We periodically run a short family-friendly evening trip to Cwmorthin Slate Mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog, where you can explore a part of the mine yourself to the light of a candle or a classic mining lamp of the period.
The area of the mine we use has remained completely untouched and unseen by the general public since 1920, and has not been sanitised or modernised in any way so that the experience remains absolutely true to the miners real working environment.
Exploring the tunnels and chambers just to the light of your own lamp is an extremely memorable and thought provoking experience. There are still tools on the shelves and tracks on the floor, why not have a go at splitting some slate or drilling a shot-hole yourself?
What's
involved on the trip?
We meet our visitors at the Tanygrisiau Lakeside Cafe for 6pm, where a professional guide will explain a little about the mine and the experience.
You will be issued a hard hat and lamp, and then you'll be taken up to the entrance of the mine by Land Rover (5 mins drive). You'll then be able to explore the mine in your own time and choose where you go. Your guide will be present in the mine to assist if required, and to show you how the slate was worked in the chambers. You can even have a go yourself if you like!
After around an hour, you will be taken back down to the Lakeside Cafe where a full evening meal will be served for your enjoyment (included in the price) before we part.
What is the minimum age to explore the mine?
The mine is suitable for anybody from about age four and upwards, but it's obviously dark and can be scary for small children so it is best that the adults judge the suitability for any young children that will be coming along.
Is it a safe experience? Can we get lost?
We like the mine exactly as the miners left it, so there are no smooth concrete floors or handrails. There are tracks, pipes, tools etc scattered about the mine so it is important that explorers watch their step and have their wits about them to avoid tripping up. Slate can be sharp, as can rusty old tools, so children do need to be supervised. This unsanitised presentation of the mine is a fundamental part of the experience - we don't want to spoil the environment by making it devoid of all possible hazards and we ask visitors to take this into account when deciding if it is suitable for them.
There are no drops or deep pools of water in the mine to fall into, and it is not sufficiently large that you could become lost. Your guide is also a professional qualified caving instructor and first aider. He/she will never be far away and will be able to assist quickly if required.
What do I need to wear/bring?
It's chilly in the mine so please dress warmly. There are puddles on the floor of the tunnels, which can also be a little muddy in places, so please wear good stout footwear. Wellingtons or hiking boots are ideal.
Prices
Adults (18+) cost £25 each, while youngsters (under 18) cost £18 each. This includes an evening meal at the Tanigrisiau Lakeside Cafe!
Pre-booking is essential as there are limited places available on these special trips.
Cwmorthin by Candle Schedule
Please see below for all running Cwmorthin by Candle trips!
