The scars of the slate commerce stay etched on the edges of mountains – the gray a stark distinction to the plush inexperienced countryside
Tucked away beneath a slate-covered hillside lies “a working world frozen in time”, a sight seldom seen by many. On the top of its growth within the late nineteenth century, the Welsh slate business supplied jobs for almost 20,000 people.
Nevertheless, because the extra accessible slate reserves have been depleted and competitors from overseas slate and cheaper roofing supplies grew, the vast majority of quarries shut down. In the present day, the business persists in areas like Bethesda and Blaenau Ffestiniog, however the workforce has dwindled to mere a whole bunch as a substitute of hundreds.
The remnants of this once-thriving commerce are etched into the mountainsides, with gray scars standing out towards the verdant countryside.
But, hidden beneath these hills are the echoes of previous labour – the vestiges of a bygone period.
“It was just like the miners had simply downed instruments and left,” remarked Sarah Parker, who not too long ago launched into an exploration at Maenofferen in Blaenau Ffestiniog, stories North Wales Stay.
Mining operations on the web site commenced within the early 1800s, and all through the nineteenth century, the quarry thrived, increasing its attain underground and down the slopes in direction of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
By 1897, the mine boasted a workforce of over 400, almost half of whom laboured beneath the earth’s floor.
The slate extracted right here was transported by way of the Ffestiniog Railway to be used on roofs throughout Britain and past.
The quarry was acquired by the neighbouring Llechwedd quarry in 1975.
Subterranean operations at Maenofferen got here to an finish in November 1999, marking the conclusion of main underground slate extraction in north Wales. From famous person gigs to cosy pubs, discover out What’s On in Wales by signing as much as our publication right here.
Sarah Parker, who delights in discovering Wales’ pure and synthetic landscapes, recounted her expertise.
She defined: “Deep beneath the mountains of North Wales lies a world that few ever get to see. As you step contained in the outdated deserted slate mine, all the things adjustments – the air grows nonetheless, the sunshine disappears, and silence surrounds you.
“It is eerie, stunning, and genuinely unsettling. I would not advocate getting in until you are absolutely ready – it is unstable, darkish, and extremely harmful in elements. There are deep drops, crumbling flooring, and collapsed tunnels that make you realise how unpredictable these outdated locations will be.
“However for us, it was an unforgettable journey. With torches lighting the way in which, we handed rusting equipment, scattered instruments, and the stays of a working world frozen in time – just like the miners had simply downed instruments and left. Among the underground chambers are huge, towering and echoing like hidden cathedrals deep inside the earth.
“It is humbling. You are feeling the load of historical past throughout you – a glimpse into the lives of those that toiled in darkness.
“And a reminder of how shortly nature begins to take issues again.”
She emphasised that these places shouldn’t be handled casually and warned that such websites pose a number of hazards. Above floor, she additionally explored the slicing sheds the place a lot of the professional craftsmanship occurred.
Sarah remarked: “The deserted slate slicing sheds listed here are like one thing out of a movie set – rusted equipment nonetheless in place, decaying timber beams, and moss slowly reclaiming all the things.
“Wandering by means of the stays of the outdated slate works, you’ll be able to virtually hear the echoes of the previous – the clatter of slate being minimize, the grind of equipment, and the rhythm of arduous work that after powered this complete space.
“It is eerie, peaceable, and completely fascinating.
“Getting there entails a little bit of a climb by means of the quarry terrain, so respectable footwear and a superb sense of route are a should. The slate is sharp and unstable in elements, and as at all times with deserted industrial websites, it is important to remain cautious and respectful – the buildings are crumbling, and there are steep drops and hidden hazards all over the place.
“Nonetheless, for lovers of commercial historical past, city exploration, or simply dramatic, off-the-beaten-path locations, this can be a highly effective place to go to. Maenofferen is not simply an deserted quarry – it is a piece of Welsh heritage slowly being reclaimed by nature.”
