Hafodlas Quarry
Nature reclaims the slab mill
| Date | 26 May 2012 | ||
| Location | Gwydyr Forest, Betws-y-coed | SH 77933 56175; 53.08877°N, 3.82412°W | |
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Hafodlas Quarry, also variously known as Fodlas, Pentre Du and Betws-y-coed Quarry, opened in the 1850s, with operations coming to an end in 1929. Both slates and slabs were produced at the site and the large 1860s slab mill was water powered: initially by waterwheels, and later by turbines fed with water from Llyn Elsi. Hafod Las Slate Quarry, part one (Treasure Maps);
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Access tunnel cum blast shelter, at the top of the incline behind the mill
Access tunnel, exit towards quarry pit
Lurking in the undergrowth, horizontal sheave at the top of the incline behind the mill
Remains of the water-powered slab mill, built in the 1860s
Rusting metal frame that once supported the mill roof and overhead line shafting
I am reminded of ancient ruins newly discovered. What I most like about this set is how you took us into the mill. I felt a part of it. I can’t say which photo I like best because together they tell a story that is deeply imaginative.
Dezra Despain
June 1, 2012 at 11:11 am
Thanks Dezra. The ruins are very overgrown. I might return for another look in the winter once some of the vegetation has died down.
Graham Stephen
June 2, 2012 at 4:23 pm
perfect Graham, it is just how you would expect it too look.. you have caught it brilliantly.
antiquityandadventures
June 3, 2012 at 7:59 am
Thanks Neil.
Graham Stephen
June 3, 2012 at 9:49 am
I wondered what you would make of this place, Graham…and am not disappointed. It’s a very difficult spot to photograph- I like the topper shot and the way the sheave spokes seem to lie in the grass like the legs of a sleeping spider! We were lucky to catch the place in early spring, I can only imagine what fun you had getting through the jungle!
teigl
June 5, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Thank you Iain. You are right – it is quite a challenge to photograph. The top shot is of the ‘blockhead’ shaped aperture in the wall that I had seen from your post – it was just about impossible to get a good shot of it. And yes, “fun” is the word, warm-weather hiking in shorts + overgrown bramble thicket not being the best mix
I must try to get back there again when some of that has died down a bit.
Graham Stephen
June 5, 2012 at 7:49 pm