poosticker83
11 years ago
hello guys, a group of us are contemplating a look down into the welsh valleys for some slate mine exploration next weekend.

Were from the north east of england, very close to nenthead area, so fairly prevalent in lead and Iron mines but this will be the first trip into slate for most, All of us have climbing experience and many hours underground behind us but will not be using SRT.

Basically was looking for some advice on;

a) Good spots to go for (or even better an area with interesting spots)

b) Advice on what to look out for (dodgy bits, bearing in mind we have a tendency to follow any hole)

c) decent eateries and pubs near said areas

d)and lastly, if any local oracles are in the vicinty would they be willing to meet our group in return for the same favour in north pennines.

Thanks all, any info will be welcome.


Damned if you do, and damned if you don''''''''t.
Vanoord
11 years ago
Valleys is usually a description of South Wales, but guessing you mean North Wales?

Er.

Slate in North Wales?

Blaenau Ffestiniog springs to mind... :o

As an intro to slate, Blaenau is probably the best bet.

Cwmorthin* also springs to mind....

Same valley also contains Conglog, Wrysgan and Rhosydd, while Croesor is just over the hill.

Plenty to choose from, plenty to see and do.

Locals? Not sure just at the moment what I'm doing, but hopefully someone might volunteer?



* Other mines are available. Terms and Conditions apply.

Hello again darkness, my old friend...
skimble
11 years ago
"poosticker83" wrote:

b) Advice on what to look out for (dodgy bits, bearing in mind we have a tendency to follow any hole)


Slate can have razor-sharp edges. :curse: Beware!
exspelio
11 years ago
Vanoord has it, the only mines in the valleys (South Wales) are coal, DO NOT GO DOWN THEM !!

Slate and minerals are mid and north Wales, maybe if you tell us your base it will help us to direct you.
Always remember, nature is in charge, get it wrong and it is you who suffers!.
TheBogieman
11 years ago
I'm not sure who'll be free this weekend - it's the NAHMO conference at Bangor Uni so most of us locals will be there or doing u/g visits in organised parties at various slate and metal mines around N Wales.

http://cwmorthin.welsh-mines.org.uk . The site is a bit iffy at the moment due to Miles updating the web server.

And as Skimble said, wear some tough gloves as if you slip and fall, slate is SHARP...

At the power station lower lakeside is a good cafe and Porthmadog (abt 10 miles) has all the eateries and hostelries you could ask for.

Enjoy!
Explorans ad inferos
Vanoord
11 years ago
I *think* we're talking about the first weekend of August?
Hello again darkness, my old friend...
poosticker83
11 years ago
"Vanoord" wrote:

I *think* we're talking about the first weekend of August?



we are indeed.................

thank you for all the info guys, great starting point for us.

weve no set base as yet, will be roughing it for the weekend so just sleeping where the good stuff is.

think cwm was mentioned on a post on another group, so might head that way for first port of call.

Never know you might bump into some lost geordies.


Damned if you do, and damned if you don''''''''t.
Users browsing this topic

Disclaimer: Mine exploring can be quite dangerous, but then again it can be alright, it all depends on the weather. Please read the proper disclaimer.
© 2005 to 2023 AditNow.co.uk

Dedicated to the memory of Freda Lowe, who believed this was worth saving...