The Forest of Dean iron mines have a particular uniqueness among them in the fact that they are in ways blends of natural cave systems and man-made mines. In some cases, the rocky passages perhaps just make it feel cave-like but are in fact entirely artificial. In other cases the mineworks have indeed begun in cave systems and subsequently make for a very unique sort of explore.
The deep network of tunnels of Wigpool iron mine lie underneath Wigpool nature reserve near Mitcheldean. Numerous gated entrances can be found throughout the woodland and do a good job of hiding the true extent of what lies underneath. Any trip into Wigpool will take you on a steady but consistent decent onto the levels in an environment that isn’t as user-friendly as you may like it to be. Plenty of ducking, crawling and sliding around in the iron-stained mud will greet you before you’re able to stand up and simply walk around for any lengthy duration.
Further evidence of this cave/mine blend can be found in Wigpool’s formation chambers. Stalactites, stalagmites and crystal pools are all common features in caves but not so much in mines. Find time to visit one area simply known as “the pretties” and you may find it very fitting that Wigpool lies underneath a nature reserve.
Make the initial trip successfully however and you will find yourself in some really interesting passages. Wigpool contains 2 or 3 levels (horizontal shafts at certain depths) that flood depending on the time of year so trips can definitely be varied to some extent. I don’t currently know the extent of these deeper areas, but I am certainly keen on finding out. I don’t need any reassurance to know that this is a large mine – and it will probably take some time for me to become fully accustomed with its labyrinth of cave-like passages.
