Kennall Valley, Cornwall

[Barry]

This (http://www.cornish-mining.org.uk/sites/knnllvlly.htm) place is on my list to visit. Lots of history. I'm not sure of access, has anyone here visited this area?

[Trevor Crone]

Hi Barry,

It's been some years since I visited Kennall Vale. It's full of atmosphere, wonderful remains of old buildings used in the production and storage of gunpowder. There's a lovelly river running through the valley surrounded by trees. Some of the locations reminded me of images I had seen of John Blakemore's Derbyshire work.

With regard to access I think it was only a short walk from the main road. An OS map will indicate it well.

Do visit.

Trevor.

[Barry]

Thanks Trevor, it sounds like my kind of place. I will make the effort next Spring.

[S Raff]

I visited here a few years back, I would love to make a return with film.

The ruins of buildings and rusty old machinery is a treat. Access was fine when I went but no idea how it stands today.

[B&W Neil]

I have this place flagged up for a visit ASAP so will report on access etc once I have visited. We did do a quick drive by a short while back and close by parking looked a problem. However there is a near by village and it is only a short walk.

Neil.

[S Raff]

There's a small guide in the latest copy of the BBC Country File magazine.

[B&W Neil]

Kennall Vale Gunpowder Works, Cornwall

Just been there today (at last!) so here is an update:

The old Kennall Vale Gunpowder Works is tucked away in a wooded valley near the village of Ponsanooth, the works were in operation from the 1800s until the early 20th Century, when they were forced to close due to the invention of dynamite. Today, the remains stand in a 20 acre nature reserve maintained by The Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The old ruins, beech woods and Kendall River make for a pleasant photographic visit with many old water mill remains, industrial buildings, waterfalls, a flooded quarry and fabulous woodlands to explore and photograph.

I would urge anyone who is planning to visit this location to spend a while with Google searching for Kennall Vale items first. The area is has been well documented and many standard type images exist that will give you a good idea of the potential there is here. Also location maps are available if you do not know the area.

I can confirm this is a special place for all those who are interested in our heritage and landscape photography. Luckily it is just a short drive from where we live so we shall be returning there quite often. As soon as I have printed up some images I will post them on FADU and our website.

The only problem we encountered, and which has been discussed before, is that of access. Not access by foot, but access to the location by car. Unfortunately this can be a problem and I would not recommend parking in the very shallow lay-by in the lane that runs alongside the reserve (some do) as you will restrict the width of the lane which is used by farm vehicles. I would only consider doing this if you have a very small car.

Best way to get there: Turn off the A393 by the Ponsanooth post office and follow this road for a few hundred yards. Access to the reserve is via a footpath on the right as you ascend the hill. There is very limited parking in lanes near the site (see above – not recommended you park here).

My recommendation for parking is: Park in the village of Ponsanooth ,walk past the shop and up the steep hill (approx half a mile) . The reserve entrance is on your right.

Tracks and paths run throughout the reserve and there is a small notice indicating the way in (easily missed) fixed to a wall.

Neil.

[Barry]

Thank you Neil this location is now a 'definite' on my list. Thanks also for the access details. I look forward to seeing your images when you get time to print them.

Link to map here (http://www.multimap.com/s/QWQ9ce7X)

[Keith Tapscott.]

This (http://www.cornish-mining.org.uk/sites/knnllvlly.htm) place is on my list to visit. Lots of history. I'm not sure of access, has anyone here visited this area?Not yet, but I am planning a couple of days in Cornwall in October, so I will put it on my list of places to visit. I will probably look for two nights at a B&B around Hayle.

I think Botallack would be a good place to revisit along with South Wheal-Frances and I might just squeeze in Sennan Cove as well.
I am hoping that Neil might have some suggestions as well for places to visit.

[B&W Neil]

Keith,
If you are coming over in October I would be happy to join up with you and show you about :-) B&Bs in October shouldn't be a problem.

Neil.

[Keith Tapscott.]

Keith,
If you are coming over in October I would be happy to join up with you and show you about :-) B&Bs in October shouldn't be a problem.

Neil.Thanks Neil, I will send you a PM when I have sorted out dates for accomodation. I`m not sure yet where to stay, but thought that the Hayle and St Ives area would be a fairly good choice.

Keith.

[PaulG]

Keith,
If you are coming over in October I would be happy to join up with you and show you about :-) B&Bs in October shouldn't be a problem.

Neil.

This may be a bit of a hijack Neil, but I'm going to be in Cornwall from the end of this week (staying near Cape Cornwall). Do you have any recommendations for places to visit for photographic purposes? I haven't been that way for a while, so the only thing that sticks in my mind is the Crowns and the old mine workings along that stretch of coast. All suggestions gratefully received.

[B&W Neil]

Thanks Neil, I will send you a PM when I have sorted out dates for accomodation. I`m not sure yet where to stay, but thought that the Hayle and St Ives area would be a fairly good choice.

Keith.

OK, Keith. I look forward to your PM.

Neil.

[B&W Neil]

This may be a bit of a hijack Neil, but I'm going to be in Cornwall from the end of this week (staying near Cape Cornwall). Do you have any recommendations for places to visit for photographic purposes? I haven't been that way for a while, so the only thing that sticks in my mind is the Crowns and the old mine workings along that stretch of coast. All suggestions gratefully received.


Loads - how much time do you have :D

Try these -

Cape Cornwall
Porth Nanven / Cott Valley (St Just) needs low tide
Sennen Cove and Lands End - spectacular cliffs.
Botallack -Crown Mines area
Zennor area - coast and moors
Godrevy lighthouse at Gwithian (near Hayle)
Gwithian Beach – needs low tide
Newlyn/Penzance, harbours / fishing boats etc
South Wheel Frances (old mine buildings) near Pool / Four Lanes
Tehidy Woods / Lake – nr Camborne – handy if wet

If you want a bit of company send me a PM and we can have a meet.

Neil.

[PaulG]

Thanks Neil, will PM you about a possible meet.

The place we're staying is meant to be 5 mins walk from Cape Cornwall, so that should be feasible for a visit. We'll have a week of pootling about so hopefully I can get to see some of these places. I'm trying persuade the missus that she wants to take here sketch books and paints so I can justify some meanderings with a camera (if it's possible to meander with an RB67 on your back).

[B&W Neil]

You are staying in a good spot that's for sure and there will be plenty to do with just walking out from the door :-)

Your good lady must take her art equipment and get her over to St Ives and the TATE Gallery if you have time.

There are plenty of folks here that walk many miles with RB67s so it must be possible !

I look farward to your PM.

Neil.

[Mark Snowdon]

Hi Neil,

I visited Kennal Valley about a month ago following its mention on the website. I was very impressed and managed to get a photo that I am particularly pleased with (I will post it in an album along with some other Cornish work shortly). Kennal does seem to be a "hidden" valley, not many people seem to know about it outside the immediate area. I started to explore Cornwall photographically a couple of years ago and will hopefully be visiting the area again in October half term, staying in Heamoor (Penzance) and will certainly go to Kennal Valley again.

Mark

[Keith Tapscott.]

I'm trying persuade the missus that she wants to take here sketch books and paints so I can justify some meanderings with a camera (if it's possible to meander with an RB67 on your back). I have seen people meandering around Cornwall with 8x10 inch view-cameras, so an RB67 is just a small compact Camera.:D

[PaulG]

I have seen people meandering around Cornwall with 8x10 inch view-cameras, so an RB67 is just a small compact Camera.:D

When you put it like that, the RB67 is indeed a compact. Either way, I suspect I won't be able to muster more than a stagger!:)

[PaulG]

You are staying in a good spot that's for sure and there will be plenty to do with just walking out from the door :-)

Your good lady must take her art equipment and get her over to St Ives and the TATE Gallery if you have time.

There are plenty of folks here that walk many miles with RB67s so it must be possible !

I look farward to your PM.

Neil.

Thanks Neil, while I love my RB, its presence certainly becomes noticeable after a while!

When we went to St Ives before, the Hepworth sculplture garden scored more highly than the Tate. The Tate is a nice building, but we were less convinced by the exhibits. As that was a few years ago, I'd hope there is something new to see, so we'll probably give it a try.

[B&W Neil]

Hi Neil,

I visited Kennal Valley about a month ago following its mention on the website. I was very impressed and managed to get a photo that I am particularly pleased with (I will post it in an album along with some other Cornish work shortly). Kennal does seem to be a "hidden" valley, not many people seem to know about it outside the immediate area. I started to explore Cornwall photographically a couple of years ago and will hopefully be visiting the area again in October half term, staying in Heamoor (Penzance) and will certainly go to Kennal Valley again.

Mark

Hi Mark,
Yes I agree Kennall Vale is a bit of a secret. We have known about it for a few years but have only just got around to having a look - I shall be going back though ASAP. I think in the winter would be best for B&W when the leaves have gone. Only 20 acres but boy is it packed with photo opportunities :-)

I look forward to seeing your Kennal Vale image in due course. I hope to be posting a couple mine as soon as I can print them.

I will be around during half term so if you fancy a meet let me know.

Neil.


Cornwall is a great place for photography with many hidden delights :)

[Trevor Crone]

Kennall Vale is indeed a beautiful location with many hidden delights.

Neil has already mentioned Porth Nanven which I found to be one of the best Cornish coastal locations I've visited. Photographer, Andrew Nadolski published a book solely devoted to this location, called, 'The End of the Land.'

[B&W Neil]

Yes I agree with Trevor that Porth Naven is not to be missed too. Being down there and hearing those massive bolders being moved about by the ocean still makes makes me tingle all over. Another attraction with Porth Naven is every so often the ocean completely shuffles the bolders , takes sand out or puts more back in, so you hardly every get the same arrangement twice.

Neil.

[Keith Tapscott.]

I have booked Bed & Breakfast in Hayle from 8th October for a couple of nights. I have written down Neil`s suggestions of places to visit.
I quite fancy visiting St. Michael`s Mount as well if the scaffolding is down.
Hopefully, the weather and lighting conditions will be good when I visit. (Fingers crossed).

[B&W Neil]

The scaffolding was still there on St Michael's Mount when I passed by a week ago. it has been there for about two years and looks like becomming a feature :-(

Neil.

[B&W Neil]

For those who are interested I have just posted some images from our recent Kennall Vale vist to the Albums section

The images were made with my Mamiya 7ii + 50mm lens, using Delta 400, developed in Peter's Prescysol. All 10x8 proof prints at this stage pinted on Iflford MG in Neutol at 1+14 (in a slotty thing). All given some degree of selenium toning.

When I get around to making larger images of them I will probably try some split toning and lith printing,

I will add more Kennall Vale images to this album as and when they become available.

Neil.