It's a place of great industrial importance, where slate was mined for over 200 years. But now this hidden gem in Wales might be closed off to the public.
Rising incidents of vandalism and littering have put the World Heritage Site at risk. The quarry has long been admired by visitors who marvel at the hard work that transformed this landscape near Eryri.
Unfortunately, the actions of some careless visitors have led to theft and littering, worrying those who value the site's history and beauty.
Shards of broken glass now litter the Anglesey Barracks at Dinorwig, a row of old quarry workers' houses that are a favourite spot for photography.
Iron ladders and chains, part of the challenging Snakes and Ladders route through the quarry, have been damaged by adventurers attempting the route.
An old mine railway, once left dangling by rockfalls, has continued to collapse as people climb onto it to take dramatic photos, reminiscent of an Indiana Jones film scene.
Empty bottles and beer cans are often cleared from an old machine house, one of the few buildings with its roof intact. Now home to wild goats, it’s another site impacted by littering. Regular visitors say they’re upset by the mess left behind.
Dinorwig Quarry, which opened in 1787, has over 30 galleries. Its dry stone walls, ruined buildings, terraced hillsides, and steep inclines create a unique atmosphere, almost like an abandoned Aztec city without the jungle.
The quarry has become a popular destination for those wanting to explore a different world. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it gained even more attention when it was used as a battlefield in HBO’s House of the Dragon.
Many areas of Dinorwig remain privately owned and are officially off-limits. Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, often called to help visitors in the area, recommends using qualified guides for safe exploration.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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