1. The History
See previous report for a pretty extensive history of the place HERE. The main up-date is that the site as of 28th July, 2021 now comes under the UNESCO heritage status granted to “The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales”. It details six specific areas and Maenofferen is included in the fifth location defined as “Ffestiniog: its Slate Mines and Quarries, ‘city of slates and Railway to Porthmadog”. How this will play out in terms of access etc remains to be seen. More info HERE
2. The Explore
Second time up at this legendary and magical location. First visit was a year ago in the worst weather you could ever imagine. This time it was the polar-opposite; bright blue skies, sunshine and really warm. Nothing like contrast in climatic conditions to make revisits more interesting. So not having to worry about getting the camera wet and whether I have enough light meant I could really soak up the location. Nothing major has changed in a year, although as mentioned above, the area is now under UNESCO listing.
Like my previous visit, didn’t see a soul. It’s a still climb up to the mine but the views (in beautiful weather) are amazing. I ventured into the mine but didn’t go far. It’s difficult when you are on your own and faced with such a large and extensive mine. Hence, I erred on the side of caution and concentrated on the external slate processing remains. For the lowdown on the mine itself, see @urbanchemist and his excellent report from last Summer. See HERE
3. The Photographs
The report is picture heavy again I’m afraid, down to the ability to take more externals without getting soaked this time!
On the way up…
Some mine staff buildings:
And here they are:
The dressing mills in their full glory:
Roof details:
Inside the vast dressing mill:
Lonely is the wheelbarrow:
One of the many dressing machines:
And another:
And another:
Two massive gear wheels:
And one of the many pulley wheels:
Cutting lathe:
The waste slate conveyor belt, mill 3:
Compressor, and compressed air cylinder, Mill 2:
More machinery:
Double compressor?
Back of the dressing mills:
And gable end shot:
On to the adjoining smaller ensemble of buildings. Here’s the storeroom building:
Remnants of a small winch:
Then on to the electricity sub-station:
See previous report for a pretty extensive history of the place HERE. The main up-date is that the site as of 28th July, 2021 now comes under the UNESCO heritage status granted to “The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales”. It details six specific areas and Maenofferen is included in the fifth location defined as “Ffestiniog: its Slate Mines and Quarries, ‘city of slates and Railway to Porthmadog”. How this will play out in terms of access etc remains to be seen. More info HERE
2. The Explore
Second time up at this legendary and magical location. First visit was a year ago in the worst weather you could ever imagine. This time it was the polar-opposite; bright blue skies, sunshine and really warm. Nothing like contrast in climatic conditions to make revisits more interesting. So not having to worry about getting the camera wet and whether I have enough light meant I could really soak up the location. Nothing major has changed in a year, although as mentioned above, the area is now under UNESCO listing.
Like my previous visit, didn’t see a soul. It’s a still climb up to the mine but the views (in beautiful weather) are amazing. I ventured into the mine but didn’t go far. It’s difficult when you are on your own and faced with such a large and extensive mine. Hence, I erred on the side of caution and concentrated on the external slate processing remains. For the lowdown on the mine itself, see @urbanchemist and his excellent report from last Summer. See HERE
3. The Photographs
The report is picture heavy again I’m afraid, down to the ability to take more externals without getting soaked this time!
On the way up…
Some mine staff buildings:
And here they are:
The dressing mills in their full glory:
Roof details:
Inside the vast dressing mill:
Lonely is the wheelbarrow:
One of the many dressing machines:
And another:
And another:
Two massive gear wheels:
And one of the many pulley wheels:
Cutting lathe:
The waste slate conveyor belt, mill 3:
Compressor, and compressed air cylinder, Mill 2:
More machinery:
Double compressor?
Back of the dressing mills:
And gable end shot:
On to the adjoining smaller ensemble of buildings. Here’s the storeroom building:
Remnants of a small winch:
Then on to the electricity sub-station:
