This had been organised for a little while and we intended to combine a bit of camping with some luverrly mine action and it didnt disappoint.
It was a great weekend that started with meeting Landsker and Dangerous Dave early doors and straight onto our firs mine that was Frongoch lead and zinc mine that is in Pontrhydygroes, this place was an absolute joy to see although it was very stoopy and wet. mining started here in the 1700's and finally ceased in the 1920's. we wanted to work our way right into the pump chamber where the pump rods could still be seen but sadly a recent collapse prevented us from getting there.
Thankyou again to Landsker who does so much research and is a mine of information (no pun intended)
First to come was Frongoch mixed lead and zinc mine
some pictures
A highlight for me was these tallow candles that are still stuck to the wall and once lit the way for the mine workers all those years ago, the wicks look like they could still be lit.
This work was recently done by Roy fellows and is too photogenic
It was well stoopy and very wet
A kibble and less than 10 ft away were some kibble hooks used to tip it
A flooded section that we didnt even try to cross
So much of Frongoch was boarded out with hardwood planks and we didnt know if it was lignum or oak but one thing is for sure it sank in the water.
very VERY old
..........
Next on our list was Henfwlch mixed lead and zinc mine.
This was a really beautiful little mine that first started being worked in the 1800's and in the most remote and area,this is a shot of the main adit.
Landsker and Dangerous Dave here looking like Extreme Loggers but the truth was that Dangerous Dave didnt want to risk making poopy whist camping so took a double dose of imodium therefore logging was not an option for him.
outside the mine in the woods stood some chimneys and a good place for el gruppo shot, this was so out of the way and as the light faded we all agreed that if we were ever likely to encounter a big cat it would be in a place like this.
inside the mine was lovely and very welcoming and the mineral formations and colours were a bit special.
so well preserved after so many years
one of the passageways check thos colours! also the water level before mr fellows dug the drainage ditch outside the main adit.
watch your step
So then we had to find somewhere to camp for the night as the light faded
And we found it in the most wonderful setting that anyone could imagine near a derelict outdoor pursuit center, we fried food and drank beer then sat talking and watching the starry sky and feeling very very insignificant in its wonder.
some video of my pop up tent 60 second demonstration.
The next day we visited Cwmorthin slate mine in blanau and spent the whole day wandering around an old favourite and then at the end of the day we headed home for a bath.
Good times with good lads, also thanks to Roy Fellows who's work makes seeing these lovely mines possible.
thanks for looking
It was a great weekend that started with meeting Landsker and Dangerous Dave early doors and straight onto our firs mine that was Frongoch lead and zinc mine that is in Pontrhydygroes, this place was an absolute joy to see although it was very stoopy and wet. mining started here in the 1700's and finally ceased in the 1920's. we wanted to work our way right into the pump chamber where the pump rods could still be seen but sadly a recent collapse prevented us from getting there.
Thankyou again to Landsker who does so much research and is a mine of information (no pun intended)
First to come was Frongoch mixed lead and zinc mine
some pictures
A highlight for me was these tallow candles that are still stuck to the wall and once lit the way for the mine workers all those years ago, the wicks look like they could still be lit.
This work was recently done by Roy fellows and is too photogenic
It was well stoopy and very wet
A kibble and less than 10 ft away were some kibble hooks used to tip it
A flooded section that we didnt even try to cross
So much of Frongoch was boarded out with hardwood planks and we didnt know if it was lignum or oak but one thing is for sure it sank in the water.
very VERY old
..........
Next on our list was Henfwlch mixed lead and zinc mine.
This was a really beautiful little mine that first started being worked in the 1800's and in the most remote and area,this is a shot of the main adit.
Landsker and Dangerous Dave here looking like Extreme Loggers but the truth was that Dangerous Dave didnt want to risk making poopy whist camping so took a double dose of imodium therefore logging was not an option for him.
outside the mine in the woods stood some chimneys and a good place for el gruppo shot, this was so out of the way and as the light faded we all agreed that if we were ever likely to encounter a big cat it would be in a place like this.
inside the mine was lovely and very welcoming and the mineral formations and colours were a bit special.
so well preserved after so many years
one of the passageways check thos colours! also the water level before mr fellows dug the drainage ditch outside the main adit.
watch your step
So then we had to find somewhere to camp for the night as the light faded
And we found it in the most wonderful setting that anyone could imagine near a derelict outdoor pursuit center, we fried food and drank beer then sat talking and watching the starry sky and feeling very very insignificant in its wonder.
some video of my pop up tent 60 second demonstration.
The next day we visited Cwmorthin slate mine in blanau and spent the whole day wandering around an old favourite and then at the end of the day we headed home for a bath.
Good times with good lads, also thanks to Roy Fellows who's work makes seeing these lovely mines possible.
thanks for looking
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Love that second to last shot
