Hello :)

I have recently developed an interest in exploring the old mines of North Wales, and until such a time that I can look to join groups on organised visits I will be exploring these on my own or with my partner.

We recently went in search of the Catherine and Jane Consols copper mine near Rhyd, N Wales. We found what I later discovered had been a 'trough' (apologies for my choice of terms) for a water wheel, and a blocked entrance with running water from what I presume was the mine.

I was using the survey that's held on this website to try and find the 'entrance' of the mine, I.e. where one would find their way into the underground portions of the mine. So far I have not been able to do this, and with the light fading we gave up 😞 I would like to know if there is such an entrance for this mine, or whether it is exclusively underground, with an entrance found at some other location? An OS grid for such an entrance would be delightful, else the knowledge that there is one would encourage me to keep searching.

Again, apologies for what must seem like an simple enquiry.

Thanks

Bryn

Hi Bryn, welcome to AditNow :)

The adit you found, did it look like this? 🔗85344[linkphoto]85344[/linkphoto][/link] (photo by DaveL)

If so that's the deep adit.

There is a another adit a bit higher up - not been for years, but if memory serves it was a fenced entrance just to the side of a track? Don't have an exact grid reference, sorry. There is a tight squeeze at the end of the adit, opening out into the level containing the flat rods.

Hopefully somebody can fill in a bit more info to help you find it.

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Pantywrach-Copper-Mine_2992/ 

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This isn't patronizing you its sound advice.
Start the way I did years ago with the slate mines, all you need is good boots, hard hat and reliable light plus spare lighting. See how you feel about it and then move onto more 'adventurous' exploring.

Catherine and Jane.
Please state preference and I will give exact locations


Deep Adit: Ochre literally up to your chin. (I can post a photo of me doing it after it had been drained a bit years ago if you don't believe me)

Ross's Engine Shaft: Single rope abseil (SRT) about, what was it 80 feet?

Middle Adit (Smithy Level) Not too bad or wet but leads to a collapse. The abseil gets you to the other side. There is a crawl if you can call it that through it, but its was the worst I have ever done and don't want to ever do it again.

Upper Adit: Leads to Engine Shaft and the abseil.

Again, not patronizing you but Smithy you would have found with a bit more mooching on surface, its rather obvious next to the path that ascends the site.

EDIT
Simon has beaten me to it, you can see what I mean from his picture.

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Look for a book (sorry no App.)
called
Old Copper Mines of Snowdonia
by David Bick.
This has plenty of information.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Copper%20Mines%20of%20Snowdonia 

Also old Ordnance Survey maps here
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/find/#zoom=5&lat=55.42267&lon=-3&layers=39  :smartass:

Thank you everyone who has replied :thumbsup:

SimonRL - That is indeed the adit that I found 🙂 Thank you for the additional description, those other mines look equally as interesting, it's a shame there aren't enough hours in a day it seems.

Royfellows - Thanks for all that information, I have walked through some of the local slate mines and have enjoyed them, it is the underground element that I am keen to explore though, adds another element to it I suppose 🙂

Do I understand it correctly, that this mine is split into three levels. The "Deep Adit" being the lowest one, which has the "portal" (or entrance, not sure what term is best used here) which is flooded and which I have already found. Ross's Engine Shaft being the means of abseiling into the mine, which provides access to all levels (?). Middle Adit and Upper Adit are more self explanatory I suppose 🙂

Would you have the grid reference/position for the Engine Shaft available? I fully intend to try and seek it out myself, as I feel like I'm cheating if I only use positions to gain entry to the mines 😞 But it would be nice to have when/if I get desperate 😉

Rufenig - Thanks for the link, I shall look at getting a copy of that book, regardless of it's practical use It sounds like interesting reading nonetheless :thumbup:

Again, thank you all :)

Bryn

Bryn I am not too well today and will get back to you on this, best abseil down engine shaft is from the top adit underground.

No proper belays from surface.

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Would you have the grid reference/position for the Engine Shaft available?

It's something like SH63114115.

To find it, follow the path west north-west past the ruined buildings until you see the remains of the engine house on your left. Turn right and ascend the tip on your left and you will come to the shaft.

Dave

Thanks for the continued replies :)

I have seen mentions in the forum about people using gas monitors when exploring mines, is this necessary on each visit, or only if there is a heightened risk of exposure to a gas or oxygen depletion? :confused:

(This ought to be the last of the brain picking) :-[

Thanks

Bryn

Could be a VERY long topic with many points of view!

Common sense can go a long way to keeping you safe (ish)

Rule 1 Stay out of Coal workings.
Long time open working probably fine, newly dug open are a risk.

The magic word with a gas monitor is " recently callibrated"

If you ask on here or PM someone you will usually get a specific answer!

Bryn, not far away are other interesting mines Bwlch y plwm, the deep adit can be done is waders and is an interesting stroll. Also Pantywrach, I reopened the upper adit some years ago which is above the minor road leading to the hotel. Below this road and just past the house on the left is deep adit, run in after a bit. Fallen tree partially blocks the entrance but the water isn't backed up too deep.

Also beyond Catherine and Jane is Hafod Boeth also worth a look.

Only thing about this is that your question about gas infers that you are new to the game. Please ensure that you have the basic equipment of hard hats and good reliable electric lamps, I mean proper ones not hand lamps, you need your hands free underground. Gloves a good idea as well.

Take care, if unsure turn back
We all had to start somewhere.

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Bryn

I sent you a personal message a couple of days ago, with info on C & J.

Graham

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Thanks everyone for the help, once I am home again I will attempt an outing/walk around and see what I can identify :)

Thank you Rufenig, Royfellows and Graham for the information, I believe now that I have grasped where the mine is located relative to where I was previously, looking forwards now to a few more trips! :thumbsup:

Bryn