The descriptions of the mines and caves, beneath Alderley Edge, contained in the middle section of The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, are as accurately depicted in Alan Garner‘s writing as the external sites. The journey takes up the central five chapters and consists of approximately one quarter of the book. Matters begin when Colin and Susan rescue Firefrost from under the noses of Selina Place and Grimnir at St Mary’s Clyffe. The children then try to take refuge from the hounds of the Morrigan and accidentally step into an elevator which takes them into the mines. The action can be followed through the following entry on West Mine…
From West Mine the children and their dwarf guides flee into ancient workings known as the Earldelving. Here, it is admitted that Alan Garner perhaps took artistic licence as there does not seem to be a direct connection between West Mine and the other workings on the Edge. However, the fugitives eventually exited the Earldelving via the Engine Vein.
West Mine can be explored via application to the doughty members of the Derbyshire Caving Club.