Eston Mines Heritage Walk

Join Simon Chapman and Land of Iron for the Eston Mines Heritage Walk on Saturday 12 September 2026, starting at 10am.

• Explore the mining remains and historic landmarks of the Eston Hills on a guided walk.
• Approximately three miles, lasting around five hours, with an expected finish of approximately 3pm. The route includes uphill sections and rough ground.
• Tickets are £7.50 per person, plus online booking fee, and must be booked in advance.

As the largest mine on the Cleveland Ironstone Seam, Eston boasted over 1,600 workers at its peak. In its 99-year lifespan, the men of Eston Mine dug out a combined 63 million tons of ore. Owned originally by Bolckow & Vaughan, it was later bought by Dorman Long, who would continue to work it until the mine closed in 1949.

While the tunnels underground may now be quiet, the Eston Hills are walked by thousands of people every year—and old monuments heralding an era of industrial revolution stand silently over the bustling streets below.

Eston Mines Heritage Walk

Simon Chapman leads a historic walk of the area alongside Land of Iron, where visitors will be able to learn about the historic buildings still standing in Eston, as well as those that can be found in the hills. Ever wondered what the S.S. Castle really is? This is your chance to find out!

Date and time

• Date: Saturday 12 September 2026
• Start: 10am
• Finish: Approximately 3pm
• Duration: Approximately five hours
• Distance: Approximately three miles
• Walk leader: Simon Chapman, supported by Land of Iron staff and volunteers

This is a walk-and-talk event, with stops along the route. The finish time is approximate and will depend on the group’s pace and time spent at each stop.

Meeting point and parking

Meet at the Eston Miners Hospital Sculpture, Rothwell Mews, Eston, Middlesbrough TS6 9JF.
The sculpture is on Eston High Street, opposite the Shell garage and diagonally across from the Miners’ Arms.

Find the meeting point on Google Maps

Visitors may find a place to park behind the Miners’ Arms and Eston Institute.
Please allow enough time to park and reach the meeting point before the 10am start.

The route and terrain

The planned route follows the former incline, passing beneath the A174 to the Trustee Drift site and magazine. It then continues uphill towards Old Bank and New Bank, following the former railway track to Lazenby Fanhouse—the S.S. Castle—before returning to Eston via New Bank and California.

The walk is approximately three miles, with a steady uphill climb and rough ground in places. The area can be muddy if it has been raining.

Please consider the distance, duration and terrain when deciding whether the walk is suitable for you and any younger participants.

What to bring

• Sturdy walking footwear
• A packed lunch
• Drinking water
• Appropriate clothing for the weather and potentially muddy conditions

Tickets and booking

• Tickets cost £7.50 per person, plus online booking fee.
• Tickets must be booked in advance. Places are limited to 20 participants.

Children and dogs

• Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
• Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control throughout the walk.

Land of Iron’s programme of events and activities is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players