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Elevation: 500 ft 152 m
GPS: 53.1215, -4.0991
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Shared By: Rob Davies UK on Jun 21, 2011
Admins: Chris Owen, Euan Cameron, Jack Copland
Warning Access Issue: Owned by First Hydro (electricity utility) DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

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 Suggest change

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.

27 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Llanberis Slate Quarries

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 10
● Seamstress
Trad
Serengeti
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 10
● Seams the Same
Trad
Serengeti
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 7
● Fool's Gold
Trad
Bus Stop Quarry
5.10c/d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b R
 9
● Comes the Dervish
Trad
Vivian Quarry
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Seamstress Serengeti
 10
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
● Seams the Same Serengeti
 10
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad
● Fool's Gold Bus Stop Quarry
 7
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Trad
● Comes the Dervish Vivian Quarry
 9
5.10c/d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b R Trad
More Classic Climbs in Llanberis Slate Quarries »

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Come and goat it!
Come and goat it!
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