The geology of Holywell and Greenfield Valley was formed in the last Ice Age. The spring that rises at St Winefride's Well that has been a place of religious significance since the 8th century, and the water from the spring has contributed to the area's rich industrial past.

Large scale activity began in the late 16th century, when early industrialists attempted to utilise lead and other ore deposits found within the surrounding limestone rock.

Their efforts were not wholly successful however, and Brian Taylor, Chairman of the Friends of the Greenfield Valley Association, explains what happened:

"In 1590, Samuel Flete smelted lead with charcoal, causing fumes which de-nuded trees, killed fish and animals and caused a local nuisance. Local landowners and tradesmen demolished these buildings. A similar event took place in 1733 when Madam Kaye used a similar process but was closed down as a result of law suits brought principally by the Mostyns."

The height of prosperity for Holywell Town and the Greenfield Valley was around 1800. Holywell was the largest town in Flintshire with over 5,500 people living in the parish. There were over 60 shops, 20 inns and beer houses, and a post office.

By the later part of 18th century the valley had factories running from St Winefride's Well down to the wharf at Greenfield, including corn, paper and cotton mills, copper-rolling and wire mills, and a brass-making works.

Water power

The water power in Greenfield Valley comes from the Holywell Stream; this was first harnessed by the monks at Basingwerk Abbey - using it firstly for fuelling mills and the grinding of corn.

The Industrial Revolution brought great advances in engineering, producing machinery that could harness water energy which greatly increased productivity and profits.

Water was the cheapest and most consistent form of power known at the time and could be used and reused as it passed down the valley. The Holywell stream provided water at a constant flow and temperature throughout the year.

The water from Holywell stream, the distance to the coast and the proximity of the port of Liverpool were major factors in the success of the milling and processing industries in the area.

The railway

This walk follows the old route of the standard gauge railway that ran down the valley. It was built in 1869 to revive industry in the area.

In 1912 it became a full passenger service known as the 'Little Train' and was the steepest conventional passenger railway in Great Britain. The line was eventually closed in 1954.