Located a mere five miles from the scenic city of Bangor, the quaint Welsh town of Bethesda provides an idyllic gateway to the rugged beauty of Snowdonia National Park, beckoning nature enthusiasts for an escape into the wilderness. Bethesda's past is deeply rooted in the slate quarrying industry, which has left an indelible mark on the local culture and distinctive grey-slated architectural landscape. Despite being labelled as "abandoned" by a certain Reddit user, Bethesda is, in fact, a treasure trove of activities for intrepid explorers.
History buffs and curious visitors alike can delve into the town's industrial history at the Penrhyn Quarry, renowned as the world's largest slate quarry. Not only does it house this significant piece of heritage but also the acclaimed Zip World attraction, which since its 2013 inception, boasts of having the fastest zip line globally that soars courageous adventurers over the quarry lake with a breathtaking 500m high vantage point. Cycling aficionados are given a warm welcome to the region via Lon Las Ogwen cycle path, tracing the historic railway route that once ferried slate from the storied quarry down to the coast.
On the outer edges of Bethesda's quarry lies the remnants of Penrhyn Quarry Hospitala poignant reminder of the bygone slate industry era. Here, visitors can venture back to the 1800s and imagine the lives of the quarrymen who would be rushed here for medical care, reports the Mirror . The hospital continued to operate right.