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Cumbria
You know it makes me wonder about the age of this mine...
The method known as Matt-Spedding tunneling was deployed throughout Cumbria, but never in Wales.... However - the Matt Spedding tunnel method was believed to originally come from Germany - from slate mines. However - it's believed that some of the mines in the area around Betws-y-Coed were first started by two Walna Scar quarrymen. The two quarrymen from Walna Scar - stared closehead quarrying in this region - and presumably this is why the same tunnel method was introduced to that found around Coniston and Walna Scar. The method of splitting the slates underground, as Colin sais in the chamber may also have originated from the lakes.
posted by Allan on 20/05/2007
Shaft
Just in case any one doesn't know there is a shaft at the rear of the top cavern leading down to the next level, it can be easily missed since when u look towrds the rear right hand side you think it's just part of the slab not yet dug out until you climb on it (2ft high if I remember) and there will be the shaft. The tunnel at the bottom level also contains Pipistrel Bats, no they don't hang down they hide in the gaps so they are hard to find. Enjoy the visit here it's worth the small trek especially if you take in the other mines that are just around the corner.
posted by Carl Blackwell on 27/10/2006
