Mining Landscapes

16/06/2026

Finished the trip south with a bimble on the No. 1 canal at the evocative Blowers Green junction with its pump house, Parkhouse Locks (also troubled by subsidence) and the tunnel portal.

15/06/2026

Commemorating hidden industrial archaeology. Marking the coal seams that were worked adjacent to the Ashby Canal Northwest Leicestershire that eventually resulted in severe subsidence.
(These would look good along the Fife Coast Path)

14/06/2026

If you want to see the full top ten Mining Landscape routes for 2025/6 nip to 👉https://www.mining-landscapes.org/blog/the-top-ten-landscapes-journeys-2026

NEWS: Fife walking routes recognised in UK’s top 10 mining landscape journeys

Two walking routes in Fife have been recognised as some of the best in the UK, after being named in the Top 10 Mining Landscape Journeys 2026.

The routes – Bowhill and the Lady Josephine and Minto (Brighills Colliery) highlight the area’s rich mining heritage while celebrating how former industrial landscapes have been transformed into welcoming places for people and nature.

The national recognition from Mining Landscapes shines a spotlight on the stories, history and community pride rooted in Fife’s coalfield communities, as well as the ongoing work to improve access to green space.

The Minto route links closely with local plans to enhance Minto Woodland, helping create a space that supports walking, wellbeing and community use.

The project has been shaped by local people and partners working together to make the area more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Councillor Linda Erskine, Fife Council's Spokesperson for Communities, said:“This is fantastic news for Fife and for the communities of Cardenden and Cowdenbeath. These routes tell an important story about our mining past, but they also show how our communities are looking forward creating greener, healthier places for people to enjoy.“It’s a real achievement to see Fife recognised at a UK level, and it reflects the passion and hard work of local people who care deeply about their area.”

A key figure in the development of the Minto route has been Elaine Collins, who was named Community Champion by the Scottish Civic Trust in 2025 for her outstanding volunteer work supporting local access and green spaces.Elaine has played a leading role in shaping the Minto path project, helping bring partners together and ensuring the community’s voice is at the heart of the work.

Elaine Collins said: “I’m really proud to see these routes recognised. They mean a lot to local people, not just for their history but for what they offer today as places to walk, connect and enjoy nature.“The Minto project has been a real community effort, and it’s great to see that work being recognised. I hope more people will come along, explore the area and discover these special places for themselves.”

Both routes are part of a wider network of mining heritage journeys across the UK, helping people explore former coalfield landscapes in a new way through walking, storytelling and community connection.

For more information on the routes, see links in comments 👇

13/06/2026

13/06/2026

If you are in West Aileen and Catherine are in Kincardine Library chatting about the project and the walking routes 7pm Monday 15th to book a free place just email [email protected]

12/06/2026

The Norish British Steel rail bridge spanning the Dudley No. 1 canal that served the former Round Oak Iron Works at ,

12/06/2026

Help Secure the Future of Scotland’s Mining Legacy 🧱🖤For generati...

11/06/2026

Ended the Donisthorpe daunder with a visit to the Moria Blast Furnace and Lime kilns via the Ashby Canal constructed in 1804 to carry coal in and iron out, troubled by subsidence, the damaged section was re-watered and restored in 2000.

11/06/2026

If you haven't had the chance yet, come along and take a look at 'The Lost Villages' exhibition located in the foyer and corridors in The Boswell Centre. 🖼️
Feel free to come in and browse at any time during opening hours.
The exhibition has received great feedback from people who've enjoyed looking back and appreciate ensuring things are not forgotten and are preserved for future generations.

10/06/2026

Pottering in Woodland Park in North West created from the site of capped colliery lagoons planted with 74K trees in 1996 following the closure of the pit in 1990 after 133 years of operation.