Wales What's Cwmorthin like these days?

mickledore

mickledore

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I fancy a trip back to Cwmorthin this weekend. It's been plenty of years since I last was there, and it wasn't the friendliest of places. The Welsh Nats were more than willing to put bricks through English windscreens as one of their milder "amusements". Is it safe enough to park there these days? Presumably it's the same old spot just outside the village - or so it seems from Google Earth. Then just walk up the old mine track into the dressing floors.
Also is the road to Stwlan dam open or is it hydo workers only? If there is a locked gate presumably it's a walk up there.

Has anyone been recently and have up to date info?
 
Hi Frank,

Cwmorthin is as beautiful as ever, have a look at this Google maps image of the top of the village:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.9898266,-3.962552,502m/data=!3m1!1e3

You will see the car park at the lower edge of the heap of slate waste, there is room for about ten cars to park. There has been talk of theft from cars parked there, but we haven't yet seen any evidence of it and go walking in the area often. From the car park walk up past the slate tip and onwards with the river to your left until you come to Cwmorthin lake, shortly after passing the row of derelict cottages. It is no longer safe to cross the bridge over the river lower down due to collapse of the base, but with local knowledge there is a way to access the area, and then to walk up through the quarry levels from where there are plenty of adits with easy access or views into them at least!

To the right of the lake there are some buildings, and a little further round you will find the (gated and locked) entrance to the mines, used by the "Go Below" company for their guided underground tours.

Follow the main track around the left of the lake to pass the remains of the old chapel on your left, then a bit further on the remains of the Plas or mansion, the mine manager's home as was.

Continue forward on the track and up the hill to the remains of level 9 of Rhosydd quarry, (http://www.penmorfa.com/Rhosydd/description.htm) where there is a lot more in the way of industrial remains in various states of decay, along with a very easy level entrance to one of the adits of the mine. A little further on you will find a fantastic view down Cwm Croesor to the village of Croesor, and an extremely long tramway down as the owners of Cwmorthin quarry would not allow the owners of Rhosydd quarry to carry their slate out in that direction. See this interesting article by Dave Sallery: http://www.penmorfa.com/Rhosydd/transport.htm

We no longer put bricks through windscreens as we can't be sure the English car doesn't belong to a Welshman, and no longer "keep the home fires burning" either :LOL::LOL::LOL:

Take care if you go, and enjoy. Bear in mind the weather is occasionally inclement in the area :D Could be good for a TP outing, I would be happy to put on a tour after Christmas - if anyone is interested reply to the thread.

David.
 
Thanks David. I've been out all night so will read that in more detail tomorrow.
Yes that's the parking spot I was thinking of. I used to be one of those climbers! Last time in there we went into the mines which are probably closed off now. We worked our way right through the mountain side and came out in a big cavern where the roof had caved in. Happy days.

A TP meet in there in January. That will sort the men from the sheep. Put my name down for it.

Many thanks for your help.
 
I've previously visited Cwmorthin a few times before. I've parked either at the car parking area on the left of the road going in, or by the side of the road and river here 52.987887, -3.963055, never experienced any problems.

Last time the bridge to the left was closed off, but it was easy to get around. Sounds as if it really is unsafe now, shame. I'm glad I spent time there before, shooting the photo below.

The Old Mine by Steve Bell, on Flickr

Until I viewed the map David posted the link for I never realised how much further on I had missed. I'd love to spend a few days in the area again, so would be interested in a meet.
 
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david357 said:
Could be good for a TP outing, I would be happy to put on a tour after Christmas - if anyone is interested reply to the thread.David.
Click to expand...

mickledore said:
A TP meet in there in January. That will sort the men from the sheep. Put my name down for it.Many thanks for your help.
Click to expand...

David, great informative post, I'd be interested in a meet, just have to be careful in January with days as have multiple family birthdays (including mine, hint Frank......), but later in the month after the 18th would be great.
 
steveb said:
I've previously visited Cwmorthin a few times before. I've parked either at the car parking area on the left of the road going in, or by the side of the road and river here 52.987887, -3.963055, never experienced any problems.

Last time the bridge to the left was closed off, but it was easy to get around. Sounds as if it really is unsafe now, shame. I'm glad I spent time there before, shooting the photo below.

The Old Mine by Steve Bell, on Flickr

Until I viewed the map David posted the link for I never realised how much further on I had missed. I'd love to spend a few days in the area again, so would be interested in a meet.
Click to expand...

Ahh but did you get the Pelton wheel running?

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rawd7ijLqRg


Definitely up for a meet.
 
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Any chance of sub tiltes?
Any clues as to where that is? Can't place the lake on the map unless it's the one close to the car park.
 
Sub titles no!
That is one of the little lakes on the left of the main track, just beyond the bridge that is now closed off.
 
OK. No subtitles. Can you translate?
Thought it must be close to the village with the state of the road.
That building looks in good nick. New build?
 
Sadly looks like steveb's picture now, roof fallen through and pelton wheel smashed
 
Dammit. Might make a better picture though.
We shall see tomorrow.....maybe!
 
Just got back. Boy was it cold. Supposedly minus 4, but in the sun no need for hat and gloves. Once the sun went behind the hill the temperatute plummeted. Glorious light, almost too good at times. Photos to be processed tomorrow.
Never got to the upper level. Spent too much time wandering round the lake and only reached the barracks/Mine Manager's house. There were innumerable (stag) parties going into the mines on organised trips. Mini buses all over the place. Quite a bit of ice on the track round the lake bacause it's all in shade. Spikes might be an idea for January. Especially as I finished on my sit upon rather unexpectedly; just the once!
Car was just fine except someone had left a doogy poo bag on the ground right next to where I parked. Guess what I put my foot in?
Never saw the pelton wheel building. Saw the bridge. Ughhh. That reminds me of the aerial walkway that used to be above Llanberis, and we know what happened to that. Looks like one good winter and the bridge will be gone. Never saw another way across.
Cafe served it's usual excellent bacon baps.

Seems to be enough takers for a meet so @david357 it's down to you to name the date.
@Mr Perceptive
@mickledore
@Alan Clogwyn
@steveb
@Sectionate

That's enough ain't it?
 
Glad you had a good day Frank, weather was great.
Enough names for a meet so I will suggest a date next week, late January or early February good for everyone?
 
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