Go Below - 13 of us have!

We were blessed with Autumn sunshine for our walk up to Cwmorthin kitted out with wellies, overtrousers and harnesses. So this lifted our spirits to face the underground. After a check on our rope work we set off to the depths down steep inclined tunnels, across roped rock faces and along flooded passages balancing on pipes and being dropped down to lower levels on a wire one by one to have a candle lit picnic in a miners' caban. We learnt of the dangerous working conditions the miners had to deal with - falls, explosions, loose trucks on the inclines etc which led to the mine being known as the 'Slaughterhouse'. We were encouraged, informed and entertained by brothers Pete and Wil, who clearly knew the mineworkings inside out. Elated we emerged to a clear and starry evening.
It has already been suggested that another group visit should be arranged for next year. Watch this space!