used to go caving with Plymouth Caving Club, but never got down to the Cornish mines. You should have eaten a pasty down there for tradition😊

[@chrisb9360]

Still blows my mind the thought of those tunnels extending out under the ocean. It must have been some experience being in that scenario.

[@BenoCam]

They said In rough weather on the upper levels you could hear boulders rolling around and getting smashed on the sea floor

[@chrisb9360]

@@BenoCam terrifying! Would be amazing (albeit unlikely) if one was reopened for heritage purposes. Incredible feats of manual labour.

[@johnbarker77715]

I went down Geevor on a school trip when I was 11 years old. 1500 feet down and 3/4 of a mile out to sea. Water always dripping through the cracks in the rock even that far down.

[@johnbarker77715]

Also I knew a safety inspector and he said some of the old shafts came within 6 feet of the sea bed. And yes you would hear the rocks rolling around

[@Doug-tp7pf]

If KZbin had a “I’m Jealous”button I’d be pressing it.

[@BenoCam]

😍👍👍

[@glyn829]

Brilliant guys well done 👍 been there many times but no way could I go down those workings lol .. your very brave 👍 Glyn

[@qldabandonedmines]

One of your best ever Benno! Punching out of that beach adit was really cool. Love your mine adventures, please keep them coming. Watching from QLD, Australia.

[@BenoCam]

Ha cheers that’s very kind. Will try and get some more put together !

[@royfellows5468]

Hia Ben. I did that trip many years ago by roping down below the engine houses and it was then a 10 foot handline up to the adit, a definate low spring tide job, adit was in much better condition than now. The wooden bridge over Allens Shaft was also good, I just strolled over it with confidence. The shaft is also cut by an upper adit which you would have passed on your long abseil. Over the shaft was blocked, I heard about it being dug through a few years alter but did not get around to a return trip. Nice video.

[@BenoCam]

Cheers Roy ! I didn’t realise it has been dug until recently. A shame the rock down there is so weak. There are other adits down that way but they are all very narrow and pretty dodgy !

[@deanmc178]

my wife just said to me , how do you not get lost , i explained the right hand rule...if you go riight right right ,,,its left ,left left to go back to where you came from

[@BenoCam]

I usually tell people we take a massive loaf of bread with us and keep ripping off bits and drop them along the way 🤣🤣🤣

[@duncan.scobie]

Brilliant...amazing to think what's under your feet in so many parts of Cornwall. Well done. Very good filming quality and dialogue .

[@BenoCam]

Cheers Duncan 👍🙂

[@richieixtar5849]

Well done

[@gregedmand9939]

I've often wondered about these flooded workings. How long do you think it would take to pump them out again? Years?

[@stevedrane2364]

Oh good grief. . You chaps are brave . . . It must have been hard work in the past to drive those roads through that’s hard granite. . Thank you for the video 👍👍

[@BenoCam]

🤣👍

[@dominicgandy8360]

That Bull was fierce.

[@kingkonut]

i met some people coming out of there once they had no kit and had got lost in the mine they seemed very excited to have reached daylight againj

[@Daniel-S1]

Thanks + wild horses wouldn't get me to try and repeat that.

[@lindathomas5500]

Who do you think shored it up?

[@lindathomas5500]

Also a couple of modern lights (blue and pink) left there on the rock, wonder who left them behind. 😀 6:58

[@GLK-London]

Wonderful

[@wideyxyz2271]

Love it. The price of Tin will rise to a point where some of this will be viable again. Bloody good explore lads 👍

[@TheNorthernTsar]

Another great Cornish Tin Mine underground video!! You accomplished all of your missions & goals stated at the beginning

[@jasonhatton2122]

As always great content, it'd be awesome for you to give a tour at Crofty, while they're draining it!

[@darreno9874]

Please don't do that without permission, it can cause problems for the mining company especially insurance and hse.

[@BenoCam]

Haha that would be awesome. I can’t imagine they would want us anywhere near it though !

[@DoodlesMcpooh]

@@BenoCam Could be exactly what they want. They could possibly give you a supervised tour to drum up more investment instead of claiming to find gold or other in demand ore like they usually do.

[@AlexRayyy]

Love this Ben, fantastic video to see what's still there and not flooded! If you're doing any more soon, I'd love to see you abseil down/where you go!

[@FirstNameLastName-ev3jk]

Interesting video. Do you know how recently the shoring up work was done?

[@BenoCam]

The last year I think , maybe even last 6 months. It’s been collapsed a long time

[@buffplums]

Yes good to see your new vid Ben

[@darren-dxn-106]

Great trip Ben & crew, There is and use to be a slightly easier way of getting into the main shaft under the head gear, It was not passable last time i looked, Entrance a bit further along, Do you know of it?

[@BenoCam]

Is that the collapsed adit up high on the way down ? That’s heading towards it . Looks well collapsed !

[@darren-dxn-106]

On your right as you walk back up the miners path.

[@darren-dxn-106]

yes, if you don't mind me coming along sometime on trips like this i'd be up for it. cheers

[@evanrichards3015]

I love it when you go undergrond

[@BenoCam]

Me too ! 😍

[@SimenRenslemo]

Do you think the tunnels that extend out under the sea are flooded or could they still be dry?

[@BenoCam]

They are most definitely underwater !

[@caitlynray5118]

Ok where can I do this for my birthday ? In January I’m in Florida