Across the border to Calstock to walk along the river bank to explore the Okel Tor Mine. Well the plan was fine but the Environment Agency had other plans for us.
The path was blocked off to enable them to breach the dyke and construct a bridge to allow water into the new ponds. So it was along the road to the “Toy Wall” and then into the remnants of the mine.
The chimney of the old brick works on the Devon bank was visible as it stood out against the sky as we walked around the old mine workings, it must have been a hard, hard life!
We then set off to cross the railway and to make our way to Calstock Church for a coffee break and explore the graveyard to find the War Graves and marvel at the miners' adventures after the local mines closed.
However it was not to be. As we approached the church we could hear the bells and we took advantage of the light in the porch for our coffee break whilst listening to the bells.
Much to our surprise we were invited in to see the team practicing for Remembrance Sunday. We learned about the half muffler and via a camera in the bell chamber able to watch the bells as they rang out across the Tamar valley.
We then retired to a very quiet but nicely refurbished Tamar Inn for the well earned pint.
You really do have to be there.
Peter M