Corris Binoculars - Double bore test tunnels

We visited the "Abercwmeiddau Quarry" near Upper Corris in North Wales. At the quarry itself, the prominent feature is the "Corris Binoculars" machine bored twin tunnel. There are also similar bores higher up. Hanging rail shows they were originally much longer. They were driven in the late 1860s possibly by the Brunton wire-rope driven disc machine. From the south-western corner of the pit, a strike tunnel runs for some 120 m which is collapsed at the end. From the same point is the 250 m drainage/access tunnel which is partially flooded. There is a great danger of falling rock from the quarry face into the floor of the quarry which has to be gained to see the twin holes so be careful if you want to see them.