Slate quarrying and mining has left a large and dramatic impression upon the hills of Eryri. It can also be seen in the Lake District, Glencoe and the Slate Islands of Argyle. This one-day workshop will focus on the slate heritage of Blaenau Ffestiniog and the Moelwynion and how it has impacted on the local environment. We’ll wander up through Cwmorthin, to the Rhosydd and Wrysgan mines. We’ll investigate the surface workings, the aqueducts, dams and inclines. We’ll see remnant machinery, old barracks an even a chapel for the workers. We’ll look at how the quarrying has impacted on the natural environment in both positive and negative ways.

The workshop is hosted by Mike Raine of The Mountain Leader – a practical manual and Nature of Snowdonia who’ll cover the environmental content. The input on the slate heritage will be led by Welsh local historian and practicing mountain leader Keith Roberts. Keith is a Welsh speaking ex-firefighter and local historian with a family history of working in the north Wales Slate industry. Keith has a keen interest in the World Heritage status of the north Wales slate industry.

CPD 1 point for MTA and BAIML (AMI pending approval)