Easter visitors turn Dinorwig Quarry into chaotic parking nightmare

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Residents of Gwynedd are facing mounting frustration as the historic Dinorwig Quarry, once the world’s second-largest slate mine, becomes overwhelmed by an influx of Easter visitors drawn largely by social media. Dramatic car-cam footage captured by a local shows a two-mile-long queue of double-parked vehicles stretching into the nearby village of Deiniolen, illustrating the scale of the congestion4.

Dinorwig Quarry, located on the edge of Snowdonia (Eryri), has surged in popularity recently, with many visitors inspired by TikTok videos showcasing the site’s dramatic ruins and natural beauty. The quarry, which operated from 1787 until 1969 and now hosts the Welsh National Slate Museum, offers a glimpse into an industry that once “roofed the world” with its slate products5. However, this newfound fame has brought significant challenges for local communities.

Residents report that the influx of visitors during busy weekends has led to severe traffic jams, unsafe parking on narrow access roads following the quarry’s old railway line, and an increase in litter and human waste scattered across adjacent fields. John Horrigan, a local living next to the quarry, described the scene as “like a giant anthill with people crawling all over it” and noted that many visitors admitted to coming because they had seen the quarry on TikTok.

He lamented the sense of entitlement some visitors feel, saying, “There seems to be a view that just because a place has been on TikTok, people have a God forsaken right to go anywhere”4.

Safety concerns are mounting, especially on the access road, where blind bends and narrow sections are frequently blocked by parked cars. Despite a 20mph speed limit, which under Welsh Government rules does not require repeater signs on streets with lighting, many visitors unfamiliar with local regulations drive too fast, endangering pedestrians, livestock, and residents alike.

Horrigan highlighted incidents such as a woman in the village having her walking stick knocked from her hand by a passing motorist, underscoring the risks posed by current conditions4.

The quarry’s “secret waterfall,” a popular attraction despite being cordoned off with warning signs following a past fatality, also draws visitors who sometimes stray from designated footpaths, causing damage to historic structures.

Littering is rampant, with bin bags torn open by seagulls and human waste found in fields where children play. Horrigan recounted seeing men urinating in fields and women squatting in public areas, describing it as a “major health hazard” and noting the dismissive attitude some visitors have when challenged4.
While paid parking is available in Llanberis, many visitors opt to park for free at the Allt Ddu bus terminus on the mountain, leading to overcrowding and unsafe conditions.

On a recent Friday night, over 30 campervans were counted there, many lighting open fires despite the risks. This area is also recommended online as a parking spot, contributing to the problem4.

The local community is calling for urgent measures to manage the situation. Suggestions include installing clear 20mph speed limit signs, prohibiting parking on dangerous bends, introducing double yellow lines (an idea previously rejected by Cyngor Gwynedd in 2021 after public objection), and creating a new car park with proper toilet facilities on the mountain.

Horrigan emphasized the need for immediate action, warning, “Something needs to be done here before it’s too late. In two weeks time, if the sun shines on the next Bank Holiday weekend, we’ll be facing this madness all over again”4.
The dilemma faced by residents is complex: they welcome visitors who want to appreciate Gwynedd’s rich industrial heritage and natural beauty but feel overwhelmed and ignored.

Dinorwig Quarry is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which calls for responsible management to preserve its cultural and environmental value. The current situation reflects a broader challenge of over-tourism fueled by social media, where remote and fragile sites face pressure from sudden popularity spikes.

Mountain rescue teams have also issued warnings about the dangers of exploring the quarry’s ruins, urging visitors to respect safety guidelines and avoid risky areas12. The quarry remains a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, but balancing access with preservation and community wellbeing is increasingly urgent.

This episode at Dinorwig Quarry highlights the need for coordinated efforts by local authorities, conservation bodies, and visitor management experts to ensure that iconic heritage sites can be enjoyed sustainably without compromising safety or the quality of life for local residents.