Lliwedd - A Snowdonia copper mine

Map and directions to the mine

This view of the miners bridge was painted by John Cecil Midgley A.R.C.A. in the early 1920's.

From the car park at Pont Bethania, which is also on the excellent Snowdon Sherpa bus network, take the Watkin Path towards Snowdon.  After about 20 minutes walking, a large waterfall can be seen coming down from Snowdon.  Follow the Watkin Path until another path branches off, to the right, just before a gate.  Follow this path down to a slate slab bridge over the river, just below the large waterfall.  Cross the bridge and follow the path steeply up through the trees.  Carry on climbing this path, pass through another gate, and the original pack horse track to the mine is reached.  This well graded track leads  directly to Lliwedd Copper Mine.  Average walking time is about 2 to 3 hours.

The grid reference of Lliwedd copper mine is SH634531.

To read more about the history of Lliwedd copper mine and other mines in the area I would recommend:
"The old copper mines of Snowdonia" by David Bick, ISBN 1-84306-075-2.

Image reproduced with permission of Ordnance Survey

As with all walks of this nature please pay due regard to the weather conditions and wear appropriate clothing and footwear, be careful to leave enough time to return safely in daylight.  Snowdonia has an extremely high rainfall and mist and low cloud can come down very quickly.  Be especially careful when exploring the upper parts of the mine as there are several opencuts/crevasses on the mountainside which are unfenced and many feet deep.  On no account venture underground unless you are with a properly qualified guide.

One of the local inhabitants.

Next page: The surface features at Lliwedd copper mine

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