**Fears Raised After Major Landslide Strikes Historic Dinorwig Quarry in Gwynedd**
Visitors to the scenic Dinorwig Quarry near Llanberis, Gwynedd, were startled by a dramatic landslide on Wednesday morning, sending plumes of dust billowing into the air and reigniting concerns about safety at this picturesque but perilous site.
Located high above the neighbouring lakes of Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn, Dinorwig Quarry occupies a significant place in Welsh industrial heritage. At its peak, the quarry was the world’s second-largest slate extraction site, operating continuously from 1787 until its closure in 1969. Today, its stark terraces are both an emblem of the region’s history and a magnet for sightseers and photographers.
An eyewitness, who has lived in the area for three decades, described the terrifying moment the sliding slate gave way. “At 9.40am I heard a massive bang and rumbles,” they recounted. Initially, the resident assumed the noise came from a low-flying jet overhead due to the thick cloud cover. “Then, I saw dust rising from the quarry and grabbed my phone to film,” the witness said. The video they captured shows a huge column of dust surging upwards following the slide—a dramatic sight, yet the footage reportedly does not convey the full intensity of the sound that accompanied it.
“It’s easily the biggest slide I’ve ever heard from the village in 30 years,” the resident told reporters, highlighting the rare scale of the event. As word spread locally, some residents and passers-by grew concerned about the safety of those who regularly visit or explore the quarry, especially given its growing reputation on social media sites for its striking vistas and so-called ‘Instagram Waterfall’.
Safety warnings were quick to follow from both authorities and community members. The eyewitness urged caution, highlighting the very real risks posed by venturing off marked paths within the slate quarry. “It’s important to understand just how dangerous off-track exploration is in this environment,” they stressed, recalling the casual approach of some visitors in search of popular photo locations. According to the same witness, people may not fully grasp the jeopardy they put themselves in when venturing into these disused industrial sites.
First Hydro Company, the firm responsible for operations in and around the quarry, responded promptly to the incident. John Armstrong, the company’s station manager, confirmed there were no injuries among staff and that the landslide had not affected current operations. “Rockfalls are a natural, relatively common occurrence in quarry settings, which is why various safety precautions exist, including closed or restricted areas for the public,” said Mr Armstrong. He reiterated the necessity of such measures, explaining, “Today’s events serve as a stark reminder of why unauthorised access is strictly forbidden—we urge everyone to adhere to these restrictions for their own safety.”
Dinorwig Quarry has always been a place of both fascination and danger. While the site attracts photographers and history enthusiasts, incidents like Wednesday’s landslide underscore the unpredictable hazards of former industrial landscapes. Slate quarries, particularly those dating back centuries, are susceptible to both weather-related erosion and sudden shifts, leading to rockfalls such as this one.
Local authorities and the quarry’s operators are reviewing the area to determine if additional safety measures or warnings will be needed in the wake of the recent landslide. In the meantime, residents and visitors are being advised to enjoy the landscape from a safe distance and to resist the temptation of exploring disused workings or searching for hidden waterfalls, no matter how photogenic they may appear online.
As the dust settles over Dinorwig, the incident serves as a stern reminder: the raw beauty of North Wales comes hand-in-hand with its own unique dangers, a balance that must be respected by all who make the journey to these historic slopes.