Cwmorthin Quarry and Llyn Cwmorthin Walk
This walk visit visits the Cwmorthin Quarry and the adjacent lake in Tanygrisiau, north Wales. It's a beautiful place with a stream, mountains, gardens, waterfalls and some interesting mining history as well.
The walk starts from the Cwmorthin car park, located just south of the site. You can follow footpaths north from here, taking you past the Cwmorthin Waterfall on the way. Near here you'll also pass the lovely Japanese Gardens, an additional feature on the walk.
The route continues north along the stream, branching off to the east to explore the quarry where there are some disused buildings and fine views.
After exploring the quarry you can then follow a track along the western side of the pretty Llyn Cwmorthin. You could turn it into a longer circular walk by heading around Foel Ddu, Rhosydd Quarry and Moel-yr-hydd to the west of the site.
Postcode
LL41 3ST - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsCwmorthin Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Cwmorthin Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Cwmorthin OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Cwmorthin Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular Tanygrisiau Walk starts from the train station and takes you around the pretty Tanygrisiau reservoir just to the south.
There's also the circular Llyn Stwlan Dam Walk. The impressive dam lies just to the west of the Tanygrisiau Reservoir, with the accompanying power station on the western shores. There's some great views back down to both lakes from the vantage point on Moel-yr-Hydd to the south west.
Just to the east there's the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog to explore. Here you'll find another station on the Ffestiniog Railway and the fascinating Llechwedd Slate Caverns. Near here there's also Cwm Penmachno where you can explore a number of striking slate mining quarries, enjoy views of the River Machno and visit the pretty Llyn Bowydd.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Snowdonia Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
A view of the Car parking at Tanygrisiau. This is where you can start your walk.
Waterfalls above Tanygrisiau
Amongst all the rock and disused mine workings a wonderful Japanese water feature and garden, a real oasis in the wilderness
Sculpture below Wrysgan Quarry. There is an area below Wrysgan Quarry with an old engine house/bunker which has, at some recent time, been lovingly landscaped though it's now falling into disrepair. This 'sculpture' made of slate pieces is one of the artefacts here.
Disused quarry buildings at Cwmorthin Quarry
Llyn Cwmorthin from Craig Nyth-y-gigfran
Llyn Cwmorthin. Small lake partially infilled with waste from Cwmorthin slate mine.
Disused quarry building at Cwmorthin Quarry. I think this particular building, which is still in relatively good exterior condition, was once a climbing hut, but it is no longer habitable.