From Quarry to Docks: How do Cornish China Clay Trains & Boats Work?

China clay was discovered in Cornwall in the mid-1700s. The great scars of this industry still mark the St Austell area and are widely reputed to be one of the few man-made structures visible from space. This section of mid-Cornwall is nicknamed the ‘Cornish Alps’. Used principally in producing porcelain and paper, the industry is still strong in Cornwall. In August 2023, when after a life span of 36 years, the CDA wagons reached the end of their service, and I made a film about them. 11 months on, I’ve made another film about Cornish China Clay. The footage was taken over 3 days.

This film has captions, explaining what is happening, however, if you want to see the action, shots were taken at:

00:00 Cornish China Clay
00:10 Welcome to the Cornish Alps
01:35 Goonbarrow
04:54 Luxulyan
06:17 Treffry Viaduct
07:09 North of Par
08:50 Merging onto the Fowey Valley Line
11:35 St Winnow
13:35 Golant
15:54 Fowey Docks
19:13 Lostwithiel & Full Run-Around
23:11 Luxulyan return

I hope you enjoy watching this. If you did, please like, comment and subscribe, it really is rather flattering.

Find a south-west railtour calendar, along with a heritage gala calendar and my best photos at:
https://www.trecanrail.com/

@steamtothewest-trecanrail

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Disclaimer : There was no trespassing used in the making of this film, all shots were taken on roads, or footpaths.