Penponds Chute, Camborne

## Overview Penponds Chute is a public drinking spring located in the village of Penponds, near Camborne in west Cornwall, England. Situated at approximately 50.204°N, 5.316°W, this spring sits within a landscape steeped in Cornwall's rich mining heritage. The village of Penponds — whose name derives from Cornish meaning "head of the pool" or "end of the pond" — has long been associated with natural water sources, and Penponds Chute is one of the area's traditional water outlets that has historically served the local community. Cornwall's geology, dominated by granite intrusions and metamorphic rocks, gives rise to numerous natural springs throughout the region. The mineral-rich groundwater that feeds springs like Penponds Chute filters through ancient geological formations, and the area around Camborne has been known for its abundant water sources for centuries. The word "chute" in this context likely refers to a channelled or directed flow of spring water — a common feature of Cornish village springs where water was traditionally piped or directed through a stone spout for public use. Penponds Chute has historically been used as a drinking water source by local residents, though as with any untreated natural water source, visitors should be aware that water quality can vary over time. ## Directions 1. From Camborne town centre, head west along the A3047 towards Penponds. 2. After approximately 1 mile, you will reach the village of Penponds. 3. The spring is located within the village at GPS coordinates **50.204081, -5.31597**. 4. Look for the chute — a traditional stone or channelled water outlet — along the village roadside. 5. Parking may be limited to roadside spaces within the village, so please park considerately. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. Using a GPS device or mapping app to navigate directly to the coordinates is recommended.* ## What to Expect Penponds is a small, quiet Cornish village with traditional stone cottages and a peaceful rural atmosphere. The chute itself is a modest but charming water feature typical of Cornwall's historic public springs — expect a directed flow of water from a spout or channel rather than a dramatic natural cascade. The surrounding area offers pleasant walking opportunities through the Cornish countryside, and the nearby town of Camborne provides amenities including shops, pubs, and cafés. The region is also home to the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, making a visit to Penponds Chute a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Cornwall's mining trails and historic villages. Water flow may vary seasonally, with stronger flows typically occurring during wetter months from autumn through spring. Visitors have historically collected water here, but conditions can change — the water has not been independently verified for quality at the time of this listing.