Llanberis Slate Quarries  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  500' Lat, Long:  53.1215, -4.0991 Map Page Views:  903. Good page?    Administrators:  Chris Owen, Euan Cameron, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Rob Davies UK on Jun 21, 2011 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

The hard way to do the start by laybacking

Description 

These quarries on the side of Elidir Fawr were once the focus of large industrial operations employing many men. Though a lot of fascinating industrial debris remains, there are some great mountain views over to Snowdon and Moel y Cynghorion.

Quarried slate is a unique medium. There is very limited friction but many sharp edges. Sometimes it is very loose and friable but the rock on the more popular climbs is generally stable. Major climbing development of these quarries started in the 1980s and for many years the climbs were protected by trad gear plus very sparing use of bolts, but there are now more all-bolt routes.

The deepest of the workings is Twll Mawr (Welsh for Big Hole), famous for being home of The Quarryman. Colonial visitors should nevertheless feel at home as other major pits are known as Australia and California.

Getting There 

The vast quarry workings are obvious when driving between Llanberis and the Pass - the entire hillside on the other side of Llyn Peris has been eviscerated. Access either from below (Slate Museum car park for Vivian Quarry and Rainbow areas) or along a good track from Dinorwig village.

The Classics

Featured Route For Llanberis Slate Quarries

Looning the Tube 5.9+ PG13  International : United Kingdom : ... : Looning the Tube Level

Recommended more for the unusual situation than for the actual climbing. Start along the old pipe before transferring to the rock and moving right to reach the base of the crack where a length of chain gives a runner. Up the crack to the top - may be loose in places....[more]   Browse More Classics in International