The Meirionnydd Ramblers are a friendly and welcoming group. We offer regular and varied walks in the wonderful countryside in and around southern Snowdonia.
By all means bring your own binoculars on this walk, after all it takes place in an area of the Dyfi Valley which, in 2009, UNESCO dedicated as a Biosphere Reserve to recognise the biodiversity, natural beauty, heritage and wildlife that exists there. The Abercorris nature reserve is home to a number of woodland birds. However, today's 'included binoculars' are for viewing at from below and are a legacy of Corris' slate mining industry which dates back to the 1300s but which began in earnest in the mid-1800s and which continued up until 1970. On today's walk we shall see the remains of some of the workings and buildings associated with the industry but of particular note will be a structure locally known as 'the binoculars'. High on the quarry face there are the remains of 2 test drillings made by one of the world's first boring machines. It was in the 1860s that testing began here, one of 3 sites in Wales, but the hard slate and the logistical problems associated with its extraction by machine, meant that it remained cheaper to use low paid miners with hand tools and gunpowder to quarry the slate. Eventually the machines failed to justify the investment leaving its inventor almost impoverished. We shall view the holes from the safety of the quarry floor, but if you wish to explore inside them, there are videos online.
Of more recent construction, but with a nod to the past, is a model Italian Garden that we shall pass by. It was built by the then householder who was inspired by his travels to Italy and its Renaissance architecture. Nature is now reclaiming the garden but well known Italian landmarks can still be seen as well as follies made from local bricks.
The walk makes use of field and woodland paths (some of which can be muddy) and also some minor roads from which to enjoy the landscape and the surrounding countryside. There are a number of short climbs and these do result in an overall ascent of approximately 900 feet. On return, the cafe at the craft centre should be open to enjoy some well-earned refreshments.
Group grade C+
THIS WALK REPLACES THE ABERGYNOLWYN WALK WHICH HAD TO BE CANCELLED BECAUSE THE ROUTE IS BLOCKED BY FALLEN TREES
Far end of Corris Craft Centre Car Park (by orange exit sign)
