Landscape Photography | Spectacular SNOWDONIA - DINORWIC Slate Quarry - ULTIMATE Guide Part One

[@GregWhitton]

If you enjoyed this video, please like and subscribe...and ring the little bell to be notified of the next upload. That next upload will be Part Two of this vlog and will be published at 7pm (UK Time) on Monday 18th June. I'll be returning later in the year to film parts Three and Four.

[@davedear929]

I've been to the quarry a number of times but not as far as you. Love the dramatic start and the pooch. Brilliant photography. The only comment I can make is WOW. Thank you.

[@nigelauty9992]

What a great video, and I recognise quite a lot of the places you visited. I could have spent every day of my 7 day holiday up in Dinorwic Quarry…….is it being selfish to say that preferably just me and my camera..!! Only came back home to Yorkshire yesterday, and been up and around the quarry quite a few times. Can’t wait to head back into Snowdonia.

[@robertmaitland09]

Was there last week, we started from the valley bottom near the entrance to the hydro plant. Anglesey barracks is a real treat on the way up following the inclines. Amazing place.

[@SnowdoniaSkies]

Brilliant footage and I did a recent video with the drone flying around the quarry. One of many parts to come as it's an amazing place. Thanks for sharing.

[@taff1538]

I found your video by accident Greg, and what a joy, finally a good, knowledgably vlog, regarding possible photo opportunities in the quarry, I liked your capture of the cottages at 20.34, finally a different and overlay much better perspective of the scene. Thank you. Thanks for the share, I'll move on to part two now. Blwyddyn newydd dda as we say here in Llanberis

[@MaliDaviesPhotography]

Seriously needed to catch up and no better time than after that football match! Greg! Superb, and BOOM! really enjoyed both episodes and can’t wait to watch the Alps part 1 with your Monty. Big smile on my face. 😁👍

[@GregWhitton]

Boom!!!!!

[@JohnHorner34]

Well that half hour passed quickly which goes to prove how entertaining the blog was. Although not showing me any ‘new’ locations within the Quarry, it’s always good to see other people’s take on it. Particularly like the Anglesey Barracks pano; haven’t managed to get to that side as I ran out of time when we were there last. I opted to go to the other side and dropped down a level towards the top of the Zig Zag before heading back up to the bus stop and back to our van. Looking forward to part two as you ascend to the higher levels.

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks John. Yep, Part Two includes more of Australia, California and...a Storm!

[@glynjones1582]

I wasn’t a fan of your earlier more tongue in cheek vlogs (just not my cup of tea) but was interested in the quarry so thought I’d have a quick look at this. A quick look turned into half an hour very quickly. Absolutely brilliant, showcasing the area beautifully. Your images are stunning, the one you’d been after was a real stunner, that little kiss of light in the foreground So, plus one to your subscriber list. Could watch vlogs like this one all day

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks for the feedback Glyn. Can't guarantee there won't be any more tongue-in-cheekiness here and there, but on the whole I think you'll find things will be a bit more straight laced going forwards. Thanks for the sub.

[@AndyAstbury]

Greg - I've just found your channel quite by accident, and I have to say that even though I'm only 30 minutes into this video it's by far the very best Dinorwic video I've ever seen - fabulous. Consider me subscribed !

[@GregWhitton]

Andy Astbury thank you Andy. I've explored this place a lot, thought it would be nice to pass on the knowledge. Thanks for the sub too 👍🏻

[@kenycymro]

Great video of a place I love very much.. 👍

[@ThePosiview]

You have a very entertaining and engaging delivery style. Only been there once but will be back there in July. You produced some great photographs, especially 28:53 with the wonderful, warm light. Cheers.

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks for the comment Andy, and the feedback. Appreciated. Enjoy your visit in July...just watch the midges ;)

[@thevalleywalker]

I wish this had been released 2 weeks ago Greg.. never wandered around the quarry until then and I really didn't know where to wander. As James mentioned to sit and watch a vlog for 30 mins takes some doing - this was easy peasy and very very enjoyable - your images I know prior to your new found vocation and you don't get to win top prizes without knowing your stuff.. and you do it in spades. Thanks for sharing. regards Al

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks Al, I appreciate the comment. Yes, Dinorwic can be quite overawing when you first visit. I always try to reassure my workshop clients that they need time to process all the information before they get their cameras out of their bags. Just sit down, observe, take in the atmosphere and work from there.

[@jimbutler6925]

I've just had my first visit to Dinorwic this past week (just before the local lockdown came into force), i'll definitely be back and this series of guides is first class and has given me a really good idea of where to go (I was only in the 'right hand gate' area). Thanks very much, brilliant stuff! (been a subscriber for a while now too).

[@GregWhitton]

Jim Butler glad you found them useful Jim 👍🏻

[@hoppityhopful]

Thanks for sharing. Beautiful. My fav place

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks for watching

[@fubband]

A veritable blockbuster, Greg, loved it! Very nearly a fully ‘serious’ vlog too ;) Loved the shots, that foreground rock catching the light is to die for 😍

[@GregWhitton]

martin tosh thanks Martin, had to happen i suppose 😉

[@pepsidave]

Fantastic Video that Greg! You’ve no idea how much that video has made me want to get out to Dinorwic, it’s always been a place “I’ll get to one day” but not after seeing that! 😱😍

[@GregWhitton]

Awesome, perfect response. Worth visiting sooner rather than later, for various reasons. Glad you enjoyed it David.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Brilliant piece of work Greg. To be honest quarry’s have not been on the top of my list of places to shoot but your detailed account of opportunities has certainly inspired me. You are obviously a very meticulous photographer who chooses their compositions selectively. Not many I’d sit through for half an hour but i was glued to this one. Good stuff Greg 👍👍😬

[@GregWhitton]

Cheers James. Yes, I do try to optimise every composition...still learning though, there is always something new to learn. Glad the time passed quickly :)

[@ShaneTurnbull]

Never been to this location and your knowledge of this wonderful location shines through 😁

[@GregWhitton]

Cheers Shane. Appreciated.

[@AndrewCooperPhotography]

Greg, fantastic vlog, taken us to places i have yet to visit. Thanks so much.

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks Andy, always more to explore!

[@T3M0T4Y]

Brilliant, thanks for posting I thoroughly enjoyed all four parts and you've been a massive help with locating several subjects I want to shoot there, all but one that is, another video of Dinorwic I've seen features two carts loaded with slate and still sat on tracks, but for the life of me I can't locate them, maybe I'm looking in the wrong places or perhaps they've since been moved or buried in a rock slide, can you help? Thank and keep up the good work 👏

[@rattyboots]

Fantastic video guide and very entertaining, Greg. I'd seen some of the quarry ruins from a distance from a few years ago and thought they would be worth a look, but had no idea the area was quite so interesting. Your latest toy (the eye in the sky) adds a lot to your videos and I always enjoy seeing your finished images to compliment the video. Very inspiriring. Keep up the great work.

[@GregWhitton]

Thank you Neil, glad you enjoyed it bud.

[@davidfearn8635]

Excellent: really thorough. Have only been two or three times, but love it. Will plan another trip soon, after watching this. Subbed!

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks David, be sure to tune in next Monday then... ;)

[@timscott8124]

Nice one Greg!

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks Tim :)

[@davidball8438]

Pretty epic stuff that Greg! Was like a bloody movie lol 👍👍

[@GregWhitton]

Haha, felt like it was a movie when editing it...took fecking ages!

[@GaryNormanPhoto]

I'll be honest, I was expecting to watch this vlog in two hits, but it really flowed well and felt far less than a 30 minute piece. Great images (particularly the first one at sunset) and some great tips regarding the location. You've completely sold out with the drone purchase though ;-) In a word... BOOM!

[@GregWhitton]

Haha, cheers Gary. Glad folks are feeling it flows. Was very worried putting out such a long vlog, but just couldn't see how to cut it in half without it feeling 'empty'.

[@richardswift8517]

Great video,Ive never really been interested in the slate mines in Snowdon but I might have to go and check them out now

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks Richard. It's very much worth a visit. Just make sure you respect it and it will respect you.

[@RussellCram]

If you didn't know this was about photography the first 30 seconds of that video is enough to give you nightmares ;) Can't wait for the next part though, might be heading to North Wales on holiday later in the year!

[@GregWhitton]

Hehe, had several "wife thought I was watching a porno" comments. Next part coming on Monday 18th. Enjoy your trip!

[@smokeandjam]

Very good......subscribed

[@GregWhitton]

smokeandjam thank you 🙂

[@kevinjoseph27]

Great vid, it looks a spectacular location. Have you been to Cwm Orthin? Not quite on the same scale but worth a gander.

[@GregWhitton]

Kevin Joseph thanks Kevin. Yes, i've explored Cwmorthin almost as much as Dinorwic, i sometimes take workshop clients there. Fantastic place!

[@Davidd8655]

Informative and fun - what more could anyone ask? 😊

[@GregWhitton]

David Duffy blood, sweat and tears...? 😉

[@jamesattenborough2597]

BOOM!

[@debwalls9405]

Was up there yesterday. Special location :)

[@matthewdartford9501]

cracking stuff mate

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks Mat...you love a bit of quarry bothering ;)

[@andrewmaguire1057]

Are you sponsored by Hans Zimmer? Great vid mate, never visited the slate quarry, it looks cool. Lovely light at the end!

[@GregWhitton]

Andrew Maguire thanks Andrew 🙂

[@ShibbyFly84]

So glad I found your channel and this set of videos on Dinorwic! So informative and the quality is top notch! I'm planning a trip and wondering if you know if it's ok to park overnight at the 'Bus car park'? Will be doing a two nighter and I've never been to the quarry before so regards to parking, i'm not sure what the best option would be. Thanks in advance.

[@keithtruman7422]

Hi Greg. Great Vlog (as was Part 2). I also know Dave Fieldhouse pretty well having shot with him many times. He put me on to these 2 Vlogs because I am going to Snowdonia in November-a month after you and Dave will be there. Dinorwic is on my must do list. When you talk about Level 3 in Australia, is it obvious how you get there from Dali's Hole? Should I be concerned about the tunnels you went through?

[@GregWhitton]

Hi Keith, welcome. Glad you enjoyed the vlogs...so far. To answer your question, yes, it's is very easy to get to the 3rd level and it is very obvious how to do so. As for the tunnels, no, just tread carefully and watch your head. Watch for the steep drops at the ends. Also, the tunnel through to California has a deep hole at the end of the first tunnel and you have to skirt a large block that has collapsed from the ceiling. Just be a little careful moving around that, especially will a backpack on and if you have anything protruding from the sides (like a tripod) that might knock you off balance. It's all just a case of being quite sensible really. Don't do anything you are not comfortable doing.

[@keithtruman7422]

Thanks Greg.

[@danmar94]

Still yet to come away with a shot I'm happy with from there! Will have to get back up once the moody weather starts to show it's face again. Looks like you're getting a dab hand at that drone malarky as well!

[@GregWhitton]

It can take some time Dan, so much to shoot there, it's easy to spray and pray and come away with nothing. Time is all you need. You've been there now, you can picture it. Think about what you think would make a shot. Maybe it's a slightly different composition, maybe it is the light or the weather or even the season. Then go back when those things align.

[@danmar94]

Greg Whitton The place is my nemesis! 😂 Some sound advice though. You can tell through your work how much you love it there! Always stellar.

[@martinberry1540]

Love the video, want to get to the quarry, maybe on one of your workshops. Couple of negatives: 1. missing the 'bboooommm', 2. Not enough of Monty :-)

[@GregWhitton]

There is a boom at the end Martin...you'll have to watch all the way through again, lol. Aye, Monty was being a primadonna and wouldn't come out to play. Sadly, I have no plans to run any workshops in 2019, I'm taking some time off from them. Still got places available for the big one in October, we are staying so close to the bus-stop car park, you could spit at it.

[@sylviaslavinarps1021]

Well the eagle has landed (nearly crash landed) I have a dragon to do my aerial stuff ;) but he won’t leave Wales. excellent vlog of one of my favourite places to photograph.

[@GregWhitton]

I look forward to meeting your Dragon someday soon Daenerys ;)

[@JeffCreates]

Great work Greg. Very comprehensive. We were talking about how you could have made this a shorter vlog. You could have done a 16 minute 20 sec part one, then part 2 could have started with the video of the shot you'd just finished taking in part 1 as your intro, maybe with one of the stills in the 1st part then you've got a ready made 2nd part which is slightly shorter because it doesn't need the intro. I did watch the whole lot and i didn't get bored, but i do think it would have served you better as 2 or 3 shorter videos

[@GregWhitton]

Jeff Horne the start and the end were filmed as a single part so could have been seperate but i felt the middle (intro to main access and Anglesey Barracks) wasn't a compelling enough prospect on it's own. Hence the bookending decision.

[@GregWhitton]

Ultimately, if you are at all interested in learning about the location, then the length shouldn't be an issue and i hope it flows well enough that folks don't really notice the time. If the location doesn't interest, then i guess folks won't view anyway, so no loss 😉

[@wcrofford]

Have you colaborated with Jason Jones with his quary trips?

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

been there a few times myself love the place, I have a vlog to process and get out I hope you check it out when I do, or even check out some of mine anyay...

[@GregWhitton]

Paul Compton PDphotography will do Paul. Away at the mo, but will check it out when i get home 👍🏻

[@OliverHollingdale]

is it free to go here? is there easy parking? also how far to walk to get to the main levels?

[@GregWhitton]

Yes, totally free. Easy parking at bus stop turning area about 1.5 miles east of Deinolen. About 5-10 minute walk from bus stop turning area.

[@OliverHollingdale]

@@GregWhitton Thank you, also are there any patrol or need to pay to get into the Quarry?

[@GregWhitton]

@@OliverHollingdale no, there is no patrol and nothing to pay. However, you enter entirely at your own risk once you leave the public right of way (path) that bisects the quarry. Many people enter the quarry though, climbers, photographers, explorers, dog walkers, etc.

[@OliverHollingdale]

@@GregWhitton ahh my kind of style, at your own risk! Good Good... :D Thank you!

[@davidhopley9361]

RTFM!

[@GregWhitton]

I threw it away, remember? ;)

[@davidhopley9361]

Damn! I'm always missing the little clues in the plot line!

[@darreno9874]

To avoid sounding silly do some research as to the place your talking about. The long "distribution she'd" was a very large mill for processing the slate, as for not interesting its huge aprox 2 football pitchs, if you can't find a good composition your not looking hard enough.

[@GregWhitton]

Dude, you’re commenting on a video from 4 years ago. You can learn calculus about a dozen times over in that time…hence, i care not what i didn’t know then, only what i know now. As for a good composition, i stand by what i said (no idea what i said btw, haven’t watched it for 4 years) 😀😉

[@T3M0T4Y]

Brilliant, thanks for posting I thoroughly enjoyed all four parts and you've been a massive help with locating several subjects I want to shoot there, all but one that is, another video of Dinorwic I've seen features two carts loaded with slate and still sat on tracks, but for the life of me I can't locate them, maybe I'm looking in the wrong places or perhaps they've since been moved or buried in a rock slide, can you help? Thank and keep up the good work 👏

[@GregWhitton]

Thanks, do you have a link to the other video? I’ll see if i recognise it.

[@T3M0T4Y]

Thanks Greg, I have since located them on Google Earth and confirmed their position by flying the drone across on a quick recon, they're quite some distance from the areas you've covered in your series so I wanted to be sure I was right as it's a long walk to get there if I was wrong 🤣