The men who moved mountains
Covering more than 700 acres, Dinorwic was one of the largest slate quarries in the world, second only to the neighbouring Penrhyn in size. At its height in the late 19th century, it employed 3000 men who produced 100,000 tons of slate per year. It consisted of two main quarry sections with 20 galleries (or levels) in each, and various secondary works. All were connected by internal tramways that used inclines (steeply graded railways that employed cables or ropes to haul wagons) to transport the slate between galleries. One of these inclines has now been restored to pristine working condition. Since 1972 Dinorwic has been home to the National Slate Museum, Llanberis.
The Vivian Slate Quarry, originally a part of Dinorwic, was closed in 1958 and quickly flooded. It is now home to a rock-climbing and diving centre, but visitors today may still see the huts or gwaliau (literally ‘lairs’) where blocks of slate were split and dressed.
Another site of interest is the old Quarry Hospital, built in 1860 to offer quarrymen medical care. Now open to the public, it features a display of the innovative equipment used there, including amputation tools and an X-ray machine.
In 2011 the Slate Industry of North Wales was successfully included on the UK Tentative list (short list) of 11 potential sites for UNESCO World Heritage Site status – the only site in Wales. The nomination is currently being developed and the process is likely to take between 4 and 10 years to complete.
Free Entry
Turn off A4086 in Llanberis into the Padarn Country Park for Quarry Hospital and Vivian Quarry
Bangor Station - 8 miles
Nearest bus stop is between Electric Mountain and Snowdon Mountain Railway
There is a cycle track along the old railway on the south-west side of Llyn Padarn
Path through Dinorwic Quarry off A4086 east of Llanberis at end of Llyn Peris and just before Nant Peris
The Quarry Hospital is reached by a number of steps, but arrangements can be made for vehicular access.
Full Figure Grid Reference: Vivian Quarry SH 586604, Quarry Hospital SH 583606, Dinorwic Quarry SH 595603 OS Landranger map sheet: 115