Above Croesor, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Rhosydd Quarry

Industrial heritage

Source image

6.6

Wildland

1–2 hours for the AllTrails out-and-back route

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Atmospheric

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HillsRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.6

High above the valleys, Rhosydd’s abandoned slate workings leave a stark industrial imprint on a mountain landscape: scattered quarry ruins and spoil tips set against broad views of Eryri.

Rhosydd earns its place through the unusual meeting of a substantial slate-quarry landscape and remote mountain scenery. The ruins reward a proper walk in, while the rough approach and unsafe mine workings make this a place to explore from the surface, not enter.

Atmospheric · Wild · Secluded

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Above Croesor, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Eryri (Snowdonia)

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The experience

Rhosydd is best experienced on foot, with the quarry ruins as the destination and the surrounding mountain terrain part of the story. One published route links it with Cwmorthin Quarry, Wrysgan Slate Mine, Conglog Slate Quarry, waterfalls and Llyn Cwmorthin. Expect rough ground and take a map; underground exploration is unsafe.

Things to do

Walk the Cwmorthin-to-Rhosydd out-and-back

Follow the published route through a sequence of slate-mining landscapes to Rhosydd Quarry and Barracks. The route also passes waterfalls along Afon Cwmorthin and views over Llyn Cwmorthin. Rougher sections require care.

1.5–2 hours

Explore the quarry remains from the surface

Look across the old quarry buildings and industrial remains, keeping to safe ground. Mine entrances and underground workings are unsafe to enter because of flooding.

Pause at the waterfall and lake views

The route description identifies waterfalls along Afon Cwmorthin and views over Llyn Cwmorthin. Enjoy them as landscape features; the source does not confirm permission to swim.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1.5–2 hours

Quick quarry out-and-back

01
Use the AllTrails Cwmorthin Quarry to Rhosydd Barracks route as your route reference.
02
Walk to the Rhosydd quarry landscape and explore visible ruins from safe ground.
03
Return by the same route; avoid mine openings and flooded workings.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of the quarry landscape

01
Follow the published out-and-back route through Cwmorthin Quarry towards Rhosydd Barracks.
02
Take time to notice the quarry remains, slate formations, Afon Cwmorthin waterfalls and views over Llyn Cwmorthin.
03
Allow extra time beyond the route estimate for stops, and return along the route without entering mine workings.

Verified history

Rhosydd is an abandoned slate quarry in the Welsh mining landscape. The supplied sources describe quarry ruins and industrial remains, but do not establish a detailed chronology or specific historic events.

Hidden details

The route is a chain of quarry landscapes — The published walk links Cwmorthin, Wrysgan and Conglog slate workings on its way to Rhosydd, making the approach part of the industrial story rather than simply a path to one ruin.

When to go

· Choose a clear-weather window for views; no specific time of day is established by the sources.

The supplied sources recommend clear conditions for the surrounding views but do not identify a season-specific advantage.

This is a rough mountain walk. Check the forecast and current route conditions, wear suitable footwear and carry a map; mobile service may be spotty.

The route

ascent: 672 ft
surface: Rough sections; some steep, uneven ground
distance: 3.3 miles
duration: 1.5–2 hours
difficulty: Moderate
route shape: Out and back
start point: Cwmorthin Quarry to Rhosydd Barracks route; confirm the precise start point before setting out.
parking start: Parking details are not confirmed; check before visiting.

Rhosydd Quarry and Barracks
Cwmorthin Quarry
Wrysgan Slate Mine
Conglog Slate Quarry
Waterfalls along Afon Cwmorthin
Views over Llyn Cwmorthin

What to look for

From safe ground, notice the scattered remains of quarry buildings and the extensive slate tips. Look out across the mountain setting rather than approaching or entering mine openings.

The story

Slate quarrying and industrial heritage

Best time to go

Clear, settled weather offers the best chance of views; check the forecast before a mountain walk.

Choose a clear day for the mountain views and check the forecast before leaving. Conditions and visibility can change; carry appropriate footwear and navigation.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for the AllTrails out-and-back route; allow longer for other approaches.

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

Reached on a mountain walk from Croesor or Tanygrisiau. The approach includes steep, rough and uneven sections; wear suitable footwear and check current access conditions before setting out. Do not enter mine workings: the mine entrance is reported unsafe because of flooding. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

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Parking

Parking information is not confirmed; check before visiting.

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

The source row marks the location dog-friendly, but current access rules and conditions should be checked before visiting.

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Accessibility

Steep ascents and rough, uneven sections are reported. Not suitable for visitors who need an accessible path; check conditions and route details before setting out.

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Cost

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Water

Nearby route features include Afon Cwmorthin, Llyn Cwmorthin and Cwmorthin Waterfall. No swimming permission is established; do not assume swimming is permitted.