Nyth y Gigfran


Slate Mine
Worked from 1860

Jan 1st, 2024 from GWSI by Buddle-Bot

Nov 23rd, 2025 by BertyBasset



The dramatic incline from Nyth y Gigfran Quarry Chwarel Nyth-y-Gigfran ("raven's-nest quarry) is located on a narrow ledge above a sheer drop.
North Wales
Blaenau Ffestiniog
52.9960938, -3.9539945
SH 6896 4609
Open Access
330m
#1,514


Small underground working with adits through to Oakeley from platform on cliff.**

Two adits remain open today: the upper adit is stoped out to the surface (bank), while the lower adit opens onto a steep stone platform. Near the upper adit are small buildings, rock-cut steps, and a possible smithy. The stone section of the incline remains prominent, and the adjacent cutting and boltholes mark the former timber section. Evidence of on-site sawing is visible in the form of circular-sawn slate ends, and historical accounts mention a boiler being lowered from the site in the early 20th century. At Glan y Pwll, some reused buildings may be linked to the quarry operations. The tunnel connection to Oakeley remains accessible and open.



Established around 1860. The initial adit was driven from a natural ledge in the cliff, with a second adit later cut approximately 30 feet below, accessed via a rock-cut platform. Material was lowered by an incline—partly timber and partly stone—to a siding on the Ffestiniog Railway at Glan y Pwll. The quarry likely used the Nant Ystradau mill (SH677433), which had been vacated by Mathews. After a lease dispute, the quarry was absorbed by the Oakeley Quarry, with a connecting tunnel constructed between the two.


Publications (1)

  • Richards, Alun John (1991); Gazeteer of the Welsh Slate Industry, A; Gwasg Carreg Gwalch 978-0863811968


The dramatic incline from Nyth y Gigfran Quarry Chwarel Nyth-y-Gigfran ("raven's-nest quarry) is located on a narrow ledge above a sheer drop.



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