We're absolutely delighted that we're able to bring you another
one-of-a-kind art exhibition during 2016, Wales' 'Year of
Adventure'. In keeping with this theme, we've selected two
incredible locations for the paintings by Anthony Garratt. Here's
how to find them.
Location I: Llechwedd Slate
Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog
We are thrilled to have the incredible opportunity to exhibit a
painting in an isolated chamber at the stunning Llechwedd Slate
Caverns (LL41 3NB), which you can access via an illuminated tunnel.
The canvas, measuring 3.6 x 2.4 metres will be suspended in the
cavern and lit in such a way as to suggest it's floating in the
darkness. It's certainly a sight to behold!
Visitors will travel down to the painting via a steep cable
railway, taking you 250 feet underground to a cavern that was only
rediscovered 12 months ago. Hard hats will be provided but
please wear sensible footwear - as if you were going for a walk.
There is a small fee of £5 per person (children under 3 go
free), and you will be accompanied by a guide.
The art trains will run 7 days a week,with departures at 11.00am
and 5.30pm throughout the duration of the project (21 April to 31
October 2016). There is no need to book, but spaces will be subject
to availability - so arrive in good time!
Directions
From the North:
Via A5 - drive through the village of Betws y
Coed, over the river to t-junction where the A5 meets the A470.
Turn right, then right again to keep on the A470. Follow the
road for 11 miles. You will see signs to Llechwedd Slate
Caverns on your left before entering Blaenau Ffestiniog.
A55/A470: Exit the A55 at Junction 19, take the
3rd exit on to the A470. Continue on the A470 for around 15 miles,
the destination will be on your left.
From the South: Follow the A470 North all
the way to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Pass through the town, staying
on the A470. The slate caverns are on the right as you leave
Blaenau.
Location II: Llyn Llydaw, Miner's Track,
Snowdon
Another ground-breaking exhibition space is waiting for you -
this second spectacular painting is floating off the shores of Llyn
Llydaw, which forms part of the Miner's Track walking route to the
summit of Snowdon. This double-sided painting sits atop a
specially designed and created pontoon so that it appears as if
it's rising out of the magnificent lake.
Once you have found your way to the Pen y Pass car park (SH 647557
/ LL55 4NY), directions below, you will need to follow the
clearly-signed Miner's Track footpath up to the lake. This is an
easy walk, about 1.5 miles, and suitable for those with reduced
mobility - the path from the car park to the lake is promoted by
the Snowdonia National Park as being accessible by wheelchair
users.
The track was originally built to serve the Britannia Copper Mine
during the 19th century. There are wonderful views of the Gwynant
Valley and the famous Snowdon Horseshoe as you gently climb,
passing the smaller Llyn Teryn before arriving at Llyn
Llydaw.
Please note: it costs £5 to park your car for up to 4 hours at the
Pen y Pass car park.
Alternative parking can be found at Nant Peris (SH 607582 / LL55
4UF), which costs £2.50 for up to 4 hours, and you can then use the
Sherpa bus service, which runs regularly to
Pen-y-Pass.
Directions to the Pen-y-Pass Car Park
A55/B4547/A4244 & A4086: Exit the A55 at
junction 9, at the roundabouts take the 3rd exit and then 1st exit
on to the A487. At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit n to the
B4547. Carry on for 0.5 miles until you a sign for 'Greenwood
Forest Park' and 'Pentir, Deiniolen & Llanberis', turn left
here to stay on B4547. Follow the road through, and take the 2nd
exit on the roundabout on to the A4244. Follow the road through
until you reach the A4086 junction, turn left here, follow the road
for 7 miles until you see the 'Pen Y Pass' car park on your
right.
A55/A470: Exit the A55 at Junction 19, take the
3rd exit on to the A470. Continue on the A470 for around 21 miles.
When you reach the village of Llanrwst, you will want to turn right
on to the B5106 and then turn left to stay on B5106. Follow this
road, until you get to the A5 junction, turn right here and follow
the road until you reach the A4086, turn right to stay on this road
and the destination will be on your left.
A470: From the south, follow the A470 North,
carry on through the A487/B4110 until you reach 'Garreg'. Turn
right to stay on A4085 and follow the road through the A498 until
you reach the A4086, turn left and follow the road and the
destination will be on your left.
For both locations, please remember to wear appropriate footwear
i.e. walking shoes or boots.