Go Below Essential Information
What are your opening times?
We are open all year round (except Christmas Day) and we generally run half day trips which depending on the group size and any special requirements, take approximately 4 - 5 hours including kitting up, driving and walking to and from the mine. Trip times do vary so please phone us to find out the current times or check the Online Calendar.
What is an Underground Adventure Trip?
Our adventure trips are a fun sporting experience which involve
participating in a series of exciting underground activities such as
abseiling, zip lining, scrambling, boating and climbing. No squeezing
through small gaps, no experience necessary, activities can be bypassed if
preferred and all equipment including Wellies is provided.
Read more about our Adventure Trip >
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.
Read more about our other trips >
Do you have a minimum age for your trips?
We have chosen the minimum age of 10 years old due to the physical demands of the experience. Children aged between 10 and 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Do you cater for groups?
Yes. We cater for stag and hen parties, team building exercises, work
do's, birthdays and other special occasions, families, private events, and
larger (or) specialist groups.
Read more about group bookings >
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, a boulder to climb over 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 its 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 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. very heavy rain, 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 and our guides are fully qualified.
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 can require some stooping.
I'm scared of heights!
Your feet don't leave the ground until you participate in the underground 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!
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 most activities can be bypassed (E.g. the abseil, boat, zip line, water fall climb).
Which mine do we visit?
We visit a number of local mines on a rotational basis, both Slate and Metal. All of them are extremely interesting and have their own unique features and we could never pick a favourite! But if there is something specific you want to see, it's worth asking us on the phone which mines we're visiting when.
If we meet at the Conwy Falls Cafe, how do we get to the mine?
Our kit room is next to the cafe but 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 come along
with them in one of their 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 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 really very relaxed.
How wet will I get?
Generally speaking you shouldn't get wet at all. Unlike caves, mines are designed to drain themselves of water. We recommend you use our Wellies however as there may be ankle deep water in some places. We also recommend water proof trousers for your extra comfort as boat seats might be damp. If there has been recent heavy rain you may have some water splashed on your legs when walking up the waterfall.
If the weather outside is wet, you will obviously need to dress appropriately for that as we do have to walk to and from the mine.
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. If you have waterproof trousers, these are a bonus but not compulsory. 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 3-12 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. If the
photography side is very important to you then you might be better booking a
personal trip with us instead specific for this purpose.
Read more about our photography trips >
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! Browse our pics! >
