Since making Corris our home we discovered a glorious hike around Ratgoed which is located only a couple of miles away through Aberllefenni, our neighbouring village.
Ratgoed was originally an active slate quarry approximately two miles north of Aberllefenni on the east side of Cwm Ratgoed.
The mid-nineteenth century underground quarry (although closed in the latter half of the 1840s) was re-opened in 1851 selling slabs for chimneys, head stones, wash stands and off course slate roof tiles.
It was surprising for the time period that a significant number of women were employed as part of the workforce, as it was extremely uncommon to find women listed in the payroll records.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of proper planning, transportation management was challenging, resulting in a very limited output of only 434 tons with just 25 men in 1882. By 1898, only eight men remained employed.
The quarry experienced multiple openings and closures from the early 1900s. According to the Ordnance Survey, it was marked as disused in 1901. However, by 1937-38, 17 men were still working there, but it ultimately closed for the final time in 1946.
Currently, the abandoned remnants of the quarry are situated within the forestry area, where the dilapidated buildings, including mills, drum houses, pit workings, staking areas, powder houses, abandoned cottages, and a chapel, stand as reminders of its history. Only the owner's house and Ratgoed Hall are still inhabited.
It was a great walk and lovely to see Ratgoed Hall is being rescued and renovated. The circular walk is about 3km and you can clearly see the mine shafts and tips that are mentioned earlier. The footpath is well signposted and the route has definitely become a favourite!
コメント