Upper Dinorwic Slate Quarries
Climbing
Regulations on 30 October 2026
Signs at the site and later resolutions prevail; check the source.
The position marks the site rather than the extent of the rule.
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Voluntary closure
Climbing · 1 Feb to 30 Jun
Not in force on 30 October 2026
Restrictions apply from 1 February - 30 June.
Reason: Nesting Birds
Nesting birds in Sinc California (Twll Mawr), please avoid the routes in the back left corner, from Opening Gambit to Long in the Twll/The north will rise again.
Sectors:
- Opening Gambit to Long in the Twll/The north will rise again
Published by BMC, 11 May 2026 · Upper Dinorwic Slate Quarries
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Prohibited all year
Climbing · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Not confirmed by an official source.
The Upper Dinorwig quarries are mainly owned by First Hydro. Access for climbing or any access away from the designated footpaths is not permitted by the landowners, due to liability concerns. However it's rare for climbers to be asked to leave and in general it appears that if climbers keep a low profile, avoid damaging fences, do not interfere with any of the power station buildings or apparatus or any of the historic structures within the quarry that climbing is possible. Access to the whole of the upper quarries have become especially sensitive in recent years and climbers should not gather in large numbers, especially at Dali's Hole area. Bolts have been removed from Dali's Hole by a local climber (late 2010) who was concerned that continued use of this venue by large groups of climbers would jeopardise access to the whole site. There have also been a number of reported altercations between climbers and First Hydro security staff over the years at this venue.
BMC advice remains unchanged - the landowners do not give permission for public access (including for climbing) away from the public paths. Please do not damage fences or signs and if accosted by security staff, please be courteous and report any issues to the BMC.
Published by BMC, 11 May 2026 · Upper Dinorwic Slate Quarries