West, Wheal

Part Wheal Lushington - also known as West Wheal Towan Mine, encompasses several small and ancient mining sites along a coastal stretch spanning approximately 1500 meters from the western side of Porthtowan Beach to the eastern side of Keriack Cove. While the western portion of the mine lies within the parish of Portreath, it is considered part of the Porthtowan mining district. Notably, Portreath village is situated more than 2.5 kilometers southwest of the mine’s western boundary, which may lead to confusion regarding its geographic location. Among the small mines within the sett is Wheal West, situated on the headland north of Keriack Cove. This site worked Tye and Taylors Lodes, with Kite’s Shaft still visible, albeit covered by a structure known as a ‘bat castle.’ Remnants of old gunnises from Tye Lode can be observed on the coastal slope, but approaching them requires extreme caution.