north Wales suggestions?

[Getwet]

I am in the North wales area(Anglsea/Snowden area) next week, mainly Kitesurfing and cycling (with the good lady) but I was thinking that a trip underground should be worked in to make the trip worthwhile!

Any suggestions??, preferably easy to find and not too demanding as I would be solo

Thanks

 

[SamT]

croesor or rhosydd is not too far from where you are - just inland from Portmadoc (between Tremadoc and Blaenau Festiniog as the crow flies)

I dont suggest you do the through trip as a solo. Especially if its the first time, but Croesor may be OK for a wander in along the main adit - up the incline - to gaze in awe over the vast flooded chambers.

I've spent an afternoon wandering around Parys Copper mines/opencast workings on Anglesey. Its a vaguely interesting way to spend an afternoon, they have a 'trail' with notice boards/info/old photos and the odd dynamo powered spiel type thing,  but getting underground there would be much better. I happened across the locked gated entrance to what must be the main way into the accessible workings.
check out http://www.parysmountain.co.uk/

Other than that, not sure.

MWH on this site may have some suggestions.

 

[Hatstand]

croesor or rhosydd is not too far from where you are - just inland from Portmadoc (between Tremadoc and Blaenau Festiniog as the crow flies)

Or even Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog... tut! 

Cwmorthin is the classic in the area I would suggest. Despite being buggered about with in recent times it remains a true gem.

"Friends of Cwmorthin" administer the access.

 

[RobinGriffiths]

Bwlch-y-plwm near Llanfrothen is my favourite. You can explore the bottom adit level (I surveyed it about 10years ago) http://www.aditnow.co.uk/documents/Bwlch-y-Plwm-Lead-Mine/BwlchYPlwmSurvey.pdf, or do a pull through from top to bottom (not certain about the state of the hangers), the largest inclined 'pitch' being about 30m.

Prince Edwards Mine (Bwlch y Lle) near Trawsfynydd is also a mine I remember with affection, it's quite a walk in through remote territory. There's a huge boulder containing pyrites near the entrance. http://www.aditnow.co.uk/documents/Prince-Edward-Gold-Mine/PrinceEdwardSurvey.pdf

Then of course there is the Gwydyr Lead Mine area. You can spend a happy few days just looking around the surface workings. The nearby Cae Coch Sulphur (Pyrites) mine is well worth a visit, and is easily solo-able.


Robin

 

[SamT]

:-[

and to think I'm a quarter welsh. Me Grandma will be spinning.

 

[ChrisJC]

Or even Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog... tut! 

Only Porthmadog since 1974, it was called Portmadoc before then! (bloody PC crowd rewriting history) And the good old FR calls itself the Festiniog Railway by Act of Parliament....  :tease: (see you tomorrow BTW!)

And back on topic, I would recommend Cwmorthin, getting the access code from Friends of Cwmorthin.
And if feeling adventurous, one could try the Rhosydd through trip, in the 9 adit, up the backfilled chambers to the right hand side of the incline, then climb out the left hand side of the Twll. You could also find your way to the Croesor link and as SamT says, admire the huge underground lake. Note you can't see any water if you enter Croesor from the Croesor side as the first chamber is just full of boulders.

Or if you want proper caving, you can visit Ogof Hen Fynhonnau (Poachers) or Ogof Hesp Alyn. Both have a ladder pitch at the entrance, but after that are great fun. Poachers is probably better as it has a lovely underground streamway.

Chris.

 

[Hatstand]

Or even Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog... tut! 

Only Porthmadog since 1974, it was called Portmadoc before then!

Is it 1974? No!  :tease:

And the good old FR calls itself the Festiniog Railway by Act of Parliament....  :tease:

Er, and we were talking about the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, not the world famous Festiniog Railway  :tease:

Note you can't see any water if you enter Croesor from the Croesor side as the first chamber is just full of boulders.

Whilst we're being pedantic, unless the mine has miraculously drained itself, you will see plenty of water in Croesor in the flooded incline and the chambers on the right... 

 

[SamT]

Note you can't see any water if you enter Croesor from the Croesor side as the first chamber is just full of boulders.

Whilst we're being pedantic, unless the mine has miraculously drained itself, you will see plenty of water in Croesor in the flooded incline and the chambers on the right... 

Thats what I was about to say!!  8)

 

[ChrisJC]

Note you can't see any water if you enter Croesor from the Croesor side as the first chamber is just full of boulders.

Whilst we're being pedantic, unless the mine has miraculously drained itself, you will see plenty of water in Croesor in the flooded incline and the chambers on the right... 

Thats what I was about to say!!   8)

Oh yes, I forgot that  :-[ It's been a while!

Chris.

 

[Ian Adams]

Depends on whether you are looking for a cave or a mine. There are some good caves a little further north (Poachers Cave, Hesp Alyn (OHA) etc.) and, of course, many good mines to explorer (Cwmorthin being a super example as well as Croesor and Rhosydd).

There is a knowledge bank of around 60-70 North Wales caves and mines with locations, descriptions and photos etc. at this link for you to have a nosey at .... you mind find one you fancy 

http://www.forum.ucet.org.uk/knowledge-bank-f19/knowledge-bank-f19.htm

Enjoy !

Ian

 

[RobinGriffiths]

Hi Ian,

Been to the UCET website once or twice, but have only seen the knowledge bank following your post. Very interesting, quite a few places I wasn't aware of.


Cheers,


Robin

 

[Getwet]

Many thaks for all the information.

I ended up with a visit to Cwmorthin. Fantastic, although due to time constraints and a non caving wife who decided to join me underground, We only saw a tiny bit of what there, but highly recommended. My wife even enjojoyed the trip once she got used to the fact it was dark in there!!!

Thanks to the people from Friends of Cwmorthin for the access code etc.