Discover a hidden waterfall on a Dinorwic Quarry walk
Tucked away in the rugged landscapes of Snowdonia, the Dinorwic Quarry walk offers more than just a journey through industrial history and dramatic mountain views — it hides a secret waiting to be found. As you explore the winding trails of this iconic slate quarry, you might stumble upon a little-known waterfall, cascading quietly among the ruins and rocks. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the highlights of the Dinorwic Quarry walk and reveal how to find this magical hidden spot. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or a curious traveler, this adventure combines natural beauty with a touch of mystery.
A Photography walk around Dinorwic Quarry above Llanberis, Snowdonia
The Dinorwic Quarry walk above Llanberis is a journey through one of Wales’ most atmospheric and historically rich landscapes. Starting at the National Slate Museum, located at the base of the quarry in the old Gilfach Ddu workshops, you're immediately immersed in the area’s industrial past. The museum itself provides interesting foregrounds and textures—rusted tools, machinery, and slate-built architecture ideal for close-up shots and scene-setting compositions.
Heading back along the entrance road and turning left towards the power station you reach the old quarrymens path, at first in woodland but then making your way through an amazing wall of slate with stunning views back over Llyn Peris to Snowdon. From here, the walk uphill leads to Anglesey Barracks, just through the rocky cutting on the right in the woods. These twin terraces of basic slate cottages once housed quarrymen during the workweek. Set against the rugged backdrop of the quarry, they photograph beautifully in soft morning light or mist, which adds drama and depth. Their uniform design and weathered appearance offer strong lines and symmetry for both wide and detail shots.
Having explored Anglesey Barracks head out at the far side, crossing the old incline and over the broken fence making your way all along the ridge above Llyn Peris, after passing several abandoned buildings you reach a clear track sweeping up above you. Across it is is the viewpoint over Dinorwig Power Station and Llyn Peris. The contrast between the abandoned quarry and the modern hydroelectric plant below is striking. Wide-angle lenses work well here, capturing the vast scale and steep terraces that lead the eye down through time and terrain.
Following the track higher from the power station you arrive at the main, wide trackway cutting through the Dinorwic quarry working and you’re on the level of the stunning luminous pool known as Dali’s Hole, it’s directly opposite. The opposing gate is your route to the tunnel and the popular Dinorwic Hidden waterfall. The passage itself makes for a mysterious frame, leading to the sight and sound of cascading water—a perfect subject for long-exposure photography, a tripod’s handy as light levels are usually low here.
Leave the tunnel after exploring and turn right out of the entrance, following the edge all around Dali’s Hole to climb the next slate steps up to the next level…this is where the sheer scale of the quarry really becomes evident as you peer into the vast workings. Abandoned buildings here offer some photo opportunities but the best is yet to come. Look to the right and you’ll see an amazing steep slate staircase heading up the hillside, this is your route but take it carefully! After a fair climb you reach a plateau and the next two or three levels upwards are crammed with photo opportunities. You'll find a dramatic landscape of abandoned buildings, including the Caban, where workers once gathered. The skeletal remains of drum houses, inclines, and rusted rail tracks tell stories of industry and time. These areas are rich with textures and offer excellent opportunities for wide shots and close detail alike. Finally, at the highest levels, discover the slate cutting shed, now open to the elements. Surrounded by crumbling walls, scattered tools, and sweeping views of Snowdonia, it’s the crown jewel of the site. In golden hour light, it becomes truly magical.
Dinorwic offers photographers a rare blend of history, landscape, and decay—each step revealing a new scene to capture.
