Tyndrum THE FAULT LINE
Tyndrum sits directly on the edge of the world. Home to Scotland's only active gold mine, this is a landscape where ancient metamorphic rock meets high-grade quartz reefs.
The Tyndrum-Glen Fyne Secret
The "Secret" to Tyndrum is the Fault Line. Gold wasn't just washed here; it was injected here. If you look at a geological map, the primary mineralization follows a north-east trend.Target the burns where they cut exactly across this fault trace. When the mountain stream hits the fault-disturbed rock, it creates deep natural traps that have been catching gold for millennia.
The Low-Water Hack
In Tyndrum, the burns are fast. During high water, the gold is moving. The time to strike is August. When the water drops, the cracks in the fault-line bedrock are exposed. Use a small "crevicing tool" (or an old screwdriver) to scrape the very bottom of these cracks. That is where the heavy Highland gold hides.
Access Reality
Much of the area near the **Cononish Mine** is strictly private. Do not trespass on working mining ground. Stick to the public access burns in the National Park and always adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The Mother Lode Source
The gold you find in the Tyndrum burns is the same high-purity gold being extracted from the Cononish reefs. It is literally the same paystreak. You are panning the "overflow" of one of the richest modern deposits in the UK.
Tyndrum Insider FAQ
Where can I legally pan for gold in Tyndrum?
Recreational panning is possible in some of the streams surrounding Tyndrum, but much of the land is part of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park or private estates. Always check for 'no panning' signs and respect the boundaries of the Cononish Gold Mine.
Is there still gold in the Tyndrum burns?
Yes, small flakes of gold are still found in the burns that cross the Tyndrum-Glen Fyne Fault. The gold is shed from the same quartz veins that feed the commercial Cononish mine.
What equipment do I need for Scottish gold?
A standard gold pan and a small spade are best. Sluice boxes may be restricted in National Park areas, so hand-panning is the safest and most legal method for casual seekers.
Can I keep the gold I find in Scotland?
In Scotland, all gold and silver deposits technically belong to the Crown (Mines Royal). However, for 'casual' panning where only small grains are found, the Crown rarely enforces this, provided you have landowner permission.
What is the best time of year to pan in Tyndrum?
Late summer (August-September) is ideal when water levels are lower. Spring runoff from the Highlands makes the burns fast and difficult to work safely.
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The Digger's Code
- Backfill all holes before you leave.
- Pack out all your trash.
- Respect fence lines and gates.
Legal Disclaimer
Land access rights, safety conditions, and public fossicking zones change. You are solely responsible for verifying regulations with local authorities (DOC/Council/BLM) and assessing river safety before visiting. Paystreak.io accepts no liability for injury, fines, or trespassing. Never dig on private land without explicit permission.
✓ Information last verified: January 2026