Miners’ Tramway and Deep Mine Tours
The sheer scale of the slate mining industry in Wales is brought vividly to life at the Llechwedd Slate Caverns above Blaenau Ffestiniog. In operation from 1848, Llechwedd propelled slate-production into the technological age with the adoption of improved mechanical slate-cutting saws c.1851. In the 1920s the internal railways through the Caverns became powered by electricity.
Llechwedd was one of several quarries owned by John Greaves. He was also involved in the Ffestiniog Railway which transported the slate to the quayside at Porthmadog, where Llechwedd leased a private quay from 1853 onwards. From there the slate was shipped all over the world, proving particularly popular in Germany.
Llechwedd has recently undergone a makeover to improve its main attractions. The Deep Mine sound and light tour descends nearly 500 feet by funicular (cable) railway, the steepest passenger railway in Britain. Once underground, visitors are guided through through a half a mile of tunnels and 10 underground chambers, all hewn by hand, before emerging at a beautiful underground lake.
Few places can match the sheer magnificence of Llechwedd and its 25 miles of tunnels and caverns. Still in operation as a slate quarry (now opencast), it is one of the most popular attractions in Wales.
January-March - Open Wednesdays-Sundays only
March - December - Open 7 days a week 9.30-5.30
Signposted from Blaenau Ffestiniog by Brown and White signs
Check bus timetables on Gwynedd Council website