Dorothea Quarry

Information, Safety & Heritage Guidance

Dorothea Quarry is a former industrial site located in the Nantlle Valley. While it is a place of natural beauty and historical significance, it is a decommissioned work site containing various natural and man-made hazards. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and maintain awareness of their surroundings at all times.

Safety Information

  • Unstable Terrain: Rock faces and scree slopes are inherently unstable. Rockfalls can occur without warning. Avoid standing directly beneath cliffs or on overhanging edges.
  • Deep Water: The flooded quarry pits are extremely deep and contain hidden machinery and cold-water hazards. Swimming is not advised due to the risk of cold-water shock and submerged obstacles.
  • Falling Debris: Industrial structures and retaining walls are in a state of decay. Keep clear of buildings and avoid touching or climbing on masonry.
  • Changing Conditions: Weather conditions in North Wales can shift rapidly. Fog, rain, and ice can make paths slippery and reduce visibility significantly.

Access & Movement

  • Stay on Paths: Please remain on established tracks and paths. Venturing off-trail increases the risk of falls and damage to the sensitive landscape.
  • Do Not Climb: Climbing on any industrial structures, machinery, or designated rock faces is strictly prohibited for safety and preservation reasons.
  • Respect Signage: Barriers, fences, and warning signs are placed for public safety. Do not cross fences or ignore warning notices.

Environment & Wildlife

  • Protected Species: The site is home to various protected wildlife, including nesting birds of prey. Avoid excessive noise and do not disturb any animals.
  • Leave No Trace: Ensure all litter is taken home. Do not start fires or modify the landscape by building stone stacks or moving materials.

Heritage Notice

Dorothea Quarry is an important site of industrial archaeology and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales. The structures represent generations of local labor and industrial innovation. Please treat the site with respect and do not remove or damage any historical artifacts or stone.

URGENT Emergency Information

Primary Action
DIAL 999
Ask for Police & Mountain Rescue
Location Information
Dorothea Quarry
Talysarn, Gwynedd