Go Below Essential Information
What are your opening times?
We run underground adventure trips all year round and our phone lines are open 7 days a week, 364 days a year between 8am-8pm. The experience generally takes between 4.5 and 6 hours, depending on the type of trip undertaken, the group size and any special requirements. This is the whole time you are with us and includes kitting up, driving and walking to and from the mine. Our start times are usually 11am or 12 noon but they do vary so please phone us to find out the current times or check the Online Calendar. For private groups trips we start at a time to suit you.
What is an Underground Adventure Trip?
We take people underground to explore the abandoned mines of Snowdonia resting silently in the darkness just as the miners left them. We go on an adventurous journey through the mine encountering forgotten deep blue lakes, lofty caverns and ancient mining .
Our adventure trips range from a fun sporting experience which involve participating in a series of exciting underground challenges such as abseiling, zip lining, scrambling, boating and climbing. Right up to a supremely physically demanding and mentally intense test of nerves involving traversing, catwalks, and a series of exposed abseils taking you to the deepest point in Snowdonia! No squeezing through small gaps, no experience necessary, activities can be bypassed if preferred and all equipment including Wellies are provided.
Do you run other types of underground trip?
Yes. We provide other trips periodically (or as requested) including full day multiple-mine adventures, short taster trips, evening trips, photography-specific trips, underground treasure hunts, bespoke trips, mine guiding trips, mine introduction trips and cater for special events. We also run historical 'Discovery' trips which are focused exclusively on the industrial history, which are informative rather than sporty and include seeing fascinating artefacts and demonstrations on mine workings. We can also tweak the content of our standard adventure trips to suit. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Do you have a minimum age for your trips?
For our Underground Challenge trip we recommend 10 years old as a minimum age due to the challenging nature of the obstacles and environment. (We can take younger children by prior arrangement. ) For this reason we also request that children aged 16 and under are accompanied by a responsible adult.
For our Challenge Xtreme trip we recommend a minimum age of 16 due to the very challenging environment and high degree of self-responsibility that is afforded to participants. (We can take younger children by prior arrangement.)
Do you cater for groups?
Yes. We cater for School groups, Scouts, Guides and Cadets, Military, Stag and Hen parties, Corporate Team Building, Celebrations, groups of friends and/or family etc. If your group consists of 10 or more participants we can offer you a private trip and from this number upwards we also offer an attractive tiered discount system. We can take groups of up to 35 people if necessary.
Is it like Potholing and will I have to squeeze through tiny holes?
No. Mines were built for people to get around in (unlike caves) so you will not have to squeeze through small gaps. There may be the odd duck under a low obstacle and some stooping in the tunnels but that's it.
Is it like Caving?
In many respects our adventure trip is very similar to Caving, apart from the fact that we explore old disused Mines instead and it’s generally less wet with no squeezing through tight spaces.
Is it like going around a show mine?
No. The mines we lead trips around are just as the miners left them. There are no mains lights, safety barriers or smooth concrete floors. They are true abandoned mines where the only light will come from the lamp on your helmet! Plus the fact that we lead small groups and rig up most of the roped activities as we go, makes the experience all the more personal, exciting and unique.
Are you affected by the weather?
No, our trips run in all weathers, except on very rare occasions. Mines are man-made and not affected by flooding in the same way caves can be which makes this a great all weather activity. However, in very severe weather (e.g. flooding, heavy snow/ice or storm winds) our trips may not run due to the outdoor walk to and from the mine.
Is it safe?
There is an element of risk involved in all outdoor adventure activities, but rest assured that all the mines we use are inspected for safety, our kit and equipment is regularly checked and our guides are fully qualified and hold emergency first aid certificates. Please read our Safety Factsheet for further information.
I’m claustrophobic!
Mine exploring is different from caving or potholing as there is no squeezing through small gaps involved. Most of the mines have huge cavernous spaces but all mines have tunnels which are usually spacious but can require some stooping.
I'm scared of heights!
In our Underground Challenge adventure your feet don't leave the ground until you participate in the activities, namely the abseil and zip line (The water fall climb is not vertical). You are welcome to observe others taking part and decide on the spot whether or not you wish to give it a go. You are able to bypass these activities if you want to, as there is always another way around. Our Challenge Xtreme trip is not suitable for those scared of heights.
I'm still not sure!
Our experienced guides will give you all the support and encouragement you need if you feel uncomfortable underground. You won’t be forced to do anything you don’t want to and the more daring activities on our Underground Challenge trip can be bypassed.
Which mine do we visit?
We visit a number of local mines, both Slate and Metal. All of them are extremely interesting and have their own unique features and we could never pick a favourite! The Underground Challenge Trip and the Challenge Xtreme trip take place in different mines.
If we meet at the Conwy Falls Cafe, how do we get to the mine?
Our kit room is next to the Cafe and this is where we get kitted up and have our briefing. From there we drive to the mine we're visiting. You can follow the trip leaders in your own car in convoy, or if you like (and most people choose to) you are welcome to ride in one of our Land Rovers. If you do, please bear in mind this is an informal free-of-charge lift.
Read more about our vehicles >
What is the drive/walk to the mine like?
Stunning! The opportunity to appreciate Snowdonia’s natural beauty; forests, lakes, rivers and quite often far reaching views, is a bonus to our trips. Most of the walks involve a bit of ascent/decent and vary in length.
Is there much walking involved?
Once we've parked up, we need to walk outdoors to the actual mine entrance. The length of the walk depends on which mine we are visiting but they can be up to 25 mins and sometimes up a steep path. Be assured that there will be plenty of fantastic Snowdonia natural beauty and quite often far reaching views to appreciate along the way. There is a fair amount of walking in the mine too, but there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for a break, to take photo's or to eat and drink. Our walking pace throughout the day is relaxed.
How wet will I get?
This depends on the weather. Unless we’ve had pro-longed heavy rain you shouldn't get wet at all. Unlike caves, mines are designed to drain themselves of water. We do recommend you use our Wellies however as there may be ankle deep water in some places. We also recommend water proofs for your extra comfort as sitting down might be damp. If there has been recent heavy rain you are more likely to get splashed and will probably get wet legs when walking up the waterfall. If getting wet is your preference, it can be arranged!
As we walk outside to and from the mine you will need to be dressed appropriately for whatever the weather’s doing that day
What clothes should I wear?
You should dress appropriately for the weather conditions as there may be up to a 1/2 hour outdoor walk each way getting to and from the mine. Once underground, the air is cool but still and dry and around 9 degrees centigrade all year round. You might get your clothes dirty and/or wet so please bear this is mind and jeans can get uncomfortable so are not recommended. Jogging bottoms, leggings, walking/activity trousers are best with layers on top; sweatshirt, fleece, activity tops etc. If you have waterproofs including waterproof trousers please bring them. Comfy socks and gloves can be a bonus. Please do also bring a complete dry change of clothes to leave in your vehicle for your return just in case. If you are bringing personal items, please make sure that they fit into a small backpack so that both your hands can be free.
What about Footwear?
We provide Wellington boots in sizes 1-12 for your use. You do not have to wear these and can wear your own footwear if you like but they will need to be good at gripping on wet slippery rocks and be watertight enough to let you walk though ankle deep puddles.
Can I take photographs?
Yes. By all means snap your friends/family having a whale of a time! There are also many fascinating sights in the mines to photograph and you're welcome to bring a tripod and flashguns etc, so long time permits and you can store it all in your backpack for when you need both hands.
Can I bring my own hand-torch?
Yes if you like! So long as you're able to put it in your back pack, as sometimes you'll need both hands free in the mines.
What else should I bring?
Ideally you should bring yourself a drink and a snack or packed meal as we'll no doubt stop for an underground picnic at some point. Anything you do bring needs to fit into a small backpack as you'll need to keep your hands free. Please don't bring too much as it will weigh you down and also please be aware that we do not take responsibility for any loss or damage of personal items. There are no toilet facilities in the mines.
Anything else?
We are passionate about Mine Exploring and can't wait to show you Snowdonia's secret subterranean world in the most fun and action packed way possible! Remember your guide is there to help you and to answer any questions you may have and to ensure that you have a thoroughly enjoyable experience. So hold onto your hard hats and go and enjoy your Go Below Underground Adventure!
