Residents of the village of Dinorwig in Gwynedd, North Wales, are reporting significant distress and disruption following a surge in visitors to the nearby former slate quarry during the recent Easter weekend. The quarry, once renowned as the world's second largest slate mine, has become an increasingly popular destination, especially after gaining widespread attention on social media platforms such as TikTok.
Local inhabitants describe the village and the quarry area as being “under siege” due to the influx of tourists, some of whom are reportedly engaging in inconsiderate behaviours that are having a tangible impact on the community and the environment. John Horrigan, a resident living adjacent to the quarry, stated that the volume of traffic and people was unlike anything he had witnessed before. He captured dramatic car-cam footage illustrating a queue of double-parked vehicles stretching over two miles to the neighbouring village of Deiniolen.
Horrigan explained, “The whole site was like a giant anthill with people crawling all over it.” Speaking to Wales Online, he added that many visitors admitted to coming to the quarry solely as a result of seeing it featured on TikTok, with some apparently feeling entitled to visit anywhere once it had gained attention on social media.
The problems extend beyond traffic congestion. Complaints include vehicles double-parking on narrow, winding access roads that follow the line of the quarry’s old railway, creating dangerous blind bends. There is a 20mph speed limit in place, though the absence of repeater signs may lead visitors unfamiliar with Welsh traffic regulations—and often coming from urban centres such as Manchester and Birmingham—to drive at higher speeds. The presence of sheep on the roads and the sight of children near parked cars compound safety concerns.
The quarry itself offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial heritage of the region, with remnants such as barracks, sheds, adits, and cabins still visible, reflecting a period when the slate industry was a key part of the local economy. Paid parking is available in the nearby village of Llanberis, though many visitors opt instead to use free parking at Allt Ddu bus terminus on the mountain, a more direct route to the quarry. Horrigan counted more than 30 campervans parked there on the Friday night before Easter and noted the lighting of open fires, adding to worries about environmental impact.
Adding to concerns, some visitors have been seen relieving themselves in nearby fields, with some justifying the behaviour by comparing it to sheep excrement. Horrigan called this a “major health hazard,” citing instances where people were urinating or squatting near areas where children play. Littering is also a significant problem, aggravated by flocks of seagulls tearing open discarded bin bags and scattering rubbish.
The quarry’s “secret waterfall” is a popular attraction, although access is restricted with warning signs after a fatal incident a few years prior. Despite these measures, damage to historic structures due to visitors venturing off established footpaths has been reported.
The ongoing challenges have led to calls for better management. Horrigan advocates for clearer traffic safety measures, including the installation of visible 20mph speed limit signs, banning parking on hazardous bends, and the introduction of double yellow lines to prevent irresponsible parking—proposals that were previously declined by the local authority, Cyngor Gwynedd, after a petition gathered 400 objections four years ago.
He also suggested that creating new parking facilities on the mountain, complete with proper toilet amenities, should be considered. Meanwhile, the provision of portaloos has been proposed as a temporary solution. Horrigan highlighted the scale of the problem by recalling that over 1,000 vehicles were parked along the roadside on Easter Sunday alone, often on footpaths and walkways. He cited an incident where a woman’s walking stick was knocked from her hand by a passing motorist amid the chaos.
Despite the difficulties, locals like Horrigan emphasise that they do not wish to discourage tourism. “We don’t want to stop people coming, we just need solutions,” he stated, acknowledging that although parking options exist in Llanberis, people naturally want to park as close as possible to their destination. The fact that many parking infringements are not illegal, and that trespassing is a civil rather than criminal offence, complicates enforcement efforts.
Horrigan has been campaigning for increased attention to the matter and voiced concerns that without timely intervention, the same disruptive conditions will recur during future busy periods, such as upcoming bank holidays. With a unique heritage site at stake and the safety and wellbeing of local residents compromised, the situation at Dinorwig Quarry exemplifies the challenges posed by sudden visitor surges fuelled by social media exposure.
Source: Noah Wire Services