Jacob's Ladder

A steep descent to the pits

Filed under History & Archaeology

Originally constructed by miners in Overtown to connect the workers with the local pit below law, Jacob’s Ladder is a steep route on the banks of the Garrion Burn, descending steeply to a bridge over the burn which has long since been removed. This direct route had to descend into Garrion Gill and due to the very steep drop the miners had to build a great flight of 365 steps, or so we’re told. An extraordinary feat!

  • Jacob's Ladder around 30 years ago.

    Photo: Elliot Simpsons (http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/380044)
  • Jacob's Ladder in the more distant past

    Photo source: http://waterloo.yolasite.com/9.php
 
 

Over many years the route had suffered significant damage, scoured by decades of water, and had to be closed. Despite this, local people still considered it to be an important part of the local heritage and cultural identity of Overtown.

It was hoped that it would be possible to reinstate this unique piece of Scottish mining past and so a feasibility study was undertaken to explore whether this would be possible.

It was found that the surrounding landscape is generally very wet, with water draining for a number of different areas to the same point. A number of steps had been taken over the years to address drainage, but this system had now failed would need to be replaced. It was also found that a section of the retaining wall by the path was showing signs of instability and a new wall would therefore be necessary. The informal nature of the path construction also posed a number of issues, meaning that it could become overgrown very easily, requiring a replacement of the steps as well as a new handrail to make it safe, as well as a new bridge placed over the burn. Due to the difficult nature of access to the area, the movement of materials to the site would also be tricky, and would require works on several neighbouring landowner’s properties.

Unfortunately, for these reasons, the solutions presented by the feasibility study were extremely costly and beyond what the project was able to spend. However, this important stage has been completed, and will greatly help any future efforts to conserve this historic mining route.


Area Guide

You Might Also Like...


Biggar Gasworks

Biggar Gasworks

One of the first small-town gasworks to open in Scotland – and among the last to close.

Carluke High Mill

Carluke High Mill

A vision to return the mill to a working state with and for the benefit of the Carluke community

Collieries: Mapping Underground

Collieries: Mapping Underground

Part of the Mapping the Past trail

Low Parks Museum, Hamilton

Low Parks Museum, Hamilton

Low Parks Museum in Hamilton is a 5-star museum under the Visit Scotland grading scheme, situated in the former Low Parks of the Duke of Hamilton's estates.