Residents in Gwynedd are expressing growing frustration after the former Dinorwig Quarry became overwhelmed with visitors during the recent Easter weekend, causing significant disruption in local communities. A villager from Dinorwig captured car dashboard footage showing a long queue of double-parked vehicles extending all the way to the neighbouring village of Deiniolen, approximately two miles away, illustrating the scale of the congestion.

The once world-renowned Dinorwig Quarry, located on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia), has transformed into a popular social media hotspot, attracting large crowds eager to explore its historic slate workings and picturesque surroundings. However, the influx of tourists has led to mounting concerns among nearby residents regarding over-tourism, environmental degradation, and public safety.

Local communities have reported problems including overcrowded roads, illegal and hazardous parking, as well as considerable litter and human waste left in the fields. Some locals feel intimidated by the busy weekends, to the extent that they avoid leaving their homes during peak visitor times.

John Horrigan, who lives adjacent to the quarry, voiced his anxiety about the situation: “The access road, on the line of the quarry’s old railway, is now extremely dangerous – especially on blind bends where people are parking even though the road narrows. 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.”

Calls are increasing for the authorities to review parking regulations or to consider the development of new facilities, including additional car parks and public toilets on the mountain. Currently, paid parking is available in Llanberis, which requires a hike up to reach the quarry—often called the “place where time stood still”—whereas free parking exists at the Allt Ddu bus terminus on the mountain itself, offering easier access but contributing to the surge in visitors.

The quarry’s “secret waterfall” remains a significant attraction despite being officially off-limits due to safety warnings after a previous fatality. Online adventurers frequently share their visits on social media platforms, although they are urged to remain on designated footpaths to protect the site’s historic structures, which have suffered increasing damage.

The community discourse around the issue is robust, as evidenced by comments on North Wales Live. One commenter, Blaiddcymraeg, questioned, “Where are the police? What is Gwynedd Council doing about it?” while another, identified as GETTING ANNOYED NOW, suggested improving public transport infrastructure: “Surely if tourist hotspots get a lot of tourists, then there should be more buses from park and ride sites nearby, which are reasonably priced and run longer hours when tourists need them. Also, if there is a problem with public toilets then more should be provided.”

In response, some highlighted the logistical challenges of adjusting bus services only for busy bank holidays. Commenter Jonesey1 remarked: “It’s difficult to magic up buses and bus drivers just for extra-busy bank holidays, if there were extra buses then out of season and on rainy days they’d be running virtually empty.”

Among the range of opinions expressed, some residents lament the loss of tranquillity. Reactor noted, “I used to enjoy a quiet and lonely walk up there. Clearly that is now at an end – along with the nice spots on Anglesey.” Meanwhile, others debated the broader economic implications of tourism, with CharlesPhilipArthurGeorgeWindsor-Mountbatten stating, “There’s no such thing as over-tourism. All tourism is good business.” This view was met with counterpoints emphasising the strain on local communities and jobs reliant on insecure contracts.

Additional concerns included disrespectful behaviour by some tourists, such as parking on residential streets and yellow lines, leaving litter, engaging in illegal wild camping, and even causing potential fire hazards through unattended barbecues, as outlined by commenter Hogangymraeg.

Looking ahead, some locals express hope that a proposed tourist tax might deter the most damaging behaviours. Rojer wrote: “As someone living in Eryri I cannot wait for the tourist tax to start to see if we can get rid of the littering.” However, others are more sceptical; Steamnut pointed out that such a levy is unlikely to deter visitors given its relatively low cost compared to travel expenses.

The debate continues about how best to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of local quality of life and environmental integrity in Gwynedd. The Daily Post (North Wales) is reporting that the conversation around Dinorwig’s surge in visitors highlights the wider challenges faced by communities in popular tourist destinations. Comments and discussions remain open as residents and stakeholders seek practical solutions.

Source: Noah Wire Services