Miranda and I are planning a weekend in N. Wales in the near future, when we plan to go walking. However, it occurs to me that a ?Plan B? might be in order in the (extremely unlikely!!) event of inclement weather, and we?re wondering about mine exploration as our Plan B. We?ve both done a lot of caving and regard ourselves as competent cavers, but we?ve only really dabbled in mine exploration, so we?re wondering whether anyone could recommend any trips in N. Wesh mines as a wet-weather option?
N. wales mines
- Thread starter Fulk
- Start date
cavemanmike
Well-known member
We(Ucet) can take you anywhere you like
Cantclimbtom
Well-known member
At the time you posted your original message I was walking along and out the exit (no 4 adit) of Rhosydd 
Definitely wellies not walking boots.
It's a great bad weather option. However as ChrisJC mentions it is a walk to get there which yesterday was a bit sheltered from the wind, but in a different wind direction it could be the reverse!
Speaking to UCET is the best possible suggestion as they're local experts and seeing the work they do (e.g. CRTT) I continue to be astonished and grateful at just how generous and helpful they are
Edit: I probably should recommend CRTT, as others probably will, since you mentioned being experienced cavers. After a canoe stuck incident I would say only go if you are prepared to swim a chamber (worst case), take own rope, and have experience to ascend rope and deal with the unexpected, then that's always a brilliant trip
Definitely wellies not walking boots.It's a great bad weather option. However as ChrisJC mentions it is a walk to get there which yesterday was a bit sheltered from the wind, but in a different wind direction it could be the reverse!
Speaking to UCET is the best possible suggestion as they're local experts and seeing the work they do (e.g. CRTT) I continue to be astonished and grateful at just how generous and helpful they are
Edit: I probably should recommend CRTT, as others probably will, since you mentioned being experienced cavers. After a canoe stuck incident I would say only go if you are prepared to swim a chamber (worst case), take own rope, and have experience to ascend rope and deal with the unexpected, then that's always a brilliant trip
RobinGriffiths
Well-known member
Bwlch y Plwm would be the obvious wet weather option. 1 minute from car to adit. The bottom adit is reasonably long, and a couple of cowstails will get you up via fixed rope to the middle adit. The through trip from the top would require SRT, but you could hapilly pass an hour or two without doing that.
Also worth a prod nearby is Pant y Wrach.
Robin
Also worth a prod nearby is Pant y Wrach.
Robin
Ian Adams
Active member
Any of the slate mines in Blaenau Ffestiniog are good (Cwmorthin if you get the key, Rhosydd if you do the walk up, Wrysgan if you are ok with a less than massive mine)
Parc Mine in Betws Y Coed is open (under CAL) and is easy and extensive.
Bwlch y Plwm (already mentoned)
Poacher?s cave if you are near Mold
There are loads on the UCET Forum knowledge bank here;
http://www.ucet.org.uk/index.php?option=com_kunena&view=category&catid=21&Itemid=191
We are having problems with the forum at the moment, sorry
List of easy access stuff on the CAL site here;
http://www.caveaccess.co.uk/
If I can help further, drop me a message here (or email secretary@ucet.org.uk) and we?ll sort you out.
Ian Adams
Parc Mine in Betws Y Coed is open (under CAL) and is easy and extensive.
Bwlch y Plwm (already mentoned)
Poacher?s cave if you are near Mold
There are loads on the UCET Forum knowledge bank here;
http://www.ucet.org.uk/index.php?option=com_kunena&view=category&catid=21&Itemid=191
We are having problems with the forum at the moment, sorry
List of easy access stuff on the CAL site here;
http://www.caveaccess.co.uk/
If I can help further, drop me a message here (or email secretary@ucet.org.uk) and we?ll sort you out.
Ian Adams
tomferry
Well-known member
The current condition of parc I would suggest caution especially on level 2 , at the first T junction clip in cow tails the floor looks solid it?s cement and straw, as Chris has stated it?s a 50m drop into the stopes of level 3 then a big slide , for your first mine possibly not the best place in my honest opinion , definitely message Dave Tyson for any current updates as the hand lines go missing we did take some hardwood wooden platforms up and left in some of the areas of caution , my advice if you go stick to the footwall .
cavemanmike
Well-known member
Milwr Tunnel
Paul Marvin
Member
Fulk said:
No brainer Maenofferen is the dogs doodahs
Paul Marvin
Member
These are brilliant for wet walks to mines
https://www.screwfix.com/p/hooded-2-piece-rain-suit-green-medium-52-chest/643fh
https://www.screwfix.com/p/hooded-2-piece-rain-suit-green-medium-52-chest/643fh
Cantclimbtom
Well-known member
was admiring the platforms earlier today, and the amazingly good condition safety line at the junction. Thanks Tom, Chris, others. Appreciate your hard work!!Tomferry said:
Stuart France
Active member
alex17595 said:
Please don't go to this mine during the winter months because it is a very significant site for hiberbating bats. The CAL access agreement with NRW here is for the summer only please.
