Wrysgan Quarry, Slate quarry in Tanygrisiau, Wales.
Wrysgan Quarry is an abandoned slate mine in Tanygrisiau set into sloped terrain, featuring underground chambers with supporting pillars left in place. The site retains multiple entrance shafts, mill foundations, and a railway incline system that once moved stone to lower elevations.
The site began operating in 1830 and expanded significantly after connecting to the Ffestiniog Railway in the 1850s. Work stopped after World War II, marking the end of more than a century of continuous extraction.
This site reflects the mining traditions that shaped North Wales, with its layout and remaining structures showing how workers organized their daily labor. The presence of old buildings and infrastructure reveals the scale and importance of slate extraction to the local economy and way of life.
Underground sections are unstable and dangerous, so visitors must stay alert and avoid entering unsecured areas. Sturdy footwear is essential as the ground is uneven and surfaces can be slippery or crumbling.
The operation installed electric power in 1920 to solve chronic water shortages that had hampered the earlier water-powered mills. This upgrade shows how the owners adapted to new technology when traditional methods became problematic.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
