Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Today, although slate mining continues on a small scale, Blaenau has a mournful feel to
it, not helped by famously miserable weather. It's an interesting place to stop but it's un-
likely you'll be tempted to stay. That said, the town centre is currently being smartened up
and a smattering of new attractions have opened of late. It makes a great day trip from
Porthmadog via the historic Ffestiniog Railway.
Sights & Activities
Llechwedd Slate Caverns
MINE
( 01766-830306; www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk ; single tour adult/child £11/8.50, both tours £17/13)
Blaenau's main attraction offers a chance to descend into a real slate mine. Of the two
tours offered, the more evocative Deep Mine tour includes a descent on the UK's steepest
mining cable railway and re-creates the harsh working conditions of the 19th-century
miners - be prepared to duck and scramble around dark tunnels. If you can't manage a lot
of steps, go for the Miner's Tramway Tour, a ride through the huge 1846 network of tun-
nels and caverns. Tours take place throughout the day; call ahead for times.
Cellb
( 01766-832001; www.cellb.org ; Park Sq; cafe-bar 10am-2pm Thu-Sat, 6-11.45pm Fri & Sat, noon-3pm Sun)
Recently opened in the Edwardian era police station, this multifunction centre hosts
everything from yoga and Welsh language classes, to live bands and film screenings. It's
also the town's most appealing dining and drinking space, with a cafe-bar and a cocktail
bar.
ARTS CENTRE
Antur Stiniog
( 01766-832214; www.anturstiniog.com ; single uplift/day pass £3/26; 10am-4pm Thu-Sun) If you're a ser-
ious mountain biker and don't know the meaning of fear (being a little bonkers would
probably help too), check out these new runs down the mountainside near the slate cav-
erns. Two are graded black and two red; a minibus uplift service is included in the price.
The same crew organises tailored activity-based holidays including walking, kayaking,
climbing and wild camping. Big things are afoot here, with a new visitor centre being
built and plans to introduce a 'velorail' (a pedal-powered vehicle that runs along train
tracks) to an abandoned line leading to Llan Festiniog.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Getting There & Away
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