Gulch Copper Mine

The discovery in 1932 of a rich seam of copper in the high fells under the shadow of Mount Kanchenjunga eventually led to the sinking of the Gulch Mine at High Topps by the specially formed SA&D mining company.

Copper ore is loaded into SA&D private-owner wagons which are shunted into and out of the mine by flameproof battery-electric mining locomotives No.5 JACKIE and No.6 DOT.

The loaded ore wagons are taken down to the quayside at Horseshoe Cove and unloaded for onward shipment of the ore by sea.

The second battery locomotive No.6 with frames and electrical equipment supplied by Essel Engineering Ltd entered service in early Spring 2021. This engine is named DOT after Dorothea Callum, one of the original precious metal prospectors.

Freight train timetables

Empties Horseshoe Cove to Gulch Copper Mine
Station Mon - Sat
Beckfoot (Engine Shed) Dep: 14:45 Light engines
Horseshoe Cove (Quay) Arr: 14:48 Light engines
  Dep: 14:51
Gulch Copper Mine Arr: 14:55

 

Loaded Wagons Gulch Copper Mine to Horseshoe Cove
Station Mon - Sat
Gulch Copper Mine Dep: 15:30
High Topps (Stn) Arr: 1531
  Dep: 15:35
Horseshoe Cove (Quay) Arr: 15:37
  Dep: 15:43 Light engines
Beckfoot (Engine Shed) Arr: 15:45 Light engines
Dot at the Gulch Mine [11 April 2025]
Loaded copper ore, Gulch Mine [11 April 2025]
Unloading at Horseshoe Cove [July 2025]