EVENTS - 2025
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Where kit is shown, this is for guidance only. You should check with the organisers if you are uncertain what to bring.
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Events on Thursday 26/06/2025
UKMa - Klondyke Mill and Clogwyn Y Fuwch
Date : 26/06/2025 Time : 09:30 - 15:30Keith Whiddon
Meet : Public car park next to Llyn Geirionydd (LL27 0YZ - W3W ///boils.coherent.dock - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pJ5HwmmLd9FgLpRb7) Distance from base : 10 minutes
Details :
We meet at 9:30am, at the public car park next to Llyn Geirionydd – it’s the car park by the lower adit of Pandora mine and has public toilets.
It is a steep climb (through thick bracken at that time of year) to reach the top levels of Clogwyn Y Fuwch slate mine. This is one of the earliest slate mines in Wales and comprises massive chambers open to daylight. We’ll then descend a very steep and slippery external incline down to explore the fascinating cut and cover adit and early chamber on the lowest level.
From there it is a pleasant stroll through woodland to Klondike Mill where we’ll discuss its colourful history and eat lunch.
We’ll then follow the pretty Geirionydd Gorge up and back to the cars. This involves easy scrambling over boulders next to the stream. Along the way we’ll enter some early mineral adits. Be prepared to get feet wet in the stream and in the adits where there are ankle deep pools.
Kit: Suitable footwear for walking/getting wet, helmets and lights, but otherwise no extra kit necessary. Clogwyn Y Fuwch is a great place for photography, so cameras recommended.
It is a fun trip - especially on a nice summer’s day – with lots of things to see and explore. Total distance about 4 miles and about 5 hours depending on group preferences.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 1
UHLa - Limestone workings
Date : 26/06/2025 Time : 18:00 - 21:30Steve K, Mike L, Jon J
Meet : ///slip.downcast.scraper Distance from base : Approx. 30 miles, 1 hour
Details :
A Trip to the Halkyn Limestone Workings to see amazing Eimco shovels and the big huge chambers. Then off to see the bottom of Olwyn Goch shaft. There will be 500 feet to descend which includes ladders and nice adits to walk down. You'll need to be quite fit as the ladders back up can be quite taxing. Some of them are 60 feet each. There are safety lines in place for those that wish to wear your SRT kit and use a shunt or similar device. Then afterwards the last bit of the trip will be in the pub (not underground I'm afraid).
Trip down OG to see the limestone working and all the old shovels and carts. Cows tails and shunt or similar device if needed to life line down the lower ladders. Trip to begin at 18:30 Prompt
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : None
Events on Friday 27/06/2025
UGOa - Penmorfa
Date : 27/06/2025 Time : 10:00 - 15:00Jason P, Rich T, Dave J
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/noayqtJMeUQPLHHb9 Distance from base : 16 Miles/ 30 Minutes
Details :
A copper mine labyrinth. Initial straight 800m adit to workings involves 140m of pipe trickling with water, (5 trollies available to share, use either on way in or out, otherwise crawling), followed by 150m of crutch deep water lowering to wellie height. (Canadian canoe available for 4).
Circular tour of roomy workings involves scrambling and some crawling with occasional fixed safety lines. Descent involves several 3m drops, more safety lines and a tighter short crawl.
A 6m ladder climb and a 5m drop complete the circuit back to tramming level.
Scrambling, Few short descents, 140m Crawl through pipe, 150m Waist deep wade, 6m Ladder
You will need Lid & Lamp, Over Suit + Undersuit or Equivalent, Knee Pads, Lunch + Drink, Suitable Footwear, SRT Kit, Waders are optional but you will also need boots to go through the entirely dry workings after the initial wade.
Diff - Long trip which may involve considerable vertical access (SRT), climbing requiring technical kit, and/or deep water (above waist). Delegates will require reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment.
Space available : 4
URHa - Rhosydd Slate Quarry West
Date : 27/06/2025 Time : 10:00 - 18:00Paul Doutch
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/2zTTNmaUMudLAZHk9 Distance from base : Approx. 20 miles, 40 minutes
Details :
Exploring the Western Workings of Rhosydd Quarry
Embark on an adventurous journey through the fascinating western workings of Rhosydd Quarry! The exploration begins with a walk along Adit 9, leading to the iconic "Piccadilly Circus". From there, ascend the incline and enjoy a short scramble to reach the base of the West Twll.
Continue your adventure with a walk along Floor 6, culminating in a scramble up and back down to the bottom of the 6-to-3 incline. Here, you can marvel at the historic incline trwnc before taking another ascent to view the sheave wheels perched at the top of the incline. Along the way, there are opportunities to explore various chambers, each revealing unique glimpses into the quarry’s industrial past.
The journey begins with an approximately 1.6-mile walk from the Cwmorthin car park to Rhosydd Quarry. The path is generally good, though you may encounter some boggy sections depending on the weather. Once inside the quarry, conditions are mostly dry, except for Adit 9, which can be knee-deep in water during wetter periods. Although the adit has been cleared in recent years, wellies are strongly recommended for this section.
This adventure involves a bit of scrambling and requires squeezing through a collapsed area—nothing too tight, but enough to add a touch of excitement to your exploration.
Prepare for a journey through history and rugged beauty as you uncover the secrets of Rhosydd Quarry!
Rhosydd Western Workings
Explore the historic workings of Rhosydd Quarry, starting with a 1.6-mile approach from Cwmorthin car park over a mixed but generally good path (some boggy sections). The trip includes:
A walk along Adit 9 (potentially knee-deep water; wellies essential).
Walking up inclines, including the 6-to-3 incline, with opportunities to view sheave wheels, chambers, and historic features.
Some scrambling required, both up and down, with moderate squeezes (not overly tight) and minimal crawling.
Quarry conditions are mostly dry, except for Adit 9.
No SRT required. A rewarding exploration for those with basic scrambling experience and a passion for industrial heritage.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 2
UALc - Aberllyn
Date : 27/06/2025 Time : 11:00 - 15:00Badger (Tony Radmall)
Meet : Pont y pair car park, Betws y coed. (behind cunninghams) https://maps.app.goo.gl/eCoZnAs1cG9FtZJB8 Distance from base : Approx. 4 miles, 10 minutes
Details :
Long uphill walk in, approx 1 hour. Mostly walking with some fixed ladders and handlines. Approx 3 hours
Aberllyn was a large mine at the eastern end of a major fault. Mined predominantly for zinc.
Kit Needed: Lid & Lamp, Over Suit + Undersuit or Equivalent, Knee Pads, Lunch + Drink, Suitable Footwear
Carpark is Pay and Display.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 4
UPYc - Parys Mine
Date : 27/06/2025 Time : 11:00 - 15:30Clive Briscoe
Meet : Heritage car park B5111 Parys Mountain opposite mine headgear Distance from base : Approx. 50 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
Details :
Relatively easy trip, down the ladders (7m max) and rough stone steps to 30ftm level then back up. Visiting stopes, the 'Bronze Age' chamber and 'blue crystal' chamber
Down and up ladders (7m max) and rough stairways, short wades thro' wellie depth water. Cow's tails to clip onto safety line in one place.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 1
UPYd - Parys Mine
Date : 27/06/2025 Time : 11:00 - 15:30Neil Summers
Meet : Heritage car park, B5111, top of Parys Mountain opposite mine headgearTop Distance from base : Approx. 50 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
Details :
Relatively easy trip, down the ladders (7m max) and rough stone steps to 30ftm level then back up. Visiting stopes, the 'Bronze Age' chamber and 'blue crystal' chamber. Some wellie deep water
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 3
UMIa - Cabin Shaft
Date : 27/06/2025 Time : 13:00 - 18:00Gaz Stonely, Tom Howard
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/4zuSRxrWUNzFhGue8 Distance from base : Approx. 41 miles, 1 hour
Details :
Entrance shaft 12m, this can be done as SRT or Electron ladder and lifeline. There will be crawling, the odd squeeze and some maybe a crawl through the odd puddle
We will be entertaining the Minera mine complex via Cabin shaft, this is a 12 m vertical shaft and can be done via SRT or electron Ladder and lifeline. Once into the system we will do a round trip within the system, this will involve crawling, squeezing and free climbing (fix aids maybe in place) our way through the numerous passage ways.
Diff - Long trip which may involve considerable vertical access (SRT), climbing requiring technical kit, and/or deep water (above waist). Delegates will require reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment.
Space available : 1
USPa - Hendre Spar Mine
Date : 27/06/2025 Time : 14:00 - 17:00Mary Cutts
Meet : Meet at the bus stop on the road. Parking in a small car park here - https://maps.app.goo.gl/XsCsJZdB6UuzcEQK7 Distance from base : Approx. 35 miles, 1 hour
Details :
A walk around trip round for a fluorspar mine closed in 1981. The mine includes some big chambers, and interesting features.
It includes descending and then ascending back up a number of fixed ladders. It includes some mud, a short bit of water and some low ceilings.
If the small car park is full, park in the layby next to the ex-Royal oak pub. Please do not park in front of any gates.
A 2-3 hour walk about trip round a fluorspar mine, which includes approx 10 ladders (climbing up and down these), Some mud and low ceilings.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 1
Events on Saturday 28/06/2025
UCGa - Clogau Gold Mine
Date : 28/06/2025 Time : 08:00 - 11:00Mark Austin - Alba Minerals, Tom Howard
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/3priDnpyr8AxG6sP8 Distance from base : 38 Miles, 1 hour
Details :
Walk-in trip. No kit needed. Steel toe capped wellies requested if possible.
An underground trip into the working Gold Mine near Bontddu village. You will receive an initial safety induction and summary of mining around the area, including geology and history. This will be followed by an underground tour of the workings.
Easy - Quick or easy trip requiring no technical kit beyond lamp and helmet, suitable for all delegates of average fitness and ability. May involve shallow water (not over about 15cm)
It might be useful to carshare due to restricted parking at meet point and unknown parking at underground location.
Kit - Lid & Lamp, Suitable Footwear
Space available : None
UHMa - Milwr system
Date : 28/06/2025 Time : 09:00 - 06:00Gaz Stonely, Steve Kennedy
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/jSWzx1MXayZKz23U8 Distance from base : Approx. 35 miles, 1 hour
Details :
On this trip you will be descending Wood shaft which is 225ft of ladders to reach the Old drainage level, Here you will travel approximately 1km to reach more ladders where you will descend another 200ft to reach the Limestone workings. From here we will walk approx 1km to reach the bottom of Olwyn Goch shaft. We will then walk North along the Milwr tunnel for 1.5 km to reach the Rhosesmor branch, depending on rain fall at the time of the trip this could be dry or up to knee deep. We will then walk along the brach with some balancing along some rails/beams for approx 2km to reach Powells lode lake. We will then head into Barcleys lode to climb up 100ft of ladders to get into the East Halkyn workings. We'll head back through Powells Lode workings to then descend back down to Milwr level. And reverse the trip.
Approx 500ft of ladders up and down all of various lenghths all with a safety line for self lifelining. Covering approximately 8 miles of walking. Possibly water up to knee deep (depending on rainfall around the time of the trip) Minimum kit needed, Harness, Cowstails, Shunt/Rocker or similar capture device
Diff - Long trip which may involve considerable vertical access (SRT), climbing requiring technical kit, and/or deep water (above waist). Delegates will require reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment.
Space available : None
UMFb - Maenofferen Slate Mine
Date : 28/06/2025 Time : 09:30 - 17:00Jon Knowles or Mark Waite
Meet : NGR SH 70390 46242 Distance from base : Approx. 20 miles, 30 minutes
Details :
A generally dry (below welly depth) walk through part of the extensive Maenofferen Slate Mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog. There is no SRT but there is a lot of walking up and down inclines which can be loose. Participants need to be physically fit, since the total ascent is 260m during the day, and have a light which will last all day. The landowners requires that people sign a disclaimer and that people do not display photographs except on closed groups. Bring lunch with you.
A generally dry (below welly depth) walk through part of the extensive Maenofferen Slate Mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog. There is no SRT but there is a lot of walking up and down inclines which can be loose. Participants need to be physically fit, since the total ascent is 260m during the day, and have a light which will last all day. The landowners requires that people sign a disclaimer and that people do not display photographs except on closed groups. Bring lunch with you.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : None
UGOb - Penmorfa
Date : 28/06/2025 Time : 10:00 - 15:00Dave W, Rich T, Dave J
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/noayqtJMeUQPLHHb9 Distance from base : 16 Miles/ 30 Minutes
Details :
A copper mine labyrinth. Initial straight 800m adit to workings involves 140m of pipe trickling with water, (5 trollies available to share, use either on way in or out, otherwise crawling), followed by 150m of crutch deep water lowering to wellie height. (Canadian canoe available for 4).
Circular tour of roomy workings involves scrambling and some crawling with occasional fixed safety lines. Descent involves several 3m drops, more safety lines and a tighter short crawl.
A 6m ladder climb and a 5m drop complete the circuit back to tramming level.
Scrambling, Few short descents, 140m Crawl through pipe, 150m Waist deep wade, 6m Ladder
You will need Lid & Lamp, Over Suit + Undersuit or Equivalent, Knee Pads, Lunch + Drink, Suitable Footwear, SRT Kit, Waders are optional but you will also need boots to go through the entirely dry workings after the initial wade.
Diff - Long trip which may involve considerable vertical access (SRT), climbing requiring technical kit, and/or deep water (above waist). Delegates will require reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment.
Space available : 6
UHMb - Milwr Tunnel and Powell's lode cavern
Date : 28/06/2025 Time : 10:30 - 18:00George Harvey, Colin Blanchard
Meet : Layby outside gate to Hendre quarry, off A541, SJ 20335 67655 Distance from base : Approx. 35 miles, 1 hour
Details :
Entrance via a level, descent to Old Drainge level via a shaft and incline, both laddered. Walk along Old Drainage, passing though workings on the Hendre lode, then a further descent via a mix of fixed ladders and slopes with hand-lines, to the limestone workings at Milwr tunnel level. Walk along the Milwr tunnel, then along the branch to Powell's lode to see the lake in Powell's lode cavern, a large natural cavern on the lode. Return by the same route with a look round the limestone workings before climbing back out.
Milwr Tunnel: limestone workings and the lake in Powell's lode cavern. Descent of 400ft, mostly on fixed ladders, walk of around 3.5 miles then back up the ladders. Cows tails and load-bearing belt required plus a shunt or similar for self-lining on the ladders.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : None
UMOa - Pant Mawr and Moelwyn slate mine walk in trip
Date : 28/06/2025 Time : 10:30 - 17:00Oliver Beard
Meet : Croesor car park then 4 mile walk there and back
Details :
Nice walk up from Croesor car park, up a tramway and past the tramway tunnel, which we will look into that was cut through the hillside. After we will walk into Pant Mawr and the mines many levels and if we get time we will check Moelwyn slate mine out also. There are several interesting artefacts to look at also. Light and helmet are mandatory as well as wellies and wet socks.
Walk in levels, wellies and wet socks needed. Some levels may be over welly depth.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 1
UPYa - Mona-Parys Through Trip
Date : 28/06/2025 Time : 10:30 - 16:30Tim Josephy
Meet : Heritage car park on side of B5111, Parys Mountain, opposite mine headgear Distance from base : Approx. 50 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
Details :
Arduous, gets muddy in Mona section. Several low crawls. Ladders (up to 10m) and old stairways. The link tunnel, c.300m, will be chest deep in water. No SRT but cow's tails to clip onto safety lines in places.
Arduous, up & down incl. up to 10m ladders. Muddy and very wet - chest height for c.300m ? way through. Couple of low crawls.
Diff - Long trip which may involve considerable vertical access (SRT), climbing requiring technical kit, and/or deep water (above waist). Delegates will require reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment.
Space available : 2
UALb - Aberllyn
Date : 28/06/2025 Time : 11:00 - 15:00Badger (Tony Radmall)
Meet : Pont y pair car park, Betws y coed. (behind cunninghams) https://maps.app.goo.gl/eCoZnAs1cG9FtZJB8 Distance from base : Approx. 4 miles, 10 minutes
Details :
Long uphill walk in, approx 1 hour. Mostly walking with some fixed ladders and handlines. Approx 3 hours
Aberllyn was a large mine at the eastern end of a major fault. Mined predominantly for zinc.
Kit Needed: Lid & Lamp, Over Suit + Undersuit or Equivalent, Knee Pads, Lunch + Drink, Suitable Footwear
Carpark is Pay and Display.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 2
Events on Sunday 29/06/2025
UALa - Aberllyn Through Trip
Date : 29/06/2025 Time : 10:00 - 16:00Aidan Kuhlmann
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/acofVhm8NikhuZnm7 Distance from base : Approx. 5 miles, 10 minutes
Details :
Aberllyn is a North Wales classic. The mine provides an interesting trip, both in terms of challenge through providing a rewarding SRT trip, but also from a historian's standpoint, being a classic example of mining in the Gwydyr Fforest. On the trip we will descend chutes, walk along false floors, climb ladderways, pass impressive walls of stacked deads, and finding a good variety of artefacts and impressive metalliferous formations.
Be prepared to pass a few challenging rebelays on the way down and climb a fixed ladder, as well as walk up a fairly steep hill to get to the mine entrance.
Aberllyn is an incredibly pretty 1800s lead & Zinc mine with the impressive Cathedral Stope in the middle.
This will be a vertical through trip which will require you to be proficient in SRT to pass rebelays. We will exit out the bottom so there will be no need to ascend pitches. It will also involve climbing fixed ladders and exposed traverses.
Will be rigging as I go - I might recruit a friend to help me out on this TBC. I Need to check out a new collapse along a level, but it's not the level I intend to exit on.
Diff - Long trip which may involve considerable vertical access (SRT), climbing requiring technical kit, and/or deep water (above waist). Delegates will require reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment.
Space available : None
UPHa - North East Wales Slate Quarries
Date : 29/06/2025 Time : 10:00 - 17:00Mary Cutts
Meet : Llidiart-y-Parc, Corwen - https://maps.app.goo.gl/2anLpyULY4tyZuKH9 (location not verified) Distance from base : Approx. 30 miles, 50 minutes
Details :
This is a 2 quarry visit.
Penarth slate quarry - a medium sized slate quarry over 3 levels, this is essentially a walk around trip with some slate waste slopes, a few scrambles, a interesting incline and sea bed roof.
The walk up is a 30 min steep walk.
This will take approx 3. 5 hrs to see it all.
We will then drive over to the next valley approx 30 mins away.
Cambrian slate quarry - another medium sized quarry above the small village in Glyn Ceiriog, but unfortunately half of it is flooded. Another walk around trip once in the mine with one small scramble. The approach up a forestry track, and then down a steep slippery path and to get to the waterfall in the open pit is also tricky vegetation bashing. Exit is via a drainage adit which can be over welly depth.
This trip takes approx 2.5 hrs
A day trip covering 2 slate quarry sites in North East Wales - Penarth Quarry and Cambrian Quarry. These are both underground walk round trips, with some steep slopes and short scrambles. Water depth can be over wellies on the exit of Cambrian. Normal underground personal equipment needed
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
[NGR parking location provided is Llidiart y Parc - exact meeting point to be confirmed. NJD]
Space available : 1
URHb - Rhosydd Slate Quarry East
Date : 29/06/2025 Time : 10:00 - 17:00Paul Doutch
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/hJomgvmRNpZaLizg8 Distance from base : Approx. 20 miles, 40 minutes
Details :
Exploring Rhosydd Quarry East
This trip begins with a 1.6-mile walk to Rhosydd Adit No. 9. The approach follows a good path but becomes steep on the final stretch and may include boggy sections depending on weather conditions.
Adit No. 9 features a wet walk-through, usually below welly depth, but water levels can rise in wet weather, so waterproof footwear is essential. At the end of the adit, we will venture into the eastern workings, which require squeezing through a collapse and some scrambling.
The eastern workings are in a fragile state due to a significant collapse known as the "Great Fall," so great care is needed while exploring this area. Despite this, the collapses have preserved some fascinating remains, including hobnail boot prints, various tools, and incline remains, offering a unique glimpse of the quarry and its working practices.
No SRT is required, but participants should be comfortable with scrambling, squeezing through tight spaces, and traversing unstable terrain.
Join us for a rare opportunity to explore this remarkable yet delicate section of Rhosydd Quarry and uncover its hidden history!
A 1.6-mile approach on a good path, which becomes steep towards the end and may have boggy sections depending on the weather.
Entry via Adit No. 9, a wet walk-through (usually below welly depth but can be deeper in wet weather).
Scrambling and a squeeze through a collapse required to access the eastern workings.
No SRT required; no pitches, ladders, or ropework.
The eastern workings are fragile due to past collapses—care is essential.
Unique remains include hobnail boot prints and tools left behind by quarrymen.
A trip requiring confidence in scrambling, squeezing, and navigating unstable terrain, with a fascinating glimpse into Rhosydd’s past.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : None
UHMc - Milwr Tunnel, Powell's lode cavern and East Halkyn mine
Date : 29/06/2025 Time : 10:30 - 19:30George Harvey, Neil
Meet : Layby outside gate to Hendre quarry, off A541, SJ 20335 67655 Distance from base : Approx. 35 miles, 1 hour
Details :
Entrance via a level, descent to Old Drainge level via a shaft and incline, both laddered.
Walk along Old Drainage, passing though workings on the Hendre lode, then a further
descent via a mix of fixed ladders and slopes with hand-lines, to the limestone workings at
Milwr tunnel level. Walk along the Milwr tunnel, then along the branch to Powell's lode. Climb an incline on fixed ladders, walk along levels, with some climbing and crossing open stopes, to see the remains of the pumping installations in Powell's shaft and in East Halkyn. Descend via a heavy-duty wire ladder through the stopes in East Halyn mine, passing though the natural cavern on Barclay's lode to reach the lake in Powell's lode cavern, a large natural cavern on the lode. Return by the Miwr tunnel with a look round the limestone workings before climbing back out.
Milwr Tunnel: limestone workings, East Halkyn and the lake in Powell's lode cavern. Descent of 400ft, mostly on fixed ladders, walk to Powell's lode, climb an incine on fixed ladders, walk along a level with some open stopes to cross, descend a heavy-duty wire ladder in East Halkyn, walk though Barclay's lode to the lake. Return via the Milwr tunnel and climb up ladders to the surface. Cows tails and load-bearing belt required plus a shunt or similar for self-lining on the ladders.
Diff - Long trip which may involve considerable vertical access (SRT), climbing requiring technical kit, and/or deep water (above waist). Delegates will require reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment.
Space available : None
UPYb - Mona-Parys through trip
Date : 29/06/2025 Time : 10:30 - 16:30Brian Davies
Meet : Heritage car park, top of Parys Mountain opposite mine headgear Distance from base : Approx. 50 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
Details :
Arduous, up & down incl. up to 10m ladders. Muddy and very wet - chest height for c.300m ? way through. Couple of low crawls.
Arduous, up and down ladders and rough steps, crawls, wet up to chest height for c.300m
Diff - Long trip which may involve considerable vertical access (SRT), climbing requiring technical kit, and/or deep water (above waist). Delegates will require reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment.
Space available : 3
UALd - Aberllyn
Date : 29/06/2025 Time : 11:00 - 15:00Badger (Tony Radmall)
Meet : Pont y pair car park, Betws y coed. (behind cunninghams) https://maps.app.goo.gl/eCoZnAs1cG9FtZJB8 Distance from base : Approx. 4 miles, 10 minutes
Details :
Long uphill walk in, approx 1 hour. Mostly walking with some fixed ladders and handlines. Approx 3 hours
Aberllyn was a large mine at the eastern end of a major fault. Mined predominantly for zinc.
Kit Needed: Lid & Lamp, Over Suit + Undersuit or Equivalent, Knee Pads, Lunch + Drink, Suitable Footwear
Carpark is Pay and Display.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 5
UPYf - Parys Mine
Date : 29/06/2025 Time : 13:00 - 17:00*Ron Clays
Meet : Heritage car park, B5111, top of Parys Mountain opposite mine headgear Distance from base : Approx. 50 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
Details :
Relatively easy trip, down the ladders (7m max) and rough stone steps to 30ftm level then back up. Visiting stopes, the 'Bronze Age' chamber and 'blue crystal' chamber
Relatively easy trip, down the ladders (7m max) and rough stone steps to 30ftm level then back up. Visiting stopes, the 'Bronze Age' chamber and 'blue crystal' chamber
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 1
Events on Monday 30/06/2025
UBRa - Britannia Copper Mine Through Trip
Date : 30/06/2025 Time : 07:00 - 19:00Dave Jones, Aidan
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuuB9N1MyizMKoRu5 Distance from base : Approx. 20 miles, 40 minutes
Details :
Britannia Copper Mine is nestled 350m below the summit of Snowdon near to Glaslyn lake.
We will be meeting at Nant Peris Car Park and taking one of the buses to Pen Y Pass Car park to begin our 4km hike up the PYG Path to the entrance enjoying some of the fantastic views Snowdonia has to offer. Price is for partking and transport.
Upon arriving at the entrance we will be abseiling into the mine and beginning our trip through its passages and stopes decorated with lovely blue and green copper sulphate. We will be descending 125m over 5 pitches while taking in the old timbering, artifacts and colours.
At the end of the final pitch there is a thigh deep wade to exit the mine, if time permits we can walk into the lowest level before beginning the 5km walk back down the Miners path.
Trip will begin with a 450m ascent over 4km up Snowdon's PYG Path to reach the entrance to Britannia Copper mine, and a 5km walk out via the Miners Path. must be fully proficient with SRT. 5 Pitches, Deviations, False floors, Water depth will be a minimum of thighs at the exit.
You will need approx £10 in cash for parking meter and bus/taxi fare. Car sharing from venue is strongly recommended.
Severe - Very long and/or sporting trip involving considerable vertical access (SRT) and/or climbing requiring technical kit. Delegates will require a good level of fitness, deep and cold water may be involved.
Space available : 1
ULLa - Llanberis East Copper Mine
Date : 30/06/2025 Time : 09:00 - 23:00Oliver Beard
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/e5L5HSE6uoWyDJ9g8 Distance from base : Approx. 20 miles, 40 minutes
Details :
Expert SRT trip with challenging traverses, and several big pitches in this interesting mine. I will insist that any delegates joining must be comfortable with big exposures, big 40m pitches, with a freehang rebelay, and have done SRT within the last 6 months.
Severe - Very long and/or sporting trip involving considerable vertical access (SRT) and/or climbing requiring technical kit. Delegates will require a good level of fitness, deep and cold water may be involved.
Space available : 3
UCCa - Cae Coch
Date : 30/06/2025 Time : 09:30 - 15:00Tom Ferry
Meet : Meet at venue for car share Distance from base : Start at venue
Details :
The 1 hour walk to the Cae Coch sulphur mine is on track for the first half uphill, we shall then follow a narrow steep footpath up an incline. Surface remains will be passed en route. The mine itself has spectacular formations and a unique opportunity to visit one of the only remaining sulphur mines in the UK. The mine is not flat walking: it is mostly one large stope which you walk along on flat wheelbarrow ways. En route back, potential for another route down the hillside to visit more surface remains.
Inside the mine there is chance of doing a hand line to a lower level for further exploration; then it is possible but you will get wet.
This handline and wade is optional, other than this water shouldn't reach top of wellies.
Lots of walking but the pace can be kept slow to suit anybody.
40 minute surface hike to adit on rough forest track / hillside. Potential of circle route back to cars "rough terrain" option of a handline & ochre wade .
Easy - Quick or easy trip requiring no technical kit beyond lamp and helmet, suitable for all delegates of average fitness and ability. May involve shallow water (not over about 15cm)
Space available : None
UMFa - Maenofferen Slate Mine
Date : 30/06/2025 Time : 09:30 - 17:00Jon Knowles or Mark Waite
Meet : NGR 70390 46242 Distance from base : Approx. 20 miles, 30 minutes
Details :
A generally dry (below welly depth) walk through part of the extensive Maenofferen Slate Mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog. There is no SRT but there is a lot of walking up and down inclines which can be loose. Participants need to be physically fit, since the total ascent is 260m during the day, and have a light which will last all day. The landowners requires that people sign a disclaimer and that people do not display photographs except on closed groups. Bring lunch with you.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : None
UGOc - Ty Gwyn
Date : 30/06/2025 Time : 16:30 - Jason P, Rich T
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/vwHAFaaVN7G4bz8N7 Distance from base : 18 Miles/ 30 Minutes
Details :
We usually take people on the introductory route. This route is not dangerous, but Ty Gwyn is
not a show mine and is very much in the state it was when abandoned 180 years ago. There
is no underground lighting. There are unprotected drops and deep pools of water. The passage
floors are muddy, wet and uneven.
Your visit will involve descending and ascending a ladder (max. 18 feet (5.5 metres.), passages
where you have to stoop, and a couple of short “hands and knees” crawls. We usually spend
about one and a half to two hours underground.
TAKE CARE UNDERGROUND. Look to your own safety and that of others. You must follow any
instructions given by your Party Leaders. Do not leave your group.
The mine is an area of scientific, archaeological, and historical research; please take care not
to damage anything. We do not allow the collecting of specimens.
If you have any medical condition that could affect you while underground please inform us.
We will make every effort to accommodate you providing that it will not affect the safety of
the rest of the party.
You will need
Old clothes (they may well get stained) but they do not need to be waterproof.
Wellington boots – there is muddy water in some passages.
As trips constantly move around and there is no wind underground you do not need thick
under-clothing.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 11
Events on Tuesday 01/07/2025
UCBa - Cwt Y Bugail Slate Quarry
Date : 01/07/2025 Time : 13:00 - 18:00Paul Doutch
Meet : https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lj2o1vW6avmNSKLFA Distance from base : Approx. 21 miles, 40 minutes
Details :
1 mile approach along boggy tramway. No SRT. One hand-over-hand rope descent with short ladder at the bottom. Some scrambling, no tight squeezes. Water can be over welly depth. Underground features include winches, wagons, air receiver, and flooded chamber with pumping remains. Atmospheric site with tramways and mill ruins. Sturdy, waterproof footwear recommended.
Join us for a trip to Cwt y Bugail, a remote and characterful quarry nestled above Blaenau Ffestiniog. The adventure begins with a mile-long walk along the historic Rhiwbach Tramway. While the route is relatively straightforward, be prepared for boggy and wet conditions underfoot, especially after rainfall. Parking at the start point is somewhat limited, so carpooling is recommended where possible.
The site boasts a wealth of remains both above and below ground. Tramway lines still lie in situ, and scattered throughout the surface and underground workings you’ll find a rich spread of industrial remnants, including winches, wagon bodies, and the remains of mill buildings waiting to be explored.
Underground, we’ll visit workings in both the Back Vein and North Vein. Though not as extensive as some neighbouring quarries, the workings here offer a rewarding and atmospheric explore. The Back Vein features a striking sequence of chambers breaking through to daylight, along with a flooded chamber containing remains of pumping equipment still in situ. The North Vein includes further winch remains, some wagons, and an air receiver.
There will be sections of scrambling throughout the trip, including a hand-over-hand rope descent into the lowest workings, followed by a very short ladder—no SRT required, but a good head for heights and steady footing are essential. Water levels vary by season and rainfall, but the North Vein can be over welly depth, so wellies or other waterproof footwear are strongly recommended.
This is a rewarding trip for those keen on industrial history and less-frequented sites, offering both stunning views and the thrill of exploring a working landscape largely frozen in time.
You will need Lid & Lamp, Knee Pads, Lunch + Drink, Suitable Footwear.
Mod - Longer easy trip or may involve climbing requiring basic ability, suitable for delegates with a reasonable level of skill and fitness. May involve use of cowstail and belt, and/or knee deep water.
Space available : 3