Corris Mine Explorers

Useful Information

Location:	In Corris. A487 between Machynlleth and Dolgellau. Tours start from the Tourist Information Point at Corris Craft Centre.
Open:	APR to OCT daily. Book online for available times. [2020]
Fee:	Mini Mine Explorer: Adults GBP 13.50, Children (8-15) GBP 8.50, Children (0-7) not allowed. Maxi Mine Explorer: Person GBP 20, minimum age 10. Exclusive Mine Expedition: after appointment. [2020]
Classification:	Slate Mine
Light:	headlamps.
Dimension:
Guided tours:	Mini Mine Explorer: L=400 m, D=60 min. Maxi Mine Explorer: L=800 m, D=120 min. Exclusive Mine Expedition: L=3,500 m, D=4 h.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	not wheelchair accessible
Bibliography:	Alun John Richards (1994): Slate Quarrying in Corris. pp 24-47
Address:	Corris Mine Explorers, Corris Craft Centre, A487 Road, Machynlleth SY20 9RF, Tel: +44-1654-761244. Booking: Mine Guide Mark Waite, Tel: +44-1650-511720.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1787	first slate mining.
1878	Braichgoch quarry employed 250 men and produced 7,000 tons of slab and roofing slate. High time of the mine.
1906	Braichgoch quarry company collapsed.
1962	bought by the brothers Dewi and Gwilym Lloyd of Aberllefenni.
1970	mine abandoned.
1994	opened as a tourist attraction.

Geology

Description

The Corris Mine Explorers is located at the Corris Craft Centre, adjacent to King Arthur's Labyrinth. Nevertheless, it seems they are operated by different operators and the style of the tours is quite different. While King Arthur's Labyrinth offers multimedia experiences for average tourists, the mine explorers do mine trips which are a bit more physical. Undeveloped parts of the historic Braich Goch Slate Mine with only minimal security infrastructure are visited in small groups on cave trekking tours. Visiotrs are equipped with rubber boots and helmets with headlamp. Or if you have appropriate caving gear you can bring your own. Do not forget spare clothes to change after the trip, and probably a towel. It seems the Corris Mine Explorers has no ticket office or other surface buildings. Participants book online and meet at the Tourist Information Point at Corris Craft Centre. So be aware that there is no infrastructure to change clothes or take a shower afterwards.