Bwlch y Slaters quarry

Bwlch y Slaters is a slate quarry set into steep terrain near Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd. The site contains old mills, workshops for slate processing, and the remains of transportation systems used to move material down the mountainside.

The quarry began operations in the 1780s and was connected to the Rhiwbach Tramway in 1866, significantly boosting its production capacity. This link to the transport network allowed slate to reach markets far more efficiently than before.

The site embodies Welsh working heritage, where generations of miners extracted and processed slate using inherited skills and knowledge. The quiet remains today tell the story of their labor and craftsmanship through abandoned structures and equipment.

The site can be reached via marked paths, but its remote location requires proper walking boots and attention to changing weather. The rocky terrain and altitude make sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness essential for safe exploration.

During World War II, the National Gallery stored its entire art collection in this quarry, finding the stable underground conditions ideal for protecting precious paintings. Few visitors realize this site once held some of Britain's most valuable artworks.