In and around Corris

A few photos from a visit to the Corris area this summer.

First, a trip underground at Braich Goch quarry. This expedition, led by the Corris Mine Explorers, is excellent. Lots of 2ft 3in gauge remains below ground. https://www.flickr.com/photos/crowquine/sets/72157646501246997/

Second set is around Esgairgeiliog, looking at the remains of the Era mill and tramway, as well as a quick update on Aberllefenni. https://www.flickr.com/photos/crowquine/sets/72157646917177642/

Best,

Dan

 

Thta's really interesting .25 years ago I strayed into a quarry somewhere up the valley above Corris and there was 2'3" track still there in quanitity. Fascinating area, I'm not really sure why I feel a great affinity to it (and the Talyllyn).

 

Hi Reading General,

I'll bet the quarry you saw was Aberllefenni. It was the last of the Corris area quarries to have working track, and there are still short lengths there. See this set from 2013: https://www.flickr.com/photos/crowquine/sets/72157635266645149/

Dan

 

If you're in Corris, I also heartily recommend a light walk through the village up to the masterpieces in miniature that is Little Italy. The house is privately owned; we gained access a couple of years ago to look at it all. I'm sure a polite knock on the door would get you access. They know it's an important bit of outsider art.

One of my explorations around its nooks are here https://www.flickr.com/photos/timmydunn/sets/72157601279173013/

 

Well, blow me down. I've been visiting Corris since the early 1970s and I never knew Little Italy was there. Thanks, Tim.

 

Get there, quick. It won't be there much longer.
I was supposed to be filming there with the BBC last weekend but alas the project got cancelled.

There were (are?) some more of Mark's amazing concrete model buildings down in their old caravan site near Mach. I haven't had a chance to investigate.

Anyone reading this and thinking "OH I know of another obscure model village..." then please get in contact. Apart from Sierra Leone and Miniature Railways, my other big research area is model villages.

 

Could you clarify? Have often stayed in Corris without knowing about this place until my in-laws found it while staying there last autumn. Haven't yet had a chance to get back there ourselves. How quick do you mean? And what is happening to it?

 

The new owner has stated that they can't maintain the models and the landscaping forever. Given the perilous state of some of them, I wouldn't be surprised if the owner clears away some of them as they are structurally unsound. That's all I know; as I say I've been unable to visit recently. I hope to write up the full history of the place before too long.