Two extensive slate mines in Blaenau Ffestiniog were explored, including some very off the beaten track sections, some sporting traverses and SRT. Two evenings of crag climbing in the sun where also enjoyed.
The weekend of adventure started on Friday evening with the early arrivals heading to the local crags for a spot of climbing in the sun before dinner. Saturday’s trip was a magical mystery tour of the Cwmorthin/Oakeley slate mine expertly navigated by Matt C. This included plenty of vast chambers, historical artefacts, srt pitches, traverses, an ex-showmine and a round trip that probably hadn’t been attempted by anyone else in 10 years! Sunday’s trip was to Maenofferen Slate Mine another interesting and extensive mine complex with quite a lot of machinery still in-situ, and much fun was had with the trucks on rails. More climbing was then enjoyed by some of the team staying on an extra night.
See CSS newsletter Vol. 64, Nos. 7-9 for reports from the Cwmorthin/Oakeley and Maenofferen trips.
