Cwm Bychan Mines

[Ian A]

Trip Report; Sygun Mountain and Cwm Bychan Mines   4th July 2013

The weather forecast was for “light drizzle” in the morning clearing to “sunshine” and warm weather in the afternoon. So, fully heartened, I set off in nice weather and arrived enveloped in drizzle at Llyn Dinas where I parked.

Donning a waterproof jacket and non-waterproof kecks,  I proceeded to set up the video camera whereupon I discovered I had left the SD card in Denbigh. Great start.

Not perturbed, I put away the video camera and took out my “ordinary” camera to take some snaps. Of course, I only use older, cheaper cameras as I have an unbelievable habit of breaking them and today was to prove no exception when I later dropped it into a stream where it drowned. Before that sad event, I managed a few snaps.



I set off along Llyn Dinas, sheltered at first from the incessant drizzle, marvelling at the already awesome landscape of Snowdonia only yards from where I had parked.




The lake was still and tranquil, undisturbed by the drizzle which was to pound me through to the skin only yards further along.




I saw the bridge and, remembering the story of the three billy goats Gruff, I checked for trolls before I made my way onto the bridge.





The river was running well, I thought it was to be a good day ....




As I began the climb up the side of the mountain I took a moment to reflect back across the lake where I saw the foreboding mists descending downwards and I knew I would soon be heading into a watery doom.



And yet, looking up the path, all seemed fairly tranquil.



Not so at the top, here the mists had descended to meet me and I began heading into oblivion.



There was little “let up” on the top, such was the water that even the path had turned into a streamway â€" as I trudged ever forwards.



Nearing the top turn, I vaguely made out the footpath sign which would turn me away from my path. I knew that, hiding behind this sign, was a razed area of copper mining with a small adit which held secrets within



I found the adit known as “Crib Ddu Copper mine” SH 606 483 and I decided to enter (please do not do this unless you are very competent, or with someone who is â€" see the caveat at the end of the report)



Inside the adit was immediately flooded, I knew this to be the case as I have been here before. Fully equipped with “wet boots”, I changed my footwear, rolled up my trousers and headed through the water.



It was not long before the water gave way to solid ground. Of course, miners always drove the adits slightly uphill to naturally drain water as they worked their way into the rock, this always means the water will become shallower (all things being equal).



I found myself in a stoped chamber â€" the way on was not clear with the right hand side wall coming down almost to the floor. I traversed across this floor where I found the end of the mine. It would appear that this stope was the extent of Crib Ddu mine.



I took a moment to look upwards at the stream of daylight coming from the open shaft above â€" suddenly the chamber felt vast and I froze with wonder as the light held my gaze



Back outside the weather was utterly miserable and I was destined to become even more soaked than I already was. I trudged across the tops and headed for Cwm Bychan



Heading down the valley I spotted a make-shift shelter â€" I had not seen this before and wondered how long it had been there. I was close to the Cwm Bychan mine so I decided to continue unabated



As I descended, the aerialway and the spoil heap of Cwm Bychan mine came into view



I zoomed in for a closer look but the mists prevented any clear image



I climbed the spoil heap and located the entrance. Again, I had been here before and I knew to expect water. I unzipped and removed the bottom part of my trousers (you know the things), swapped my boots for “wet boots” and headed on in .....



Frustratingly, either I had shrunk or the water level was higher than when I last visited and as hard as I tried I was unable to keep the upper part of my legs out of the water. Disappointed that I would now have to suffer the unusual indignity of continuing the remainder of my adventure with wet underpants â€" I continued in.



This mine is essentially in the shape of a letter “T” and I had entered at the base. I arrived at the “T” junction and turned left where the water quickly gave way to a dry passage



Evidence of mineralisation appeared on the walls with calcium deposits, some iron, some sulphur but very little evidence of copper â€" so little in fact, I didn’t see any.



When I looked more closely, I could see calcite and selenite crystals forming around the walls.

I then headed along the right hand passage where I found very little of interest so I waded back out through the uncomfortably cold water that once again reminded me the rest of my journey was to be done with wet underpants â€" joy.

Outside, I put my camera down (it was on it’s tripod) and I failed to notice how uneven the ground was. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the tripod falling over and, as I turned, I saw my camera land in the stream of water coming out of the adit where it instantly drowned. This is the 23rd Camera I have managed to destroy whilst underground and it is for this reason that I only use old, 5th generation cameras that can be bought of Ebay for £20 or less.

Of course, after I destroyed my camera the weather lifted and I saw sights that held me in awe â€" landscapes to die for, streams flowing with such majesty as to be crowned with glory, jeepers, even the Tardis arrived with the Doctor but, sadly, my camera did not work.

I trudged down to the river at Aberglaslyn where the weather was beautiful. I was still soaked and now covered in muddy ochre from the 3 mines I had been in when a lone walker wearing a T shirt and shorts (and backpack) stopped me and asked if I had been on the top â€" I answered “yes”. He then asked what the weather was like â€" a question I didn’t really feel needed a verbal answer given my very sorry looking condition. I answered anyway “it’s wet”. Disappointed, the man headed upwards while I headed along the river (Afon Glaslyn) back to Beddgelert.

I arrived at the railway crossroads just moments before the steam train did. I failed to read the warning sign that suggests (somewhat strongly) that you should look out for trains and nearly added to the contents of my already wet pants when the train tooted it’s rather loud “horn” (or whatever it is) at me. I got out of the way.

I headed straight into the village which was now basking in glorious sunshine and my outer pants became dry. I didn’t stop, I just carried on around the base of the mountain heading for my car as I was frustrated that I had forgotten the SD card for my video camera, drowned my ordinary camera, was covered in mine cack and had an uncomfortably wet bottom.

Still, it was a great adventure.

Ian

Caveat : Please do not enter mines unless you are experienced and competent (or with someone who is). Always leave details of where you are going with a responsible person and the time you expect to be out. I always leave grid references of where I am going, where I park my car (and the number plate so “rescue” can identify it if needs be). I always give myself a couple more hours than needed to allow for bad phone signals and I always ring when I get out to say I am safe. Mines are hazardous. If you want to know more please click www.ucet.org.uk

[Dave Tyson]

Nice trip report and pictures. Shame about the camera!

I had a trip to Minera where it was hot, humid and midge ridden. Took a pruning saw and secateurs; found this  

[Ian A]

Good man .... of course you descended  and found ....... ?

 

Ian

[Tony Salusbury]

Great report Ian, and cracking pictures. Shame about the SD card and the dead camera.

[Dave Tyson]

[quote="Ian" post=18685]Good man .... of course you descended  and found ....... ?

 

Ian[/quote]

Not descended yet! Needs some hanging death clearing. I managed to get a photo of the bottom and it looks like there is a lot of stones   Probably about 50'-80' deep. I'll contact Cris as he will probably know if its worth any effort exploring. I have more (private) pictures - I'll send you a link and gridref.

Dave

[Ian A]

Awesomeness - cool,thanks Dave