Dinorwig Slate Quarry — Attraction in Great Britain

This dramatic view brings together two Welsh icons. In the distance sits the country’s highest mountain, Snowdon, while the towering walls of slate in the foreground nod to an industry that has reshaped the landscape here over the centuries. This is the former Dinorwic quarry in the county of Gwynedd, once the second-largest slate quarry in the world after nearby Penrhyn. Slate was first extracted here by the Romans but the process really gathered steam during the industrial revolution, when it became known as the industry that ‘roofed the world’. At its height in the late 19th century, thousands of men were employed at Dinorwic and the Welsh slate industry as a whole extracted about 485,000 tonnes a year.

Slate quarrying chiselled its way into the landscape and communities grew up around it. But in 1969, Dinorwic closed, a victim of falling demand and cheaper imports. Now Dinorwic is home to the National Slate Museum of Wales, thanks in part to the efforts of the quarry’s former chief engineer, Hugh Richard Jones, who saved the 51ft (15.4m)-wide waterwheel and other equipment from being sold off. Welsh slate has a worldwide reputation for quality and was used in the construction of Westminster Hall in London, Copenhagen City Hall and the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, Australia. An important part of Welsh industrial and cultural heritage, this slate landscape has been nominated by the UK government for the UNESCO World...

What a superb place to visit for a walk, dog walk, climbing, hiking, photography and more!

Top suggestion: there are certainly some steep areas, slippery footing, uneven paths: consider walking boots and assessing whether you’re fit and able enough to make the most of this type of location. I’d hate for anyone to get stuck..!

First, please note that parking is difficult. You can park by the lake and hike up, or towards the middle where it gets busy all the way down the road. Be warned, on a nice weekend day, you will likely struggle if you arrive at popular times for daytime activities (ie 10:00-14:00)

There’s loads to see here, from Snowdonia behind to the old houses people stayed in when the place was built and used in the late 1700s and 1800s. You can be walking for 7/8 hours here and not see it all and that’s partly because there’s a lot of steep paths to hike to get to the top or bottom.

There’s something great to see on every path, and most paths are very clearly laid out (look at google earth to stay on track, if you have signal!)

I don’t believe there are toilets anywhere away from any cafes etc, so…you know…plan for that…!

This is a stunning place: bare but full of character; eerie but soulful; stark, but beautiful. It’s worth a visit by anyone able!

If this was helpful, give it a like so that...

Dinorwig Slate Quarry is an amazing place for hikes with stunning views. The extensive network of trails caters to all hiking levels, from easy walks to more challenging routes. The panoramic views are breathtaking, offering dramatic landscapes that stretch across Snowdonia.

One of the unique features of Dinorwig is the abundance of tunnels scattered throughout the site. Exploring these tunnels adds an element of mystery and adventure to your hike. Make sure to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes to navigate the rugged passages safely.

For those interested in tackling the more difficult routes, using Google Earth beforehand is highly recommended. It provides a better understanding of the quarry's layout, helping you plan your hike effectively and stay on track.

Overall, Dinorwig Slate Quarry is a phenomenal destination for hiking enthusiasts and adventure seekers, combining natural beauty, history, and a touch of exploration. Highly...