Lecht Mine

Lecht Mine is a small historic mine site in an open upland glen above the Lecht Pass, best known for its surviving crushing mill. It makes a worthwhile short stop if you like industrial history and quiet walking; this is a walk to one building and its interpretation, not an underground visit. From the Well of the Lecht car park beside the A939, allow 30 minutes to an hour for the 1.5 km (about 1 mile) return walk.

The approach crosses open moorland, with a burn alongside part of the route. Visitors describe it as exposed and sometimes windy; the ground can be soft or muddy when wet, so wear shoes that handle soggy ground and bring a windproof layer. Sheep may be along the route.

Iron ore was worked here from 1730 to 1737, then manganese mining followed from 1841 to 1846. More than 60 workers were employed at the site at its peak. The surviving crushing mill belongs to the later mining phase. Look for the spoil heaps too: they are piles of iron ore left on the surface while miners searched deeper for richer manganese deposits.