Dinorwig Slate Quarry

The former workshops at the foot of the hill are the separate National Slate Museum, and Vivian Quarry is its own smaller site. Up here you are on the quarry terraces themselves, so bring what you need for an outdoor walk rather than expecting to pick things up along the way.

• More than 30 galleries and terraces, linked by slate tips and the remains of inclined railway systems.
• Ruined quarry buildings and structures, including the row of quarrymen's housing known as Anglesey Barracks.
• Long views over Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, across to Dolbadarn Castle and the surrounding peaks.
• Walking, looking and photographing. This is a place to read the shape of the hillside rather than follow a set trail.

The heritage authority describes this landscape as remote, dangerous and challenging. It is partly privately owned and includes land with no public access.

• Stay on public paths and obey signs and gates.
• Never climb fences or enter buildings, tunnels or quarry workings.
• Steep drops and hazards around water-filled workings, derelict structures and inclines require care, especially with children or dogs.

There is no set route to follow, so navigation is on you and it is easy to misjudge how far you have walked. The lanes on the upper approach are tight, and parking near the entrance is limited, so arriving later in the day may mean rethinking your plan. Cloud can strip the views entirely, and wet slate is slippery.