Dinowric quarry, a slate mine in Snowdonia, was operational between 1787 and 1969. It was the second largest slate quarry in the world and at its peak employed over 3000 men. The slate tiles were exported all over the UK, across Europe and North America, making up 5% of the worlds output. There were over 30 galleries each linked to a rubble tip.

Walking through the quarry you get glimpses into the past, with the ruined remains of buildings and industrial machinery. You can see the old railway tracks, etched on the landscape. The work was hard and fraught with danger. Some men lost their lives, or suffered life changing injuries as a result of accidents working in the quarry. A wander to Anglesey Barracks highlights the living conditions at the time for the men working here who travelled from Anglesey, as the buildings are well preserved and very small.

Even now care must be taken when exploring the quarry, but it is an interesting historical location and the slate looks majestic in the sunlight. In this image you can see some of the Snowden Massif, with a dusting of snow. Dinorwic is set in a truly beautiful location.

Landscapes