Braich Ddu


Slate Quarry

Jan 1st, 2024 from GWSI by Buddle-Bot

Nov 23rd, 2025 by BertyBasset



Braich Dddu working slate quarry
North Wales
Trawsfynydd
52.9282227, -3.9056611
SH 7200 3846
Open Access
340m
#1,545


As of 2025, working quarry nowdays producing mainly slab.**

Substantially disturbed by later operations, with one contemporary building surviving relatively intact. The ruins include a mill featuring a wheel pit, barracks, and various other buildings,



Worked Cambrian slate distinguished by its notably good colour. Operations relied on a water-powered mill equipped with a Hunter saw for processing. Finished slate was carted to the River Dwyryd for transport, making this likely the last quarry in the district to depend on river transport, which continued until 1868. A tramway connection to the Great Western Railway was planned in 1883, though construction proceeded only as far as the site boundary, leaving the connection uncompleted. Small-scale extraction continued into the 1980s.



The BOAT is driveable by normal car from Tomen y Mur to the quarry.


Publications (2)

  • Richards, Alun John (1991); Gazeteer of the Welsh Slate Industry, A; Gwasg Carreg Gwalch 978-0863811968
  • Weaver, Rodney (1987); Thoughts on Saws; 6 pages


Braich Dddu working slate quarry



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