Cat Hole West

aka Cat Hole or Pilkington's


Lead and Zinc Mine

Worked from 1826 to 1904

Jan 1st, 2024 from Cambrian by Buddle-Bot

Feb 15th, 2025 by BertyBasset



North Wales
Loggerheads
53.1570168, -3.1949379
SJ 2020 6288
Private Land
230m
#216


The Pilkington’s Vein was worked through the woodland to the west of the Cathole to Gwernaffield Road down to the River Alyn. The Old Engine Shaft remains at SJ 2045 6305, located to the south of Cefn Mawr Hall, and West Whim Shaft, located near SJ 2032 6291, is overgrown. The Footway and Bartlay’s Shafts are also found to the south of Cefn Mawr Hall.

The area features earthwork scars from earlier mining activity predating the Taylor period, though it appears to have been intensively mined during the 19th century.

Additionally, the old whim circle is located at SJ 2032 6291. In the area around SJ 2025 6270, where woodland clearance occurred, tailings are scattered throughout the landscape.



he area was mined extensively in the 19th century, with evidence of earlier mining activity visible in the earthwork scars present today. The Old Engine Shaft, located to the south of Cefn Mawr Hall at SJ 2045 6305, and West Whim Shaft at SJ 2032 6291, are remnants of this period.

Ore extracted from the mine was taken to Pantybuarth for dressing.



The old mine track runs north to an area off the Mold to Loggerheads Road, which is now widely used by the public as it adjoins Loggerheads Country Park.



Publications (1)

  • (1921); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol XIX - Lead and Zinc: in Carboniferous of North Wales; 169 pages





Select a theme