There's Gold In Them Thar Hills!

Indeed there is, and it's also in most of the burns flowing from the hills.

The village of Clifton is named after Sir Robert Clifton who started mining lead commercially in the area in 1730. The scars from the lead workings remain and can be seen clearly on Sron nan Colan above the village. Even earlier than this, in 1428, silver was mined in Tyndrum in quantities enough for the mine to be denoted a 'Royal Mine'.

	In more recent times, however, the lure is that most desirable of metals, gold. The Dublin based Ennex Corporation started test-drilling for gold in the area in 1985 with some success but, although there was a good deal of exploratory work done, the mine was never fully operational. However, Ennex have moved on and the new owners plan to go into commercial production in 2008.
Whilst early estimates suggested deposits worth £70 million the 'recreational' panners who visit the area are content with a few grammes and the hope that they may strike it lucky.

For those who haven't tried panning we can hire you the equipment, we can give you a bit of instruction and we can point you in the right direction. Alternatively we can arrange for some tuition (either on an individual or group basis) by an 'expert' member of the Federation of Gold-panners. Alternatively, you can leave it to luck ... and hope.

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By The Way Hostel and Campsite, Tyndrum, FK20 8RY. Tel 01838 400333