Penmaen diorite quarry was opened around 1830 as a source of granite setts. Initially most of the output was taken down inclines to a dedicated wharf for onward transport. In 1848 the mainline railway reached the town and a new loading area was constructed for rail transport. By this time the quarry had also incorporated the earlier Graiglwyd Quarry. During the 1880s an increased demand for railway ballast saw production increase. In 1911 the quarry company was merged with the Trefor company to give Penmaenmawr & Welsh Granite Company.
Still in operation today (owned by Hanson Aggregates) with most output, going by road now, for use in roadmaking. Other current uses for the stone are for sea defence. The Craiglwyd workings were 'landscaped' and though there is workable stone there a licence is unlikley to be granted for renewed quarrying in that area (not that one is being sought).
There are plans to extend the current quarry to the west giving it a significant reserve for many years.
There is enough to see around the quarry to occupy several full days visits (preferably with breaks as it's a long hard slog to the top) and it's not easy to reduce the number of photos. I have excluded the inclines and Western workings completely.
Locomotive shed and workshop
Crusher house and modern scrap
Across the macadam plant to Graiglwyd
Graiglwyd levels with Foel Lus and the Jubillee path top-centre
Substation
Crusher house
Loading station
The large stones are destined for sea defences
Most people see this from the opposite side
Still in operation today (owned by Hanson Aggregates) with most output, going by road now, for use in roadmaking. Other current uses for the stone are for sea defence. The Craiglwyd workings were 'landscaped' and though there is workable stone there a licence is unlikley to be granted for renewed quarrying in that area (not that one is being sought).
There are plans to extend the current quarry to the west giving it a significant reserve for many years.
There is enough to see around the quarry to occupy several full days visits (preferably with breaks as it's a long hard slog to the top) and it's not easy to reduce the number of photos. I have excluded the inclines and Western workings completely.
Locomotive shed and workshop
Crusher house and modern scrap
Across the macadam plant to Graiglwyd
Graiglwyd levels with Foel Lus and the Jubillee path top-centre
Substation
Crusher house
Loading station
The large stones are destined for sea defences
Most people see this from the opposite side
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