For several hundred years prior to the 18th C the main method of extraction of slate on Coniston Old Man was from three cave-workings. As they grew in size the caves became very unstable structures and by the 20th C the roofs in two of the three had collapsed but the smallest of the three still remains today at Fisher Bank. Although it was enlarged to a certain extent during Victorian times the basic cave structure still remains.
The mountain side is literally riddled with levels of varying sizes that were worked from the early days to just before the second world war, one quarry at the foot of the mountain still extracts slate today , albeit on a small scale, In total there are 10 levels of workings on the mountain side.
The photos are from the three main levels Saddlestone, Fisher and Moss Head. Maybe it’s not Dinorwic but the slate quarries of Coniston sure have a lot to offer and are set amongst the most stunning scenery the lakes have to offer.
Blondin
Parts off the aerial ropeway
Narrow gauge rail leading out across the tip.
Looking down the aerial ropeway
Underground.
Compressed air winder.
Water tank
The mountain side is literally riddled with levels of varying sizes that were worked from the early days to just before the second world war, one quarry at the foot of the mountain still extracts slate today , albeit on a small scale, In total there are 10 levels of workings on the mountain side.
The photos are from the three main levels Saddlestone, Fisher and Moss Head. Maybe it’s not Dinorwic but the slate quarries of Coniston sure have a lot to offer and are set amongst the most stunning scenery the lakes have to offer.
Blondin
Parts off the aerial ropeway
Narrow gauge rail leading out across the tip.
Looking down the aerial ropeway
Underground.
Compressed air winder.
Water tank
