The Slate Trail

1. The day begins as we ascend towards the quarry passing through villages that were once the dwelling places of quarrymen.

2. After experiencing some dramatic scenery, we walk into the quarry where there is an opportunity to see some amazing remains of industrial buildings and the transport system that began the slate trail and the export of slate to all corners of the earth. Apart from the spectacular scenery, this venue will give you an insight to the phenomenal size of the quarry, the hard and dangerous working conditions and the complexity of the slate trail itself.

3. We then have an opportunity to have some refreshments as we visit the Padarn Cafe, part of the interesting Menter Fachwen project. Please visit.  Menter Fachwen 

4.The trail will then descend through a forest for approximately two miles passing many interesting sites, including waterfalls, the old quarry hospital and panoramic views on route towards Llanberis Lake and the Welsh Slate Museum.

5. You now have the opportunity to visit the Welsh Slate museum.

Please visit: Welsh Slate Museum 

6. The day continues with an opportunity to actually travel on the Llanberis Lake railway for a few miles on the original route, which transported the slate to the main port at Port Dinorwig in the village of Y Felinheli on the Menai Straits. Please visit: Llanberis Lake railway 

7. A short walk at the end of the line and then you will be picked up on the bridge at the end of the lake. We then travel by minibus and follow the route of the line as much as is practical, stopping to visit some interesting sites on route.

8. We then visit the end of the line but not the end of the slate trail as the slate wagons had to be transferred on to an incline system which carried the slate down to the port.

9.We will then escort you around the old port and the village of Y Felinheli. The village has a fascinating history as a major industrial hub and a major trading centre in contrast to the one shop village as it is today. At Port Dinorwig you will be surprised at the transformation of this area, once the centre of slate exports to all parts of the world, now a marina and housing estate but still plenty of relics and reminders of the past.

10. We will actually be entering the building that was the administrative office of the harbour which is now an excellent restaurant. Here we can show you some old images of the village and the port so that you go back in time.

Please visit:  Yr Hen Lechan