Deep in the recesses of Cornwall lies Kennall Vale, a tangle of greenery, waterfalls and long-abandoned factory buildings. They were built in the 19th century and produced gunpowder for the mines that dominated Cornwall at this time – the high humidity was perfect as it reduced the risk of explosions. Now it’s a Cornish jungle.
On a whim, after my friends and I had taken our fill of lunch in Falmouth, we went to explore it…
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But before I continue: as I logged in to WordPress today for the first time in roughly two weeks I received a happy first anniversary message; it is exactly a year ago that I started this blog and I didn’t even realise! How time flies. So I would just like to say a big thank you to all you lovely readers, followers, and patient subjects of my photography; it is a real pleasure to have this blog, and to have built up a network of fantastic peers :)
Now back to Cornwall…
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It was dark and drizzly, the air was saturated, and water ran through every crevice. Ferns and beech trees sprawl up, bathing the surroundings in dappled green hues. Remnants of the factory emerge through the greenery, still largely intact.
The first taster of Kennall Vale (above). We then descended further into the depths…
The greenery and humidity make the vale feel like a rainforest.
As usual, the rain joined our exploration.
A stream runs through the heart of the vale.
The sturdy old buildings pepper the landscape.
Waterfalls cascade through…
… and you can climb all around them.
It feels as though you’re part of a computer game.
The slippery slope down.
For more information about Kennall Vale, check out these sites:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cornwall/content/articles/2008/05/14/history_kennallvale_feature.shtml
http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature_reserves/where_to_find_the_nature_reserves_1/Cornwall_Wildlife_Trust_Kennall_Vale_nature_reserve_Ponsanooth
Lost in the Midlands 
Very cool, and I am equally impressed by the high heeled boot wellies.:)
I now have another location in the UK I need to investigate, this place looks lovely.
I know, they’re awesome! An 80s treasure, apparently :)
And yes, it’s an incredible place, very atmospheric and just gorgeous!
Congratulations! Also – wow. These look like they could have been taken in the jungles of Cambodia…
Grazie!! :) And yes, it felt like a tropical jungle… well, apart from the cold temperature! I plan to return at dawn one day with a tripod….
I love these pics. The green really stands out and it lights up the entire scene.
Great blog :)