AN HISTORIC trail exploring north Wales’ slate heritage has received additional funding.

Project organisers Cwm Penmachno Community Action Group has been awarded £10,000 Magnox socioeconomic scheme funding from Trawsfynydd power station to implement the Snowdonia Slate Trail project.

The 85-mile trail across some of Snowdonia’s wild and dramatic landscape starts at Porth Penrhyn, near Bangor and loops down to the slate quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog before wending back to Bethesda.

Walkers participating will experience the legacy of the slate industry that shaped the culture, language and economy of north Wales, such as remote barracks and huge mountains of slate waste.

Martin Moore, closure director for Trawsfynydd power station said: “The nuclear industry has been a part of the local community for nearly 60 years, providing employment and development opportunities for generations of people in the area. 

“We are delighted to celebrate an industry that goes back even further than we do, and to share the achievements of those who worked in the slate industry. 

“We feel it is a fitting tribute to support the Snowdonia Slate Trail with Magnox socioeconomic funding, from the Nuclear Decommissioning authority, to help mitigate the impact of Trawsfynydd decommissioning on the community.”

The Snowdonia Slate Trail is anticipated to open in autumn 2017.

Read the full story in this week’s north editions of the Cambrian News, in shops now