Gwennap Pit - John Wesley; preaching to the crowd

Gwennap Pit, Busveal, Redruth TR16 5HH - Grade II* listed structure and chapel

This is a natural depression in ground, possibly created by surrounding mining activities on the Great Flat Lode near Redruth, Cornwall, where John Wesley preached to thousands of people on 18 occasions from 1762 to 1789. This was remodelled in memory of Wesley into today's terraced 'amphitheatre' in 1806.

Concrete and mosaic interpretation panels were added near the entrance in 1983–5. Adjoining Busveal Chapel (1836) has pictures, exhibition panels and visitor centre. Part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape (aka Cornish Mining) World Heritage Site.

September 1762: John Wesley said: 'The wind was so high at five that I could not stand in the usual place at Gwennap. But at a small distance was a hollow capable of containing many thousand people. I stood on one side of this amphitheatre toward the top, with the people beneath and on all sides, and enlarged on those words in the Gospel for the day (Luke X.23, 24)

The site is surrounded by remains of Cornwall's tin mining past and the chapel and visitor centre interpretation are not to be missed if they are open on the day. As can be seen in the picture above - by Sharon Lathan - it is not a large structure. The website mentioned above will indicate parking and there is a cafe in the visitor centre opening times for which are on the website.. Walking around the mining area can be dangerous if you don't keep to the paths so if you want to expand your walk individually, then please carry out some basic research first.

This is not a long walk at all - unless you want to explore the surrounding heritage; but, notwithstanding that, Cornwall has been incredibly rainy recently and very wet underfoot. so waterproof boots and weatherproof outerwear would be a good idea. A plastic bag or some basic protection for your camera and lenses etc might come in handy.

The pit itself, together with attached chapel and interpretative centre are all good photo opportunities - I have found that a very wide angle lens will be helpful in capturing the curves of the different levels.Longer views to include mine pumping stations and chimneys are also very evocative and although this walk is not being led around the wider mining area there will be time in the day to make detours if you wish. If the information centre and cafe are closed then there is a good pub a short drive away in Vogue village once you are through Lower Ninnis.