Take a gentle 2 mile stroll around the disused quarry. There are many old buildings, tunnels and a Cornish Beam Engine to explore. Take care near the edges of the flooded parts of the quarry, (especially with dogs!)
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| Engine house |
Dorothea Quarry commenced working in the early 1820s, though there were a number of smaller workings on or near the site before this. By 1848 it had become the dominant quarry in the area, employing 200 men and producing 5000 tons of finished slate. Production peaked in 1872 at 17442 tons. In the 1930s over 350 men were employed at Dorothea. Production dropped significantly after the start of World War II and the quarry closed in 1970.
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| Quarryscape |
The quarry is now flooded and regularly used (unofficially) for scuba diving.
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| Flooded quarry |
This is an easy walk but stout shoes/boots should be worn.
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| Dog exploring with mounted videocamera |
- Parking is free by the roundabout at the end of Nantlle Road
- The track is hardstanding but there are many water-filled pot holes. There are no stiles or gates but there are a few rogue sheep grazing the area.
- Follow the A487 to Penygroes
- At Penygroes, follow signs towards Nantlle, along the B4418
- You will leave Penygroes along a minor road towards Nantlle, which in about a mile passes the Leisure Centre then the vinyard.
- As you come into the next village, Talysarn, at the sharp right-hand bend, take a left run into the houses.
- In 100 yards turn right into Bryncelyn Road, which eventually becomes Nantlle Road. It's marked as a "no through road" and has postcode LL54 6AE
- Carry on along the no-through road past the houses, to where it terminates at a roundabout. You can park here.
