QUARRY WORRY
Inside ‘UK’s most dangerous Instagram attraction’ as influencers told to stay away from ‘snakes and ladders’ site
INSTAGRAM 'explorers' are being warned to stay away from "very dangerous" quarry sites.
Mountain experts are urging visitors to Snowdonia in Wales to be aware of the "hidden hazards" when trying to get that perfect snap for social media.
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Slate quarries are a popular hotspot for day trippers due to their industrial heritage, eye-catching landscapes and impressive views.
But there are many potential dangers among the "snakes and ladders"; course that runs through the hidden caves and chambers, reports
There has been particular concern raised over Dinorwig near Llanberis, which is the second-largest slate quarry in Wales.
In one element of the quarry, there is an unsupported railway track over a chasm that is partially collapsed.
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(MRT) issued a warning to say that "No Instagram story is worth the level of risk that some people are unwittingly taking."
They added: "The old buildings and infrastructure of the slate quarries – railways, ladders, etc – are over half a century old and in various states of rust and decay.
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"These old structures and fixtures, which can often be found above precipitous drops, could – and often do – collapse at any time and without warning."
In 2021 the slate mines of north west Wales were given world heritage status by UNESCO which resulted in a surge of visitors.
It is also thought that social media has fuelled the trend, with people wanting to share their experiences of visiting these historic manmade landscapes online.
But the MRT said that too many people were unprepared and not experienced enough to explore these "potentially very dangerous places."
Even with the specialist training, the team said that there are "many hidden dangers" that cannot always be accounted for.
Over the years large rockfalls have disrupted routes in some Eryi quarries.
Llanberis MRT, said: "Such unseen hazards can pose a considerable risk to rescuers or emergency services personnel called to assist persons in difficulty in these areas."
In late March, 12 team members were called to Dinorwig after two visitors became stuck on an unstable ledge in the California (Sinc Galed) quarry hole.
"After calling for help, they were hauled to safety using a two-line hauling system.
Even experienced mountaineers are wary of exploring such places.
One climber said he hasn’t visited since sections in one quarry disintegrated almost overnight.
Writing on Facebook, he said: “Huge cracks are evident down some of the old buildings towering over the paths and quarry walls. I have no wish to be in a #wrongtimewrongplace scenario.”
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