Early mining

It is always worth looking out for industrial remains, even in the most rural of areas. Here is an example of what is probably eighteenth century coal mining in a field between the Middlewood Way and the Macclesfield Canal at Higher Doles Farm in Adlington. There were two shafts here and it appears that the spoil from the development works was mainly raised from that on the right, and now with trees and bushes growing from it. The second shaft is marked by the low mound to the left. Examination of the site suggests that there is evidence of a horse gin circle on the ground between the shafts. A look at the geological map for the area suggests that these workings may have been seeking the much sought after 'Big Smut' seam although the first seam marked as outcropping to the east is the 'Bullion' mine and this was only a few inches in thickness.