I do not think that question is answereable at the moment.

I think sound advice would be to keep clear, and stay on the Public Footpaths. Incidently, the haul road is NOT a public Footpath. (just incase you get confronted by a man in a digger :lol: )

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Confronted by a man on a digger? In a working quarry? Who'd have thought it 😉

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Blasting took place in the 2½ (David Jones) Quarry this afternoon. 12 tons of explosive was used in 56 holes.

Although the blast has taken place the whole area is very unstable. Therefore do NOT approach this area from any direction (not that anyone on here would trespass!).

Also it is worth pointing out that footpath markers have been positioned in the vicinity of the foot of Rhiwbach No 2 incline, with another sign near the incline top advising that the footpath terminates at that point and the only way to go is back down the route you came up.

Looking at the photos of the DJ quarry, it looks blasted to small pieces, what exactly are they using the slate for?

I know it sounds like a daft question, but are they not removing the tip over the way for small stuff?

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Roofing and architectual mostly

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Looking at the photos of the DJ quarry, it looks blasted to small pieces, what exactly are they using the slate for?

I know it sounds like a daft question, but are they not removing the tip over the way for small stuff?

The "small pieces" are mainly where there was tip material used to create a roadway and platform for the drilling rig and explosives tanker etc. There is solid slate under there that formed the pillars between chambers. Each is about 25 feet thick.

So it is untopping then?

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Yes.

Just in case anyone is any doubt, blasting is still going on at Llechwedd. I gather there was a blast there this morning.

Also it is worth pointing out that footpath markers have been positioned in the vicinity of the foot of Rhiwbach No 2 incline, with another sign near the incline top advising that the footpath terminates at that point and the only way to go is back down the route you came up.

Oh dear! What have I done?

Early September I had a prowl from Manod past Cwt y Bugail (new) and along the Rhiwbach tramway to return to Blaenau. Came to a locked gate before the top of Rhiwbach 3 incline - no prohibition notice - so I used the stile and dropped down the incline to MO.

Not wishing to trespass, I turned along the level tramway to the top of No 2 incline, where yes, there's a sign at 45 degrees telling you to retrace your steps!! Confusion set in!! Cut a long story short I returned to MO and down the haul road to No 1 incline.

OK. I'm just a walker with an interest in industrial archaeology and hopefully enough savvy to stay out of trouble, but the Rhiwbach tramway and MO were new ground to me. The route down the three inclines is described in books which I believe are still on sale.

Just concerned that the lack of warning signs above MO might land someone in difficulties.

Instead of tracing your footsteps back to MO and down the haul road, you should have carried on from the sign down the footpath near No 2 incline. That sign marks the termination of the footpath when coming up hill.