To save starting another new CRTT thread I thought I'd revive this one. A team of 5 passed through the trip yesterday and I have the following observations.
Note that I don't go anywhere near saying anything is safe!
1st Abseil - a bit stiff but rigged okay and no issues seen.
2nd Abseil - 2 ropes are rigged here. The 10.5mm Beal is the one we used and we had no issues. The other rope is in a poor condition and now we know it is not needed, it should really be removed.
Rope Tyrolean - 2 tight lines that are just tight enough that when attached to both with very short pulley lanyards, you'll just stay dry. If using cowstails only you'll knacker the rope. Get a pulley. Heavy people advised to tow bags on separate krab or get a wet bum. We didn't die but this rope will only become weaker with more use or tension.
Ladder Bridge - We didn't die.
1st Timber Bridge - We didn't die.
Zip - This cable has been crossed too many times without pulleys and worn away to the point it has frayed, a 'birdcage' I think it's called. Use would be suicidal. The anchors seem okay but the anchor strops are only 6mm wire with very few clamps. Again, use would be very unwise. The bypass traverse is strenuous and could be improved. A pulley on the wire greatly aids moving round the corner. We didn't die.
2nd Timber Bridge - Cable postman's walk on left side didn't kill us. Use of pulley on long lanyard recommended as well as cowstail on rope. Awkward changeover in the middle, don't drop the pulley! We didn't die.
3rd Abseil to Boat - Rope appeared fine but very much exact length, no spare to lock off at water level. We didn't die.
Boat - Fine and not sinking. Pull ropes attached and working fine.
Rope Ascent - The back of the knot on the white/blue line was worn to the core. We had nothing to replace it with but it can be reached safely from Rhosydd end. I'd use it tomorrow but after a few more trips, it'll be dangerous. We didn't die.
Structurally, the first half of Croesor is horrific, the rest is standard old slate mine. Rhosydd is much the same, generally okay but lots of tip/fall to negotiate on way to the incline.
I'm not saying it's safe but we didn't die yesterday. Frankly, I can see this mine killing someone some day but I'm not sure it'll be the rigging.
Not seen the sun for months. Now evolving to see in the dark.