Exploring forgotten places is never predictable. Some locations require careful planning, others demand sheer determination and sometimes, it’s both. This was certainly the case when my husband and I ventured into an abandoned wool mill in Wales.

Getting In: The First Challenge

Reaching the mill was no easy feat. We scrambled down a steep bank, navigating through brambles, rubbish, and uneven ground. By the time we arrived at the open window, I was already feeling worn out – especially after an earlier hike to a failed location. With shards of glass and sharp edges lining the window frame, I had to be extra careful pulling myself up. Thankfully, there was something to stand on inside, as my short legs wouldn’t have reached the floor otherwise!

Once in, we dusted ourselves off and turned our attention to the battered staircase. It was barely holding together, so we took it one at a time, stepping on the far edges in case the middle collapsed. The near darkness added another layer of difficulty – the vegetation outside had blocked most of the light.

A Fading Piece of Welsh Industrial History

This abandoned wool mill is a fascinating relic of Wales’ industrial past. Built in the late 19th century, it was once a key player in the local wool trade. Now, rusting machinery and peeling walls whisper stories of its former life. Scattered spools of thread, broken windows, massive looms, and old woven baskets made it a hauntingly beautiful location to capture.

I’ve visited twice, and in just that time, the floors had become noticeably more unstable—a stark reminder of how quickly these places deteriorate. It’s why I do what I do: documenting these spaces before they are lost to time, exploring the themes of abandonment, transformation, and memory.

A Journey Through Wales

This was just one stop on a whirlwind trip through Wales. We had only just returned from a week-long exploration in Italy, spent a single night at home, and then set off again for another week of adventure. After a long drive, we started with the eerie and ancient sunken forest beach – an incredible prehistoric landscape buried beneath the waves for thousands of years.

After the mill, we made an essential stop for some Welsh cheese (priorities!), then took in the breathtaking views of Yr Wyddfa at Llynau Mymbyr before finally heading to our hotel for some well-earned rest.

The Immense Beauty of Dinorwic Quarry

Dinorwic Quarry had been on my must-visit list for years. Once one of the largest slate quarries in the world, it was in operation from the early 19th century until 1969, supplying slate for everything from roofs to railways.

I had seen countless photos of its dramatic, layered landscape, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer scale of it. With a tilt-shift lens, telephoto, and wide-angle, I took my time experimenting with different compositions. We barely scratched the surface – this place is vast, steep, and filled with endless levels to explore. Unfortunately, my knee injury was still lingering, cutting our visit shorter than I’d have liked. But even in the time we spent there, it was every bit as breathtaking as I had imagined.

Ending the Trip in True Style

Of course, no trip of ours would be complete without a bit of fun. Along the way, we explored another abandoned quarry, visited Portmerion, tackled a few hikes, enjoyed wild swims in waterfalls and rivers, and – naturally – ended the trip with a good old-fashioned rave in an abandoned warehouse with friends. Obviously.

From historical decay to stunning landscapes, this journey through Wales had everything I love: adventure, photography, and the chance to step inside the past before it disappears forever.