Lower Dinorwic Slate Quarries

Llanberis Slate

With a number of classic and quality slate routes these crags are justifiably popular, containing many historic test pieces on amazing slabs. The slate is also quick to dry (when it stops raining in North Wales).

Crag information
Climbing Area: Wales Rock Type: Slate
Importance: National CRoW Land: No
Ownership: Utilities Company No. of Routes: 200
Within National Park: No Year Developed:
Grid Reference: SH 59306 60126

Officially there is no access permitted away from the PROW or bridleways. 

Access to climb Trango Towers/Peppermint Pig areas is sensitive as it lies within the inner perimeter of the power station - climbers are occassionally asked to leave this area by security staff. Access to Rainbow slabs and surrounding areas is only possible from the Llanberis side but access from Nant Peris (Pass side) is striclty not allowed.

This area includes all of the lower part of Dinorwig Slate quarry, including Rainbow slab area, and the levels opposite (Rainbow Walls). The Lower Dinorwic quarries are all on land owned by  First Hydro Company (FHC). FHC have to comply with the Mines and Quarries Act. This means providing a properly maintained barrier to prevent members of the public from falling into the quarries. The company are repairing fencing in the area and employing additional signage to emphasise the dangerous nature of the quarries. There is no formal permission to climb or walk in the quarries away from the public footpaths and if the secutiry staff carrying out routine patrols,  see any members of the public (including climbers) away from the public rights of way they will be asked to leave. Please follow their instructions and do not create conflict if this is the case.  Please respect the environment of the quarries, do not damage any fences, keep dogs under control and take all litter home with you. In order to protect the current sensitive access, climbers have agreed not to climb on any of the levels below the Rainbow level or on the large tower overlooking the power station buildings.

Restrictions apply from 1 April - 30 June.

Reason: Nesting Birds

Rainbow Slab Area - Nesting Birds

Peregrines are nesting in the area betwen Colossus Wall and the Main Rainbow Slab area. These are legally protected birds and it's a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessely disturb these  birds at at time. 

A new seasonal restriction applies to all the routes between and including "OM 69 Runner Bean" and "Naked Before the Beast" - this includes the popular  routes "Red and Yellow and pink, etc." and "Pull My Daisy".

Also when walking past to the main Rainbow Slab Area, please do not loiter or hang around beneath these routes. 

The extent of this restriction will be reviewed in late April/early May and may need to be extended. 

Parking and Approach

Closest parking is at the Dolpadarn castle parking, but parking is available at the National Slate Museum and approach is also possible from Allt Ddu at the back of Dinorwig village. 

Area information

Weather Information

Guidebook info currently being updated

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Anonymous User
29/03/2019
Contractors have finished work long ago and access is possible again from Nant Peris.
Anonymous User
21/09/2019
Gate in the black fence from the plateau to the rainbow slab/walls is now padlocked