Insta explorers warned over the ‘snakes and ladders’ quarry sites
RESCUERS HAVE CONCERNS OVER SURGE IN VISITS TO WORLD HERITAGE SITE WHERE HIDDEN DANGERS LURK
MOUNTAIN rescue experts are urging people to take extra care at “dangerous” old slate quarries in Eryri (Snowdonia).
With the busy visitors months almost in full swing, , they have “increasing concerns” over the volume and nature of trips being made.
The remains of buildings, equipment, tools and personal items can be still found scattered around the region’s former quarries.
Industrial heritage, eye-catching landscapes and impressive views combine to make an irresistible lure for visitors, but there are inherent pitfalls for the unwary.
All quarries carry a threat but, in recent years, particular concern has been raised over Dinorwig near Llanberis, once the second-largest slate quarry in Wales. Using old, rusting infrastructure, sections have been developed into an ad hoc “snakes and ladders” course through hidden caves and chambers.
One element includes an unsupported railway track over a chasm, parts of which have collapsed into a void below over the years. “No Instagram story is worth the level of risk that some people are unwittingly taking,” said Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) in a social media warning.
“The old buildings and infrastructure of the slate quarries - railways, ladders etc - are over half a century old and in various states of rust and decay. These old structures and fixtures, which can often be found above precipitous drops, could - and often do - collapse at any time and without warning.”
In 2021, a surge in visitor numbers was anticipated after the vast slate mines of north west Wales were given world heritage status by UNESCO.
Social media has fuelled the trend and Llanberis MRT said it understands the desire by people to explore these historic manmade landscapes.
But it said too many were unprepared and inexperienced to explore these “potentially very dangerous places”. Even with its specialist training, the team said there are “many hidden dangers” in quarries that can’t always be accounted for.
In recent years, other legacy structures in Eryri national park have also been popularised by social media users.
In April, the National Trust removed a gorge-side walkway at Rhiw Goch near Dolwyddelan, Conwy.
Dubbed “the bridge of death”, this was thought to have been built by anglers using old miners’ ladders.
Since the pandemic, concerns have been raised over the over the number of people climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) without the proper clothing, equipment or planning. But in old slate mines, even the best equipped can be caught out.
Over the years, large rockfalls have disrupted routes in some Eryri quarries “Such unseen hazards can pose a considerable risk to rescuers or emergency services personnel called to assist persons in difficulty in these areas,” said Llanberis MRT.
In late March, 12 team members were called to Dinorwig after two visitors became stuck on an unstable ledge in the
California (Sinc Galed) quarry hole. After calling for help, they were hauled to safety using a two-line hauling system.
Experienced mountaineers say they are wary of such places.
One said he hasn’t visited since sections in one quarry disintegrated almost overnight.
Writing on Facebook, he added: “Huge cracks are evident down some of the old buildings towering over the paths and quarry walls.
“I have no wish to be in a #wrongtimewrongplace scenario.”
Another climber said he wouldn’t go near many of the old mining ladders which, he said, were “knackered 25 years ago”. “When things disappear overnight you think twice about going further,” he said.
Llanberis MRT cautioned against media and press coverage of the sites and warned against “social media meet-ups” that may involve unqualified and inexperienced leaders. It recommends visitors doing their homework first by checking the qualifications and experience of group leaders.
Team members are also encouraging visitors to get advice from professional and qualified leaders and instructors before venturing to the more dangerous sites.