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Aberllefenni and the Ratgoed Tramway

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by gwernol, Sep 25, 2013.

  1. gwernol

    gwernol New Member

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    One of my favourite places in the world is the village of Aberllefenni. Here was the end of the Corris Railway and the start of the Ratgoed Tramway. It also had three extraordinary slate quarries, Hen Gloddfa, Ceunant Ddu and Foel Grochan and their associated tramway systems. I have photographs of all of these on my Flickr set, taken in August this year:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/crowquine/sets/72157635266645149/

    Dan
     
    gwernol, Sep 25, 2013
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  2. ragl

    ragl Well-Known Member

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    A fine set of photos there Dan. I concur, the upper end of the Corris around Aberllefenni and Ratgoed certainly has that certain atmosphere. There are still so many things to see from the slate fences lining the railway trackbed to the quarry inclines. Delighted to see the Bell House having some TLC. I must go back myself, soon.

    Cheers

    Alan
     
    ragl, Sep 25, 2013
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  3. gwernol

    gwernol New Member

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    It really does, Alan. Just a wonderful place. The modern waste crushing operation in the quarry yard is rather a shame, as some interesting heritage is being lost. At the same time, good to see some real slate work still continuing in the Corris area and bringing employment to the locals. There is a lot to explore in the area, many fascinating remains. I need to go back and look further.

    Dan
     
    gwernol, Sep 25, 2013
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  4. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Great photos, I have only been there once and not for long enough, must make a return trip soon.
     
    Martin Perry, Sep 25, 2013
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  5. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Thanks for that, always curious to see the remains of such places in north/mid wales.
     
    david1984, Sep 25, 2013
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  6. mickpop

    mickpop Resident of Nat Pres

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    If you enjoy slate quarry/tramway related stuff have a look at my Zenfolio site.Haven't got the exact link as I'm fiddling away on a tablet a long way from home but Googling 'Mick Pope Railway Related' will find it,towards the end of the galleries.
     
    mickpop, Sep 25, 2013
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  7. gwernol

    gwernol New Member

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    Mick, indeed, you have some great photos, especially of Maenofferen. I've come across them before and greatly enjoyed them.
     
    gwernol, Sep 25, 2013
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  8. mickpop

    mickpop Resident of Nat Pres

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    A very comprehensive set. I could never find all the remains noted in the invaluable guides to the North Wales quarries and much is still deteriorating and disappearing. 'Newbies' interested in this subject should also look at the 'mines and quarries' section of the '28 Days Later' website where there are some fascinating underground shots at Cwmorthin,Moel Fferna, Rhosydd etc where much of railway interest remains.
     
    mickpop, Sep 26, 2013
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  9. ragl

    ragl Well-Known Member

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    To add to mickpop's link to 28 Days Later, the following two sites have extensive photographic and trip reports to most of the Quarry/mine sites in Mid/North Wales, they can keep you screen glued for hours. you will soon realise that despite the inevitable changes over the years, there are still many wonderful things to be seen. If you are planning a visit to a particular site, it is useful to check on these sites first for an online recce.

    http://www.aditnow.co.uk/

    http://www.mine-explorer.co.uk/

    Cheers

    Alan
     
    ragl, Sep 26, 2013
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