History
The Garreg Fawr Ironstone and Copper Mines produced 3,500 tons in 1919 but it closed in 1920. The remains include extensive areas of mine shafts, adits and stope working running along the course of the vein from the lower valley and right up the mountainside to a woodland plantation. There are associated trial levels, some surviving mine buildings and the remains of the aerial ropeway footings which cross over the mountain to the north-east and Llanberis beyond. 'Old quarries' are depicted on earlier editions of Ordnance Survey County series (Caernarfon. XVI.15 1889, 1900). On the third edition dated 1914, mine and transport features are shown.
Source: David Gwyn & Merfyn Williams (1996) `A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of North West Wales?. Association for Industrial Archaeology.
A group of us had attempted this one a few years back but gave up half way after torrential rain & wind got the better of us.
A chance working holiday which allowed Riddlers to stay at mine for a week and amazing weather conditions this time around we decided to go and check it out.
Often over looked for the bigger underground stuff in the area we was more than happy with our evenings choice of explore , hit this one at the right time of year on a summer evening and it's extremely rewarding.
The Garreg Fawr Ironstone and Copper Mines produced 3,500 tons in 1919 but it closed in 1920. The remains include extensive areas of mine shafts, adits and stope working running along the course of the vein from the lower valley and right up the mountainside to a woodland plantation. There are associated trial levels, some surviving mine buildings and the remains of the aerial ropeway footings which cross over the mountain to the north-east and Llanberis beyond. 'Old quarries' are depicted on earlier editions of Ordnance Survey County series (Caernarfon. XVI.15 1889, 1900). On the third edition dated 1914, mine and transport features are shown.
Source: David Gwyn & Merfyn Williams (1996) `A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of North West Wales?. Association for Industrial Archaeology.
A group of us had attempted this one a few years back but gave up half way after torrential rain & wind got the better of us.
A chance working holiday which allowed Riddlers to stay at mine for a week and amazing weather conditions this time around we decided to go and check it out.
Often over looked for the bigger underground stuff in the area we was more than happy with our evenings choice of explore , hit this one at the right time of year on a summer evening and it's extremely rewarding.
