Cwmorthin and the Slate Mountains
4 people attending
8 places left
Cwmorthin has a tranquil charm with its abandoned buildings and beautiful lake all sitting in a slate-lined mountain bowl. Less well known than the Dinorwig quarry at Llanberis, it’s the perfect place to get some atmospheric photos. Further up on the mountains vast areas of abandoned structures are a reminder of the sweat and toil that industrial Wales endured. You will see evidence of the tramways, inclines, mills and machinery. We start out in Tanygrisiau where workers’ vernacular settlements, schools and meeting-places are examples of a traditional way of life.
The trail eases through the mountains, rising in stages with an excursion to the summit of Meol-yr-Hydd (648m) if conditions are suitable. Mostly good underfoot on well defined trails with one or two steeper slopes which we will take gently.
The slate mine landscape of North Wales was recently awarded UNESCO world heritage status. It is huge in scale, comprising stepped hillside workings, deep pits and cavernous underground chambers, massive cascading tips, ingenious water systems, and a range of industrial buildings some of which still survives. Of all the slate that was mined, only 10% was good enough to use. The remainder will rest for millennia covering the mountain sides along this walk. Slate contributed to rapid global urbanization and influenced building styles. From 1780 to 1940 this industry dominated world production of roofing slates, transforming both the environment and the communities who lived and worked here. Innovative transport systems linked quarries and processing sites with harbours and main-line railways. The narrow-gauge railway systems were adopted globally too.
NB If the weather is unsuitable for this higher level walk, an alternative walk around the route taken by Festiniog steam railway will be substituted, starting at the same time and location. In case of persistent heavy rain being forecast, the event may be cancelled. In this case a message will be sent out prior to 20:00 hours the previous evening.
All photos on this page by Andy Martin event leader.
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but please note the following:
This route passes through areas with livestock. Your dog needs to be well behaved or on a short lead.
Please also appreciate the fact that not everyone is a dog owner or lover- especially when we stop to eat
If your dog is uncontrolled, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour
We cannot guarantee that this route is dog friendly - there may be styles to carry your dog across.
Your dog needs to have the stamina to keep up with the group.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
Please study the kit list carefully for this walk. Persons indequately equipped may be asked to drop out.
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support are essential on this walk
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: optional but they take the strain off your knees going downhill
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold if it rains, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry. If its warm, shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: the weather can change suddenly here so this is essential, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: look after your eyes!
Sun cream: If you have sensitive skin - UV levels can be higher on mountains
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: a packed lunch is essential on this walk
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, etc
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
Please make sure you have a decent packed lunch with you, and plenty of water. Please don't rely on the cafe at the start for provisions, and once we set off there are no other facilities.