HORNS ARE PLENTY

Visitors amazed by sight – and sounds – of herd of goats taking group nap at tourist attraction

TOURISTS from around the world come to Snowdonia to search out the guardians of Dinorwic.

Sometimes, they don’t have to look very far.

Last week, a herd of Welsh mountain goats were caught taking a nap in the quarry’s bus stop area.

To the amazement of a pair of South African visitors, one old billy could even be heard snoring loudly.

Some lounged on the grass, others preferred sun-warmed slate gravel.

After three mild winters, and some unaccustomed peace during lockdowns, the secretive wild goats have become more daring, often venturing from their mountain strongholds.

Photographing the herd was John Horrigan, who lives nearby in a former quarry cottage.

Despite keeping a close eye on the goats for the past decade, it was the first time he’d ever heard one snoozing so audibly.

“People come from a long way to catch sight of and photograph the goats,” he said.

“It’s extremely rare to see them all lying down. One was lying on its side with his horns on the ground and snoring loudly.

“This time of year they tend to follow the emerging brambles for food.

“They’re not bothered by people, providing they don’t get too close.”

Perhaps out of respect, the sleeping goats chose not to lie on two benches installed at the Allt Ddu parking area last autumn.

Made from local slate, they resemble the quarry wagons – known as Car Cyrn – that were unique to Dinorwic Quarry.

The benches were built by Inigo Jones Slate Works, which last year celebrated its 160th anniversary. Each has a backrest engraved with quotations and original images drawn by quarrymen.

The project, a collaboration with Padarn Country Park, was part of Gwynedd’s bid to gain World Heritage status for the Slate Landscape of North West Wales.

The spot is a gateway to Dinorwic Quarry, once the world’s second largest slate mine.

In recent years it has become increasingly crowded: last Friday night Mr Horrigan counted 19 motorhomes parked up.

Not everyone gets to see the goats, as they can range quite widely. Neither are they as numerous as they once were: a controversial cull in 2006 saw numbers trimmed following complaints the goats were damaging woodlands, vandalising gardens and playing “chicken” with passing motorists.

Population estimates vary widely, but it is thought numbers are rising again after a series of warmer winters.

However, one long-time favourite – the so-called Stinky Unicorn – died in early 2021.

He was said to have lost one horn in a rutting battle on Snowdon’s Crib Coch ridge.

In February, Facebook’s Welsh Mountain Goats page reported that concerned visitors were picking up baby goats and taking them to animal welfare charities.

The practice, it said, was “effectively killing” the young goats as it is illegal to then release them back into the wild.

“Nanny goats often leave their kids while they feed, or try and make humans and dogs follow them away from the baby,” it said.

Snowdonia’s feral goats – a feature of the landscape for at least 5,000 years – may be popular with visitors but they can cause problems for mountain rescue teams.

Every so often they are called out to false reports of climbers shouting out for help.

According to John Grisdale of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, the wild goats are excellent mimics.

He suggests walkers and climbers listen carefully if they hear cries of “hheeelpp”.

“It has yet to be proved that goats mimic the human voice, but they make a damned good attempt,” he said.

“Whether they are calling in Welsh or English has yet to be established!”

Nevertheless, Snowdonia’s goats can be a walker’s friend in the mountains.

“When they come down from the mountains, it’s often a good sign that rain is on the way,” said Mr Horrigan.