First and Last – Our Living Working Landscape
Making Tracks
Partners
Penwith Landscape Partnership
Outputs
Surveying, restoring and promoting the Tinners' Way historical route across Penwith
Description
The Tinners’ Way is home to over 20 prehistoric and early Christian sites along its full 18 mile (29km) route, that traces as closely as possible the ancient paths along which tin and copper were transported from the mineral rich area around St Just to sheltered anchorage at St Ives. The route was last ‘mapped’ in 1994 since when there have been several changes on the ground including new fencing and gates, and overgrown vegetation which reduces accessibility.
The aim of Gul Hynsi or Making Tracks was to preserve this historically important feature of the Penwith landscape by re-opening the ancient Tinners’ Way and to improve accessibility to the area of the Penwith landscape through which the route passes.
To achieve this the full extent of the route was be surveyed and mapped; with improvements implemented where possible. The route was also promoted through our StoryMap (see below), and was the focal point for one of our art competitions. Volunteers were also trained to help with the maintenance of the route, alongside training and volunteer tasks for our At the End of the Land project.
If you would like to learn more about the historic Tinners' Way route, explore our interactive Story Map:
Tinners' Way Storymap: The Antiquity of the Trackway
(This Storymap is based on research and text by Craig Weatherhill, outlining by historical period the evidence as to the antiquity of the trackway.)
The project was delivered by our Access Officer, with the help of local contractors to deliver practical works, and volunteers supervised by our Practical Tasks Officer.
To learn more about our trails and where they explore in Penwith, visit our Trail Guides page
