Gwaith Y Mwynau Mine and Trial Mines

Gwaith-Y-Mwynau Mine lies near Maen Serth Standing Stone in the Elan Valley. The mine is said to date back to around 1640 and was owned by Sir Hugh Middleton. It is believed that silver from the mine helped finance the Royalist war effort of King Charles I, with ore being sent to the mint at Aberystwyth.

Two additional mine adits have recently been found a short distance from Gwaith-Y-Mwynau Mine, and there are also many mining trials across the surrounding area. On the north side of the hill there are further workings above Cwm Bach Farm at Cwm Bach Mine.

Map Ref SN9440 6974

Gwaith-Y-Mwynau Mine

Gwaith-Y-Mwynau Mine near Maen Serth Standing Stone in the Elan Valley.

Gwaith-Y-Mwynau Mine Survey

Gwaith-Y-Mwynau Mine Survey by David M D James, April 2018.

Esgair Dderw Mine Adits

Two mine adits not far from Gwaith Y Mwynau Mine. Very dangerous position and not recommended to visit. Bats use these mines to hibernate during winter so please keep away during the winter months. Map Ref SN942 697.

Esgair Dderw Mine Adits Survey

Esgair Dderw Mine Adits Survey by David M D James, 2018.

Esgair Dderw Upper Adit

The upper adit only goes in a very short distance.

Esgair Dderw Lower Adit

The lower adit only goes in a short distance.

Esgair Dderw Trial Mine 1

Probably part of the exploration stage of mining activity on Esgair Dderw and may be very old. Map Ref SN93900 69730.

Esgair Dderw Trial Mine 2

Probably part of the exploration stage of mining activity on Esgair Dderw and may be very old. Map Ref SN93920 69770.

Esgair Dderw Trial Mine 3

Probably part of the exploration stage of mining activity on Esgair Dderw and may be very old. Map Ref SN94210 69740.

Esgair Dderw Trial Mine 4

Probably a hollow about 5m in diameter and 1m deep, part of an early exploration stage. Map Ref SN93950 69930.

Esgair Dderw Trial Mine 5

A trial mine 5m x 8m in diameter and 1.5m deep, probably part of the exploration stage. Map Ref SN93966 69988.

Esgair Dderw Trial Mine 6

A trial mine 18m long by 1.5m wide, probably part of the exploration stage. Map Ref SN93970 70040.

Esgair Dderw Mine Shaft

Mine shaft just off the coach road up the golf links, 8m in diameter and 1.5m deep. Map Ref SN9459 6985.

Possible Mining Trial

Possible mining trial just off the Old Aberystwyth Mountain Road on Esgair Dderw. Map Ref SN93873 69627.

Possible Mining Trial

Another fairly large mining trial just off the Old Aberystwyth Mountain Road. Map Ref SN93888 69663.

Possible Mining Trial

Another possible mining trial about 6m x 5m. There are also a number of smaller hollows in the area which may be mining trials. Map Ref SN93886 69642.