Klondyke Lead Mine (Trefriw)

Subject: Klondyke Lead Mine (Trefriw) Mon 23 Feb 2009, 7:07 am

Location
SH 765(00) 621(57).

Directions
At Trefriw, take the minor B road opposite the Fairy Falls Inn up to Crafnant reservoir.

You will be following the river Crafnant (on your left as you drive up). After around 1.5 miles you will see some derelict buildings down by a stream – these are the old mine workings. Park up and walk down.

Access
Ungated & open. Permission unknown but thought not to be required.

Suggested Equipment
None

Length
Up to 15 Adits, some as long as 500/600 yards

Flood risk
None known, some adits have water around wellie height (in summer)

Mine Attributes
Lead/Copper/Zinc (allegedly, Silver & Gold). Fantastic decorations. Heavily mineral impregnated passages.

Description
The “main” mine has a large, brick built aperture leading to three adits running in different directions, all of which become blind after a while but are themselves both ornate (with mineral intrusion) as well as fairly lengthy.

Walking up the stream/river towards Llyn Geirionydd you will come across around a dozen further adits on both sides of the water.

Some of the adits contain significant workings and chambers while others vary in length. All are saturated in minerals including sulphur. Ochre is present in most passages and the decorations are fantastic.

The entire area would take around 4 hours to properly view.

Digs
None known.

Links
http://www.mine-explorer.co.uk/mines/Klondike_1018/Klondike.asp

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/223643

http://www.heneb.co.uk/cadwprojs/cadwreview2007/industrial07.html