As the rain sweeps in. I love how the stone built buildings add interest and scale to the landscape

Tags:   dinorwic slate quarry snowdonia north wales gwynedd grey slate quarry derelict ruin industrial dinorwig

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Even when there is no sun or light you cannot hide the beauty

Tags:   dinorwic slate quarry incline mountains snow gwynedd snowdonia snowdon derelict ruins dinorwig

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Remote but with good access. A ruined cottage in the heart of the Dinorwic slate quarry.

Tags:   dinorwic slate quarry llanberis snowdonia north wales gwynedd slate quarry derelict ruin industrial dinorwig

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I love the patterns and colours the lichens create on the stone

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I was allowed to go out on Sunday morning. Provided I was back by lunchtime. I only had three wide flung locations to get to, about 5-6 miles of walking and climbing to do and 308 miles to drive. At my age too. Stwlan Dam was target No.1. This, Ynys Y Pandy slate finishing factory, was target No.2. St Cwyfan's Church right across Anglesey was target No.3.

The impressive three-storeyed Ynys-y-pandy slate processing works, which served the Gorseddau Quarry, was built in 1856-7 by Evan Jones of Garndolbenmaen and probably designed by James Brunlees. It is ingeniously planned so that the natural fall of the site assisted the manufacturing process. A deep trench inside accommodated a large overshot water wheel (26 ft, 8m in diameter), and on the south side a long curving ramp brought branches of the tramway from Gorseddau Quarry into the mill at two different levels, serving the middle and upper floors. The grand, round-headed openings are closely spaced like a Roman aqueduct. The eastern gable is surmounted by a decorative feature incorporating a false shimney stack, and the west gable windows have at some time had window frames or shutters. Otherwise the construction is bold and plain but none the less impressive.

I had seen pictures of The old slate factory set against angry grey skies but today the sun hung high over the ruins in an empty blue sky. Not interesting for photography. I was in a rush and shooting into the sun was the best I could get, the patches of sunlight coming through the empty windows illuminating the ragged, blossom laden trees below.

Tags:   Ynys y pandy slate finishing shop wales gwynedd

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