The Hough Level is a long tunnel which runs from Dickens Wood to Windmill Wood, connecting all of the mines in between (figs. 1 & 2). It was excavated during the 19th century to improve the transportation of ore around the mines and has several shafts connecting to it (e.g. Bear Pit at Engine Vein Mine). The section between Brynlow Mine and Engine Vein Mine was excavated from both ends but the two tunnels did not connect smoothly [13]. It was at this point that John Evans left a boat because debris in the mine caused localised flooding (fig. 3) [13].
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Figure 1: The entrance to the Hough Level in Dickens Wood |
Figure 2: Looking into the Hough Level from Dickens Wood |
In 1909 a dog discovered another use for the Hough Level when the unfortunate animal fell down a shaft behind the Wizard [2]! The dog followed the Hough Level to the north and quite amazingly emerged from the entrance in Dickens Wood unscathed!
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Figure 3: A photo of the Hough Level with the boat that John Evans left visible in the bottom right corner (image courtesy of the DCC) |
From Dickens Wood the Hough Level extends southwards to Brynlow Mine via Engine Vein Mine. The level then turns north-westwards to connect with the Brynlow Opencast and Wood Mine before terminating at the site of the old treatment works (fig. 4). The Hough Level traverses Wilmslow Sandstone and is barren of ore minerals [2].
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Figure 4: A plan of the Alderley Edge mines in relation to surface features |
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| Adapted from [2] | |
| localities | |
| 1. Old entrance to West Mine | 11. Old Alderley Quarry |
| 2. West Mine Quarry (infilled) | 12. The Opencast |
| 3. Entrance to Wood Mine | 13. Pillar Mine |
| 4. Brynlow Opencast (infilled) | 14. Entrance to the Hough Level |
| 5. Cross & Straight Mines | 15. Doc Mine |
| 6. Brynlow Mine | 16. The Beacon |
| 7. The Hagg | 17. Stormy Point (Devil's Grave) |
| 8. Beacon Lodge | 18. Twin Shafts |
| 9. The Wizard Inn | 19. Saddlebole |
| 10. Engine Vein Quarry | 20. Castle Rock |
