Quarry Inclines Walk

This walk will explore the industrial heritage landscape of Abergynolwyn village and the Bryneglwys Quarry. The Bryneglwys Quarry was opened in the 1840s. It was the source of the slate that was transported via the Talyllyn Railway to Tywyn where it was then transported worldwide via the main railway line. The quarry developed rapidly from 1864 onwards after its lease was purchased by the McConnel brothers whose initial business had been cotton production in Lancashire. This provided them with the wealth and experience to be invested in the quarry, a railway and the locality. The quarry incline and horse tramway system was a way of transporting the slate down from the quarry to the railway and also a way of transporting goods and 'night soil' between the village and the railway. The quarry and village inclines were self balancing with loaded wagons going downhill hauling the empty wagons uphill.

We shall begin by walking steeply uphill on a minor road for a short distance before taking a footpath towards Nant Gwernol station where we shall begin following the picturesque river below. The path is narrow and unfenced but there will be opportunities to take photographs. We shall pass numerous remains associated with the old quarry workings and information panels explain some its history. There are views to be had on good days and even a 'secret waterfall'. The total ascent is around 800 feet but the walk has been graded C+ to reflect that the route has a number of steep stretches often on loose slate. These paths are uneven and slippery, especially when wet and the autumn leaves can hide hidden rocks so walking poles are useful. There are also some short extremely boggy stretches and the wearing of gaiters is highly recommended.