Just posted a report and pictures from our Snowdonia Slate Trail trip at the start of September. Really excellent route, loads of old slate workings of course - mineshafts, massive spoil tips, built-up levels and inclines, abandoned buildings, overgrown ruins, and rusting machinery. Often on a mind-boggling scale, and in the most improbable of places. But plenty of other good terrain too - heathery moorland, grassy tracks, old drove roads, small country lanes, riverside paths, forestry tracks (and the occasional marshy bit). Quite nice to get away from the usual haunts in Snowdonia, and into some less frequented areas.
Day 1: Bangor to Llanberis. Route starts off on cycle path, then small lanes and footpaths over to Bethesda. Good stretch over the moorland of Gwaun Gynfi. Then a great descent to Llanberis through oak forest, and views of Lyn Padarn. On the way down, the old quarry hospital is well worth a quick visit, as is the quarry museum.
Day 2: Llanberis to Beddgelert. Small lanes and tracks over to Waun Fawr, then superb heathery moor to Y Fron. The trail picks its way through the old buildings and workings of Dorothea quarries, then along the Nantlle valley. Easy finish along the tourist path to Beddgelert, with views of the steam train.
Day 3: Beddgelert to Llan Ffestiniog. Rocky riverside path along the Afon Glaslyn, then old drove road across to Croesor. Easy ascent on old mining track to the Croesor mine, then across the rugged Moelwyn plateau to the slightly eerie ruins of the Rhosydd mine. Descent to Tanygrisiau, then footpath to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Easy paths and tracks to Llan Ffestiniog, passing through the very pleasant Afon Teigl gorge.
Day 4: Llan Ffestiniog to Betws y Coed. Superb cliffs and waterfalls of Cwm Cynfal, then a climb up the side of the large waterfall of Rhaeadr y Cwm. Marshy ground followed by a steep climb on a deserted road took us to the remains of the old buildings at Rhiw Back quarry. Descent through the massive slate tips overlooking Cwm Penmachno. Forest tracks and small lanes to Betws y Coed.
Day 5: Betws y Coed to Bethesda. Riverside walking along the Afon Llugwy, then descent to Capel Curig. Along the valley to Idwal Cottage, then easy walking on quiet road, and cycle track passing massive slate tips to Bethesda.
Full report and more pics at
http://www.c8h10n4o2.org/walking/slate/index.html [nofollow]Pete