I popped my head in a mine near Ysbyty Ifan over the weekend ... it is on the B4407 and by the T junction to Bala and Ffestiniog.

I have had a peep before and understood it to be quite small with only two chambers even though it looks big from the outside.


[photo]107154[/photo]


When I looked properly, there was a flooded passage in the back corner that seems to travel for a long way. It is around 1-2 feet deep and about 15 feet wide (sorry the photo os crap)


[photo]107155[/photo]


I wasn't kitted out to take on the water (I was on a surface trip with others) so I didn't wade in. However, I could see that the water level had been "constant" forever (the calcite tidemark is a big giveaway) even though it was taking significant water whilst I was stood there (and it was mid-summer). In winter the inflow of water would be much more substantive (and, still, the level is unchanged).

It occurred to me that this means the water is escaping the mine elsewhere as fast as it takes it in.

That, in turn, suggested to me that I "ought" to be able to see an outflow of water on the otherside....

The surface trip took us around the other side (with fantastic views) but I could see absolutely no evidence of escaping water or another entrance/exit.

Does anyone know how many more chambers there are along the flooded tunnel (or how big the mine is) and where the water is getting out?

(Sorry I don't know the name of the mine)

Thanks !

:)


Ian

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That sound like Foel Gron to me Ian:

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Foel-Gron-Slate-Mine_528/ 

Been 11 years (!) since I was there, but I remember going down a tip to the water, then heading left through that flooded tunnel. There was at least one more chamber:

🔗547[linkphoto]547[/linkphoto][/link]

Can't remember much beyond that I'm afraid.

Also worth looking at in the area is Croes y Ddwy Afon - not massive underground by any means, but worth a look.

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Croes-Y-Ddwy-Afon-Slate-Mine_1028/ 

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Thanks Simon,

Yes, we could see that mine from our position above Foel Gron? - even saw the water and wondered if it was the same water leaving the mine we were stood on but I thought it was a stretch too far.

... At least one more chamber? So, possibly more then?

And where is the water leaving the mine?

:confused:

Ian

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That sound like Foel Gron to me Ian:

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Foel-Gron-Slate-Mine_528/ 

Did we have a brief trip there when the lake was frozen and the reeds had a curious habit of exploding without much warning? :offtopic:

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That sound like Foel Gron to me Ian:

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Foel-Gron-Slate-Mine_528/ 

Been 11 years (!) since I was there, but I remember going down a tip to the water, then heading left through that flooded tunnel.

Ah yes, I was indeed there:

🔗541[linkphoto]541[/linkphoto][/link]

I seem to recall you telling me to go forth and multiply - quite forcefully - because I was dry and you'd got wet up to something tender? :lol:

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That sound like Foel Gron to me Ian:

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Foel-Gron-Slate-Mine_528/ 

Did we have a brief trip there when the lake was frozen and the reeds had a curious habit of exploding without much warning? :offtopic:

Nowt wrong with your memory, despite your advancing years....

It was a rather strange phenomenon I have to admit.

That guy got really angry didn't he?

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I thought he was quite bold to be honest;D