Allt Ddu - Page 8

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[Pic 30] Allt Ddu Quarry - Heading towards the mills (Sept 2013)

Further along and the Horse Tramway route finally straightens for a while as it gets nearer the Dinorwig Mills. The Village Branch is still alongside (the other side of the slate wall) but the casual walker along here would be hard pressed to tell as the overgrowth has hidden it well !

[Pic 31] Allt Ddu Quarry - More overgrowth (Sept 2013)

Looking over the slate wall seen in Pic 30, at a break in the foliage. The Village Branch embankment runs across the foreground amongst the trees. The difference in height between the two routes is greater here, with the Village Branch remaining on a far more level (and still less twisty) route. This entire route was constructed between 1899 and 1902, running fully by 1903, and involved some major works to build such a lengthy stretch of embankment - parts of which have some substantial walling. Soon after the new (loco hauled) route opened the old (horse) tramway was lifted, having given over 60 years of service.

[Pic 32] Allt Ddu Quarry - Gate (Sept 2013)

Slightly off topic, but worthy of note, is this former gate located in the slate wall beside the Horse Tramway. I'm guessing that this was the start of a footpath leading up to a small reservoir, situated just over the hill, or a short cut for anyone on foot walking from Dinorwig Quarry to the Allt Ddu site?

[Pic 33] Allt Ddu Quarry - Sawn off post (Sept 2013)

A few hundred yards from the mills and the Village Branch (below) begins to emerge from the overgrowth. Not sure what the sawn off post, set in concrete, was used for?