The Croesor slate mine is a huge mine complex situated in the mountains of North Wales close to Ffestiniog. They connect with a neighbouring mine known as Rhosydd and were both "built" during the 1860's. The mines were operational up until the 1930's when both ceased production.
During their operation there was at one time a dispute between both mines as to whether or not one was actually mining the other's "land". To settle the dispute, a tunnel was driven between the two to survey both mines easily (see picture "Connection with Rhosydd" in Flickr set) and it was dicovered that in fact both were trespassing into each others areas. The tunnel was left in place as ventilation and a useful emergency exit, until it was discovered that workers from both mines were using it as a "discreet" exit into their nieghbouring mine to clock off early, without being noticed. It was walled up but remained active as a ventillation point. The wall has since fallen again, and now provides the perfect opportunity for a through trip from Croesor to Rhosydd.
The trip is one of the most unusual I have ever done as it involves obscure moments such as using a zipwire to cross a pool, or abseiling delicately down into an inflatable dinghy.
The trip is relatively long, and not to be taken too lightly, yet conversely it is the most fun you will ever have underground.
To see more pictures from the trip take a look here, enjoy - http://www.flickr.com/photos/18394337@N00/sets/72157615108621575/detail/
During their operation there was at one time a dispute between both mines as to whether or not one was actually mining the other's "land". To settle the dispute, a tunnel was driven between the two to survey both mines easily (see picture "Connection with Rhosydd" in Flickr set) and it was dicovered that in fact both were trespassing into each others areas. The tunnel was left in place as ventilation and a useful emergency exit, until it was discovered that workers from both mines were using it as a "discreet" exit into their nieghbouring mine to clock off early, without being noticed. It was walled up but remained active as a ventillation point. The wall has since fallen again, and now provides the perfect opportunity for a through trip from Croesor to Rhosydd.
The trip is one of the most unusual I have ever done as it involves obscure moments such as using a zipwire to cross a pool, or abseiling delicately down into an inflatable dinghy.
The trip is relatively long, and not to be taken too lightly, yet conversely it is the most fun you will ever have underground.
To see more pictures from the trip take a look here, enjoy - http://www.flickr.com/photos/18394337@N00/sets/72157615108621575/detail/
