Regional Information
In many ways the mining of slate was as important to the development of north Wales as the mining of coal was to the south. Nantlle was one of five main areas in north Wales where slate of commercial importance could be found. The slate, which was formed in a geological era when north Wales was still under water, was quarried in the Nantlle Valley at least as far back as medieval times. During the building boom of the early 1800s, this area of snowcapped mountains, valleys and lakes saw a significant increase in the local population. Alfred McAlpine Slate Ltd still quarries at Pen Yr Orsedd. Nantlle’s scenic beauty is enhanced by spectacular views across to Snowdonia National Park.
