Dorothea Slate Quarry Walk, Nantlle

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Difficulty: Easy

Length: 4.66 km (2.9 miles)

Approx. duration: 1-2hrs

Parking: Free (Google Maps)

Dogs: Yes – On lead near livestock

From Perthi Holiday Cottages: 20-minute drive

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Old ruined quarry building at Dorothea Quarry

Tucked away just a short drive outside Beddgelert, this circular walk explores the atmospheric remains of Dorothea Slate Quarry, one of the largest slate quarries in Wales and a striking reminder of Snowdonia’s industrial past.

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for a gentle, low-key walk with plenty of character, combining quiet paths, industrial history, and dramatic quarry scenery. Some uneven ground means sturdy footwear is recommended.

Dorothea Quarry was once a major centre of slate production during the 19th century, employing hundreds of men and playing an important role in the global export of Welsh slate. At its height, the quarry was a place of constant activity, noise, and hard labour.

Today, the site feels very different. Nature has gradually reclaimed the abandoned workings, leaving behind vast flooded pits, moss-covered ruins, and silent inclines that give the area an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The contrast between human industry and natural recovery is part of what makes this walk so compelling.

A real treat at the end of the walk is a stop at Poblado Coffee Roasters, a small independent roastery known for expertly crafted coffee and a warm local welcome — a perfect way to round off a reflective walk.

Please note that while the route itself is mostly gentle, the quarry environment includes uneven surfaces and disused industrial features. Swimming in the quarry pools is strongly discouraged due to hidden hazards beneath the water.

“It’s worth taking time to explore the old quarry paths through the trees if you’re curious — there are ruins to discover beyond the main route. Just be careful, these are genuinely old and unstable buildings, not a managed visitor attraction.” — Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages

Our 17th-century cottages sit just above Beddgelert, with walking routes straight from the door.

Step-by-Step Walk Guide

Numbered steps with photos to help you follow the route.

Parking can be found at the car park (pictured) for Poblado Coffee — well worth a stop for a coffee — or along the roadside nearby. To begin, follow the small lane straight ahead, with the car park and Poblado Coffee on your left as shown, passing a row of terraced houses until you arrive at Dorothea Quarry.
After reaching the gate (pictured) turn immediately right and follow the main gravel path around the quarry lake. It is possible to take plenty of detours to see the old quarry buildings (do this at your own risk).
The path takes you past the first quarry lake, through a gate, then a second gate (pictured). Here you will see another quarry lake on your right through the trees.
After the gate pictured above there will be a turning off the main path to your left by the rocks (pictured) and through a kissing gate. If you arrive at a road and roundabout you have gone too far.
Immediately after the kissing gate take the bridge on your right and follow the path that runs parallell to Talysarn football pitch. There will be a turning down left which takes you on the path around another lake.
After circulating the lake you will arrive back at where you started. Instead of going back through the kissing gate make your way across the open field (pictured) to the fence on the other side. Follow the fence right to an opening.
Go through the opening and follow the path (pictured) that will take you to a viewpoint of the first lake and Yr Wyddfa in the distance.
Then follow the path down right and pass the old pumping building and around the other side of the lake.
Just before you reach the first gate (pictured), there is a very short but steep incline. After this final climb, follow the lane back down to return to your car.

17th-Century Cottages in Beddgelert

Rated 4.98 on Airbnb from over 300 guest reviews

Ty Hebog historical barn conversion exterior at Perthi in Beddgelert Cosy log burner interior at Ty Hebog cottage Luxury king size bedroom with original historic character at Ty Felin water mill

Stay in a converted water mill, a historic barn or a mountain lodge on Delyth’s family farm above the village — with wide Eryri views and walking routes from the door.