A walk rich in history and scenery from Dinorwig to Nant Peris

Twenty-five walkers and two guide dogs joined our latest, leisurely 3.5-mile walk on Wednesday, July 15.

Although the weather was hot, there was a pleasant breeze along most of the route from Chwarel Dinorwig to Nant Peris.

The walk, led by Eurwyn Thomas, was rich in history and dramatic scenery.

We started in the shadow of the massive slate quarry on the slopes of Elidir Fawr, where the remains of the slate railway and old workings were visible.

The path was fairly level and easy to follow.

Chwarel Dinorwig was one of the two largest quarries in Wales, alongside Chwarel Penrhyn, Bethesda.

At one time, they were the largest quarries in the world.

The landscape was full of evidence of the industrial past, featuring huge slate terraces, old quarry buildings, and narrow paths used by the quarrymen.

From the spot where we stopped for lunch, it was possible to see Brenhines yr Wyddfa – a famous natural rock formation located on the northern edge of yr Wyddfa.

We also saw Barics Môn, where workers from the Ynys Môn would stay during the week before returning home on foot at the weekend.

Dolbadarn Castle also stands there; it was part of Gwynedd’s defensive system, controlling the routes to the south and west. 

During the period between Llywelyn the Great and Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the castle was used as a royal prison.

After lunch, we walked the zigzagging slate path down to the main road before reaching the village of Nant Peris at the head of the valley.

Everyone had enjoyed themselves immensely.