Industrial Wales
Find out why our mines, quarries, canals and railways made history as the UK became the first industrialised nation in the world
Within our tiny nation of Wales was a powerhouse of entrepreneurs who took the wealth from the earth and turned it into gold, becoming very rich in the process. We are talking about copper, coal, slate and gold to name but some of the riches to be found in Wales. Let’s talk superlatives. We had the largest copper mine in the world, the largest slate quarry in the world and more coal mines than you could swing a pick at. We set and controlled the price of coal and copper for the whole world here in Wales and we had (and still have a tiny amount) THE most expensive gold in the world – it’s very very rare.
So explore industrial Wales with me and delve into our industrial past with Llechwedd Slate Mountain, where you can travel 500 ft underground and be taken around with a former slate miner who worked there. You’ll learn about the tough and dangerous life of a quarryman or chwarelwr. You can watch slate being split here, play underground golf here (yes really) or, if you’ve a head for heights, take the Zip World Titan zip wires above the whole site.
Finally visit our National Slate Museum in the heart of beautiful Snowdonia National Park, North Wales to see “wide ladies” ie pieces of slate being split by experts, who again used to work in this quarry of Dinorwic (now the Museum). There are 4 former miners’ cottages rebuilt in the museum for you to explore inside and see life as it was 200 year’s ago, or have fun getting wet under the UK’s largest working water wheel. Finally you’ll find the Dolbadarn Lake Railway here, which offers 45 minute rides around the picturesque lake Padarn.
On the Isle of Anglesey, you can visit the eerie moon-like remains of Parys Mountain – the largest copper mountain in the world.
Finally, If you have a head for heights cross Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – 126 ft above the river dee to see the amazing engineering of master builder Thomas Telford, who also built bridges, roads and canals around North Wales.
About my Wales tours
All tours are bespoke and private so just for you or your group and operate year round, subject to weather conditions and minimum numbers.
Please contact me on celtictourswales@hotmail.com or call Carole on 07582 093582 to discuss your needs.
Terms & Conditions, cancellation fees and payment options are available on request.
About my Wales tours
All tours are bespoke and private so just for you or your group and operate year round, subject to weather conditions and minimum numbers.
Please contact me on celtictourswales@hotmail.com or call Carole on 07582 093582 to discuss your needs.
Terms & Conditions, cancellation fees and payment options are available on request.
