January 26th - 28th Nenthead
Cheg, Dave, Liam, Nigel, Kevin, Pat
Are we still going was the question when I answered the phone, Yes was the reply. Made an early evening start to travel to Nenthead in the snow.Negotiating most of the motorways in northern England we arrived at our destination at 12.15 am having travelled 280miles in six hours. Retreived the cottage key from the Crown next door and had a pint deliverd by the landlady Hazel. Great!
Dave Gough's Transit Van parked outside the rented cottage which was next door to the Crown Inn, Nenthead
Still snowing when we awoke on Saturday morning, had a walk up to Smallcleugh Mine before retiring to the bar. After the Dutch courage ventured into Rampgill Mine and onto Patterson's level. After taking some photographs exited for an evening meal in the pub and anothe pint.
Left Nenthead after digging vehicles out and headed home via Weardale
Lets visit Killhope, Weardale in the snow
February 24th - 25th Mid Wales
Dave, Cheg, Barry, Ceily, Nigel
Met Nigel at Devils Bridge at about 10.00am, then had to wait for another hour for Barry and Ceily.
Visited the entrance to Frongoch but the water levels were too high to venture underground. Moved to the main Frongoch site and viewed the surface remains, some look in a very sorry state. Found a pub to camp at and stepped inside for the obligatory pint.
Tried to arrange a trip to Level Fawr at Cwmystwyth but were unsuccessful. Walked from Devils Bridge to Temple Mine and had a look at the surface fearures. Driven on three levels, the top and bottom level are accessible but soon run into blind headings. Centre level is not accessible at present time. Pumping gear still in situ on lower level. Returned to campsit for a meal and a beer, snowed late evening.
Camping at Devils Bridge
Sunday we visited Plynlimmon Mine, situated at 1800 ft, on the road home. Still some visible remains, though covered in snow. Dam still has a sluice mechanism in situ but the dam wall is breached. Several shafts worth a visit.
Wheel Pit at Plynlimmon Mine
Returned to Temple Mine some weeks later and bolted across the centre level.
Crossing the centre level in Temple Mine
Further visits to Wales at Easter, May and Christmas when we stayed on Anglesey.
Why there is no written record available of the many other trips enjoyed by the club in 1996 is at present unknown. A photographic record could exist, can you help fill in the missing trips?