Redruth is full of history – Gas lighting was invented here and the steam engine was developed in nearby minesinto a rich, important community, and its centre is dotted with once rather grand emporia and stately residences. A local campaign “Looking Up” is about being optimistic and creative, but it’s also an invitation to admire the handsome frontages above the modern shops.
A 37.5-mile network of multi-use trails opens up Cornwall’s central mining district. Many of the paths closely follow the tramway and railway routes; the 7.5-mile Great Flat Lode trail is easy to access from Redruth. Close to the trail is Carn Brea Castle folly. Its restaurant is closed, but its location offers views across the countryside. To download a map, visit cornwall.gov.uk.1) “The Industrial Revolution was born here,” as a plaque in the town declares.
2)The “red” in Redruth alludes to the iron oxide resulting from tin-streaming in the river that ran through the town. 3) During the boom years of tin mining in the mid-to-late 19th century, the Gwennap district south east of Redruth became the “richest square mile in the old world”.