Location
SH 7753 6530 Trefiw, Conwy

Directions
You will need an O/S map as there are several entrances on a hillside of the Gwydwr forest along public footpaths, all of which are remarkably difficult to find. Drive into trefiw and turn up a hill by the “Fairy Falls Inn”, then get your sat nav out and enter the above co-ords.

Access
All ungated, no known permissions required

Suggested Equipment
None

Length
Unknown

Flood risk
The bottom adit (which is still high on the hill) is flooded (in summer) to knee deep. No known flood risk.

Mine Attributes
An old Iron Pyrites mine (fools gold) and sulphur mine. Four apparent levels (base level connects to a level above (adit) which is flooded to knee deep and collapsed) but it also connects to the main workings above that. There is another smaller adit and workings above again but appears to be un-connected.

The water in the bottom adit and chamber is bright red and the water and mud are acidic. There are pools of un-disturbed red water within the mine which are extremely acidic.

There are a vast amount of fantastic formations and this mine is superbly decorated.

Description
The main area of this mine is, essentially, a huge mined cavern. However, many areas were left in situ to retain the structural integrity of the mine and it is possible to become dis-orientated.

The spoil left inside the mine is rich in minerals and whole areas of walls are decorated with amazing formations and colours.

The uppermost adit is knee deep with gooey mud and remains largely unexplored but appears to be unconnected to the main mine.

The “main” area of mining took place below this where you can wander around a huge cavernous area of passages (an apparent contradiction). In the farthest corner (you can follow the run of water) a passageway leads down to another adit level which is blocked at the surface (and therefore flooded to knee deep) although the passageway continues downwards beyond even that to another cavernous area flooded knee deep with bright red water and out to the mountain side.

No equipment is needed but all mud should be removed from clothing to prevent the acidity burning material on exit.

Truly spectacular.

Unexplored Passages
1) The uppermost (probably isolated) adit
2) Undoubtedly areas of the mine missed on the once only visit

Digs
None known

Links
Subterranea Britannica

aditnow

Mine-explorer

The upper (unexplored) "knee deep with mud" adit

The "Main" entrance to the huge cavernous area

Mine decorations

Inside the main mine

Calcium advances within the mine

Calcite flow

Formations with a red pool of water (acid)

Crystals forming in the ceiling

An orchestra of stalact.ites (beating the filter)

The red waters of the bottom adit chamber

The connecting passageway between the levels

The bottom drainage adit (The Conwy Rriver below)

Love the pictures.

A few more pictures

The Entrance, it look like you are in the jungle, Unfortunately I did not do it full justice.






Just outside, As I was taking this picture, a squirrel fell out of a tree and landed about a foot away from my camera, after couple of seconds it looked up at me a make a run for it. It actually left a small dip in the ground were it landed.


Very disappointed in the shot, as it is out of focus, but left it in as it shows the colour of the water. It was taking with a small daylight flash bulb. no filters or photoshop mods.


Again a little blurred, but I love the soft reflection.


Sharp image, but harsh reflection, you can't win

Awesome Photos John - about 10000% better than mine

Guys, i love your close up shots.

I never usually go for them, but after seeing how well yours come out, i'm left wondering why!