Quarry to shut amid hit HBO show filming

LARGE sections of a popular slate mine on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) will be off-limits over the coming weeks to enable filming to take place.

Local speculation suggests the highly-anticipated second season of HBO’s “House of the Dragon” is being filmed at Dinorwig Quarry.

Cross Plains Productions, one of the series producers, has written to nearby residents warning of possible disruption over the month-long filming.

Preparations begin on Monday, June 12, and site reinstatement is not due to finish until Wednesday, July 12.

Public access to the world’s second largest slate mine will be closed for periods during filming and private security is expected to patrol the site for over-eager fans.

Footpaths in the quarry are due to be closed from Monday, June 26, until Sunday, July 9.

Access to the Allt Ddu site above Deiniolen will also be closed for a short period, from July 4-7. The area, a quarry memorial site and turning circle for buses, has become a popular parking spot for visitors.

In its letter, Cross Plains Productions said: “Throughout our preparation period, we will be constructing a number of set pieces adjacent to the public right of way and there will be heightened vehicle movements throughout the site.

“Although we will endeavour to maintain access for as long as possible, by managing the vehicle traffic using banksmen, we have applied for permission to close the public right of way to ensure public safety during the dates of Monday, 26 June until Sunday, 9 July.

“Traffic management and location marshals will be put in place to ensure the public are informed and re-directed as necessary.”

Cast filming will take place only in two days, on Wednesday and Thursday,

July 5-6, and is thought to involve horses. Location camera crews typically stay longer to capture background scenes onto which actors can be added by CGI at a later date.

John Horrigan, who lives adjacent to the quarry, said Dinorwig is a popular filming location. “Usually we see four or five productions here each year, some bigger than others. “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed here and recently there was a big fashion shoot. I’ve not been told what’s being filmed here this time but there’s plenty of speculation on the local rumour mill. “Whatever it is, it will be wonderful for the local economy.

“I believe some of the production crew are locals and everyone involved will be staying nearby, bringing money into the area.

“If it’s a big production, fans will want to visit and the benefits will be felt for years, even decades. I think it’s great!”

Speculation is high that filming at Dinorwig is for the second series of the Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon.

Last month a casting call was issued for a project called “Red Gun S2”, said to be code for House of the Dragon series two.

Three actors were being sought for several days of shooting at the end of June “within 25 miles of Caernarfon “. It followed an announcement by Warner Bros Discovery, owners of HBO, of opportunities in the region.

It is thought some filming has taken place on Anglesey already. Film crews were spotted on the island and a marquee was erected at Penmon.

Last month a Game of Thrones fan also posted a TikTok video of an apparent House of the Dragon set on the Gwynedd coast at Trefor. His clip showed scaffolding at Y Gwaith Mawr, a large walled granite quarry on the Yr Eifl (The Rivals) mountains, and a nearby film crew marquee.

“Watch out for dragons prowling around,” said one fan.