Abandoned Slate Quarry Tramway off the Ffestiniog Railway

Welcome to North Wales. Today I am starting at Tanygrisiau on the Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway. I'm going to be looking at one of the many quarries that was connected to former slate railway line down to Porthmadog. I chose to look at this particular Cwmorthin Quarry as it had a great disused tramway that was well worthy of an explore.
The Cwmorthin Tramway left the main Ffestiniog Railway just to the north of the station of Tanygrisiau where there were a series of sidings. It was built in the 1840s/1850s, rising through two inclined planes to reach the main Cwmorthin Quarry mill and its internal incline. It was later extended to reach the Conclog slate quarry further up the mountain.
We can see plenty of remains of the first of the inclines - the village incline. Which elevates above the village, under a bridge and continues to the first drum winding unit. With use of the drone we can see remains of the incline, drum support remains and the cuttings as the tramway arcs it's way towards the quarry. As we make our way up on foot, we can follow the flat section over a raised embankment before it climbs the stunning 2nd incline carved between slate walls.
At the top, we burst out into the lower area of the Cwmorthin Quarry.
The tramway fell out of use at the break out of the Second World War.
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[@philipgibbard304]

Fantastic stuff, thank you! If this were Switzerland, this incline would be opened as a tourist line, with a restaurant at the top!

[@WobblyRunner]

😄 that would be worth a ride.

[@tonysimons2860]

Thanks!

[@WobblyRunner]

Thank you ever so much Tony.

[@chrischapman7514]

Great video Paul lovely scenery been there many yrs ago. Looking forward to the next part.

[@WobblyRunner]

Thanks Chris 😀👍

[@larx4074]

Terrific video, there is so much to see and explore up there. Have been returning to this wonderful area for over 50 years, utterly fascinating. It's worth seeking out the Rhiwbach Tramway and the exit tramway of the Rhosydd Quarry just up the cwm from Conclog Quarry, there you will find the steepest of the inclines in North Wales, plus more spectacular views. Looking forward to the next video, many thanks for sharing.

[@WobblyRunner]

👍 Nice one. Rhosydd and Conclog were on my itinery, but I had to scale it back. But I will be back to look at those next year. Looking forward to that already. Just looked at the Rhiwbach tramway too after you mentioned it. That looks like well worth a visit.

[@LeiceExplore]

Brilliant video Paul, I love tramways and inclines. I’ll be looking forward to part 2 of this, I gotta feeling it’s gonna be a good un! I’ll explore this area myself one day for sure. Love it!

[@WobblyRunner]

Id love to do the incline next door too. That looks impossible to walk up. Never seen anything so steep.

[@steviez110]

There is a similar incline here in Scotland near Dalmellington Great video by the way.

[@wonkdonk3844]

thanks for the comment. was just looking on google maps at Dalmellington and wow the amount of old track bed around the quarry's is pretty insane. if I get a chance I will be paying it a visit. I'm also intrigued at the Doon Valley Railway and the old sidings. thanks!

[@WobblyRunner]

Just had a google of Dalmellington. That looks incredible. I need to start travelling more :)

[@benabel7326]

Such a great video. Tanygrisiau is my home away from home, so many ruins hidden away up there. The station is about 100 meters from my mom's house. I've been to the upper lake, which I guess might appear in your next episode, time and time again. There is actually a slate hotel in one of the Cwmorthin mines, it takes a few hours, with professionals, climbing through You stay over night and then take a few hours to climb back out.

[@WobblyRunner]

Ah yes the deep sleep. I was watching a video on that the other night. Such a small world. What a beautiful place to live. Your mom is so lucky. You'll have to let me know if you're up there next year when I go back.

[@Carolb66]

Absolutely stunning video Paul, it has everything, welsh hills, slate, railways tramways, inclines, bridges I could go on, I love the history of the Welsh slate mines & the workings it's just so interesting. Bet you loved filming this. ❤😊👍

[@WobblyRunner]

I sure did Carol. My personal favourites are all holiday related videos in slate quarries. They just have everything, great views and fantastic remains :)

[@iancaveney7464]

I'm exhausted just watching you climb that, like walking up Hady Hill in Chesterfield. 😉👍

[@WobblyRunner]

Haha. You didn't see how many breaks I had to catch my breath before filming a bit

[@raybeaumont7670]

Cheers Paul. Been up there many times - but NOT via your route. I drive up to the small carpark above the village - next to the waterfall. A superb area for some photography. Best wishes from The Rhondda. PS - you still need some Welsh lessons. Ha!

[@WobblyRunner]

Cheers :) I still need some English lessons too 😄 I know the car park you mean. I came down that way down the waterfall.

[@maestromanification]

Absolutely fascinating Paul, any ideas when it was removed. I suppose if it closed before the was I would have thought they'd have wanted the steel for scrap

[@WobblyRunner]

Not a lot of info on that Russ. Maybe someone might know and reply. Not many photos around of it either after that time.

[@nigelkthomas9501]

I’m surprised those steel ropes haven’t been removed and recycled.

[@garthcox4307]

You'd struggle to get a caravan up there! Hopefully saved by their location.