Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Egypt’s Pyramids, India’s Taj Mahal and the Grand Canyon, the Welsh slate landscape has become the latest addition to receive UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The North Wales landscape is now the UK’s 33rd site on the prestigious list after the World Heritage Committee approved the bid. This comes after Liverpool lost its World Heritage status in July where it was thought that the development there threatened the value of the waterfront.
You can find the slate landscape in Snowdonia close to us here in Bala. The quarry is said to have “roofed the 19th Century world” as the slate mined there was exported around the globe.
The World Heritage site is made of six parts including the quarry landscapes such as Penrhyn, Dinorwig, Nantlle Valley and Ffestiniog. It also includes the National Slate Museum in Llanberis, Penrhyn Castle and Ffestiniog and Talyllyn Railways which were used to transport the slate from the quarry to the markets around the world. These have now been transformed into heritage railways.
There are plenty of tourist attractions in the area including Zip World which has a fantastic mining tour, underground trampoline park and not forgetting a thrill-seeking zip lining experience.
Deep Mine Tour
Go back to the 19th Century to experience what it would be like for the slate miners and delve into Llechwedd’s fascinating past. Learn about the 16 underground levels as well as discovering where the famous Llechwedd Cheese is matured. Learn about how local men and even children risked their lives everyday to provide the world with this famous slate.
Bounce Below
Jump, bounce and even slide your way through this now disused mine for a great fun-filled adventure for the whole family. This unique experience will allow you to escape into a hidden world for adventure whilst taking in the great vast surroundings.
Titan 2
Titan 2 isn’t your average zip line. It’s Europe’s first four-person zip line which includes an in-depth tour of the historic location. The tour starts by climbing aboard one of the former army trucks which take you around the slate quarry and to an height of 1,400ft. You’ll be kitted up and ready for your descent. From here you will see Blaenau Ffestiniog, Snowdonia and beyond.
Don’t worry if you’re not up for an adventure – you can learn all there is to know of the area at the National Slate Museum! Just head on over to Llanberis to explore the history of slate and the traditional craft of the quarrymen. It’s free to go but just make sure to reserve your tickets in advance.