Cambrian Slate Mine 13 June 2008 by Simplyexploring & Gaz

Transcription

1 Cambrian Slate Mine 13 June 2008 by Simplyexploring & Gaz The Cambrian Slate mine is situated in the hills above Glyn Ceiriog. Long forgotten is now barely explored. It s a mine that I have always wanted to have a look around. I did not know what we would find if anything at all. But we decided today was the day to find out what remained of this once vast quarry. It came immediately apparent that finding anything was not going to be a easy task, with the whole area completely forested and the mill site completely cleared. There was nothing to relate too. The Cambrian consisted of 4 large open workings and a considerable amount of workings underground. We spent some time wondering around trying to get our bearings and trying to find something that resembled a way in. Finally we found a stream and shortly after we found a large concrete pipe disappearing into the tip. Inside the level opens up to a large haulage way, with a Y junction splitting the way ahead.

2 To the right headed to day light and to the left into darkness. We now know after some investigating that the right tunnel leads to McEwens Quarry. We decided to follow the left tunnel. After some time you will come across a concrete dam that has water trickling out of it. This is the concrete plug for Dennis Quarry also know as Quarry pool. Dennis quarry was drained in the 1970 s over fear of the plug blowing out and flooding Glyn Ceiriog.

3 moving on we finaly come to another junction and something that looked like a normal slate mine. We was greated by a large chamber with machine mounts and block pillar disappearing into the roof of the chamber. Just beyond this was a clay flu pipe, and the odd artefact littering the floor.

4 We moved on and passed through a few more chambers and a flooded incline heading down to the now flooded levels. We was then greated with a chamber that was broken out to day light. The remains of some winch mounts stood before us, but on closer inspection we found the biggest plate and riveted air tank Ive ever seen.

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6 After a few more chambers we found ourself beinglooped back into the main haulage tunnel. We carried on, and on doing so you pass a shale section that has been re and forced to ensure the haulage way stays open.

7 Soon after this we was faced with yet another Y junction. Again to the right we could see daylight and to the left darkness. We decided to go left, but after 50yards it was apparent there was no way forward. Following the right brought us out in Martins quarry. This was more like a scene from Jurassic park rather than a open cast quarry. In front of us laid the remains of the old gas plant and associated buildings along with the odd other relic.

8 On the other side of the pit the haulage tunnel was suppose to carry on, but it didn t! but on closer inspection we found a small hole that we crawled into. I found myself

9 again in a large haulage level, and after a 50 yards in a large chamber with deads stacked up along the route. we past through this chamber and found a joining chamber with a very nice slate cabin built into the wall.

10 Coming out of this chamber we found pretty in tact toilet.

11 and just beyond this you are greeted with yet another chamber intersecting the haulage way. We carried on to only to come across a massive fall blocking our way. We now know we were in the west Cambrian working called the Aberlas workings. And beyond this blockage is a massive mine, and a lot of water! We headed back taking a few more shots along the way.

12 We finally headed to the pub for a well deserved pint!