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Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'Ruined' village on slate hillside hints at brutal House of the Dragon scenes
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An iron ring has been thrown around a slate mine on the edge of Eryri for season three of HBO's House of the Dragon (HoTD). As set construction picks up pace, the whole of Dinorwig Quarry has been placed off limits with security guards posted around the massive complex. Sneak pictures of the work undertaken so far suggests a ruined village is being built. A series of fire-damaged carts and boxes have been brought to the site along with piles of charred timber. It's speculated the latter will be used to recreate buildings that were used in series two - showing the devastation wrought by a fire-breathing dragon. It's widely assumed the quarry, near Llanberis, is again standing in as a HoTD backdrop as Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in the fictional country of Westeros. included a military encampment and a modified slate incline where a dragon was shown perching. Three other sites in the area are also rumoured to be filming locations for the Game of Thrones prequel series. Two are thought to be in the Nant Peris pass at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with a third by Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. As the rest of George RR Martin's 'Fire & Blood' storyline contains some spectacularly brutal battles, signs point to all-out war in HoTD season three. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up A letter to local residents warned that scenes planned for Dinorwig include 'extras in armour, horses, special effects and various props'. A casting call has also been issued for 'rugged men' with 'good facial hair'. (Image: John Horrigan) The main quarry footpath was closed on Monday morning (June 2) and this will now stay shut until Monday, June 17. Security guards have been posted at both quarry entrances – from the Nant Peris side and from the Dinorwig Bus Terminus. 'But there are more all around the quarry to prevent unauthorised access,' said local resident John Horrigan, whose land borders the quarry. 'They are seriously enclosing the site and not just at the main entrances. 'The producers have been quite clever this time. For season two, they didn't close off the quarry completely until filming began, making it easier for some people to see the sets being built. This year they want to ensure no interruptions, so have closed off the quarry earlier.' (Image: John Horrigan) Before the quarry was declared completely off-limits, Mr Horrigan snuck inside to get an idea of what's been done so far. Set construction appears to be taking place at three locations within the quarry, including what he understands will be a 'destroyed village'. 'This is in the same place where they had the battle encampment in the last series, with buildings, tents and catapults. Already some props have been brought on site - and they're all burnt. Even though the props are made off-site, you get a strong burning smell as soon as you reach the area. 'Lots of burnt timber are also piled up on wooden pallets ready for set construction. This morning, two 18-tonne trucks and an articulated lorry brought in more crates, ready to be hoisted into position and unpacked by construction crews. 'It looks like they are recreating the village from the last series, only this time after it's been ruined and burnt to the ground by a dragon.' (Image: Carwyn Vaughan) Another set involves a tunnel leading to a separate pit that can't be viewed from elsewhere in the quarry. A new flight of steps has been built to an upper level, on which scaffolding is being erected. 'It's massive,' said Mr Horrigan. 'They've spend weeks building it, with erecting safety rails, steps and towers. I don't know if that's where some of the actors will be filmed, or whether it's they're putting cameras to film the canyon below, but a battle scene is predicted.' Another set involves one of the site's former quarry mills: a huge wooden facade has been erected as if to mimic a medieval hall. 'It's amazing to think they're only filming for four days and yet have to spend a month building the sets,' said Mr Horrigan. 'It's definitely bigger than last time and the whole process is taking longer.' 'I came across four rocks that looked so real you wouldn't know they were fake even if you stood by them. I wonder how many people thought they were part of a new rockfall. Those in the know will point to the sandbags on top to stop them rolling away!' (Image: John Horrigan) In Nant Peris, beneath Yr Wyddfa, no sites have been formally identified yet. However the Union Rock area at the western end of Llyn Padarn has been closed off. Last year the same area was used as a storage area when filming took place on Llyn Padarn for Netflix's The Witcher fantasy series. Could the lake again be used as a backdrop, this time for HoTD? In season two, multiple sites in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy doubled for Westeros. At Dinorwig, site preparation continues until Monday, June 9. Filming starts the following day and continues until Friday, June 13. During this four-day period, the road to the Allt Ddu bus terminus will be closed. Site reinstatement then takes place until Friday, June 20. Another filming day is set for Thursday, June 26. This will also involve a 'few days' either side for preparation and site reinstatement. Location and security crews are reported to be staying in Caernarfon, while safety staff are said to be overnighting in Bangor. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'The production is bringing a lot of money into local hotels, pubs and restaurants,' added Mr Horrigan. 'The crews are also being very respectful to the quarry. They've placed bins everywhere and there's no littering at all, which makes a nice change.' See what's on in your area
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
'Ruined' village on slate hillside hints at brutal House of the Dragon scenes
An iron ring has been thrown around a slate mine on the edge of Eryri for season three of HBO's House of the Dragon (HoTD). As set construction picks up pace, the whole of Dinorwig Quarry has been placed off limits with security guards posted around the massive complex. Sneak pictures of the work undertaken so far suggests a ruined village is being built. A series of fire-damaged carts and boxes have been brought to the site along with piles of charred timber. It's speculated the latter will be used to recreate buildings that were used in series two - showing the devastation wrought by a fire-breathing dragon. It's widely assumed the quarry, near Llanberis, is again standing in as a HoTD backdrop as Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in the fictional country of Westeros. Season two scenes filmed at Dinorwig included a military encampment and a modified slate incline where a dragon was shown perching. Three other sites in the area are also rumoured to be filming locations for the Game of Thrones prequel series. Two are thought to be in the Nant Peris pass at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with a third by Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. As the rest of George RR Martin's 'Fire & Blood' storyline contains some spectacularly brutal battles, signs point to all-out war in HoTD season three. A letter to local residents warned that scenes planned for Dinorwig include 'extras in armour, horses, special effects and various props'. A casting call has also been issued for 'rugged men' with 'good facial hair'. The main quarry footpath was closed on Monday morning (June 2) and this will now stay shut until Monday, June 17. Security guards have been posted at both quarry entrances – from the Nant Peris side and from the Dinorwig Bus Terminus. 'But there are more all around the quarry to prevent unauthorised access,' said local resident John Horrigan, whose land borders the quarry. 'They are seriously enclosing the site and not just at the main entrances. 'The producers have been quite clever this time. For season two, they didn't close off the quarry completely until filming began, making it easier for some people to see the sets being built. This year they want to ensure no interruptions, so have closed off the quarry earlier.' Before the quarry was declared completely off-limits, Mr Horrigan snuck inside to get an idea of what's been done so far. Set construction appears to be taking place at three locations within the quarry, including what he understands will be a 'destroyed village'. 'This is in the same place where they had the battle encampment in the last series, with buildings, tents and catapults. Already some props have been brought on site - and they're all burnt. Even though the props are made off-site, you get a strong burning smell as soon as you reach the area. 'Lots of burnt timber are also piled up on wooden pallets ready for set construction. This morning, two 18-tonne trucks and an articulated lorry brought in more crates, ready to be hoisted into position and unpacked by construction crews. 'It looks like they are recreating the village from the last series, only this time after it's been ruined and burnt to the ground by a dragon.' Another set involves a tunnel leading to a separate pit that can't be viewed from elsewhere in the quarry. A new flight of steps has been built to an upper level, on which scaffolding is being erected. 'It's massive,' said Mr Horrigan. 'They've spend weeks building it, with erecting safety rails, steps and towers. I don't know if that's where some of the actors will be filmed, or whether it's they're putting cameras to film the canyon below, but a battle scene is predicted.' Another set involves one of the site's former quarry mills: a huge wooden facade has been erected as if to mimic a medieval hall. 'It's amazing to think they're only filming for four days and yet have to spend a month building the sets,' said Mr Horrigan. 'It's definitely bigger than last time and the whole process is taking longer.' 'I came across four rocks that looked so real you wouldn't know they were fake even if you stood by them. I wonder how many people thought they were part of a new rockfall. Those in the know will point to the sandbags on top to stop them rolling away!' In Nant Peris, beneath Yr Wyddfa, no sites have been formally identified yet. However the Union Rock area at the western end of Llyn Padarn has been closed off. Last year the same area was used as a storage area when filming took place on Llyn Padarn for Netflix's The Witcher fantasy series. Could the lake again be used as a backdrop, this time for HoTD? In season two, multiple sites in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy doubled for Westeros. At Dinorwig, site preparation continues until Monday, June 9. Filming starts the following day and continues until Friday, June 13. During this four-day period, the road to the Allt Ddu bus terminus will be closed. Site reinstatement then takes place until Friday, June 20. Another filming day is set for Thursday, June 26. This will also involve a 'few days' either side for preparation and site reinstatement. Location and security crews are reported to be staying in Caernarfon, while safety staff are said to be overnighting in Bangor. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'The production is bringing a lot of money into local hotels, pubs and restaurants,' added Mr Horrigan. 'The crews are also being very respectful to the quarry. They've placed bins everywhere and there's no littering at all, which makes a nice change.'
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
I'm selling my home now our quiet village is overrun with nightmare ‘TikTok tourists' – It's totally out of control
Locals say they could even resort to extreme measures to reduce the number of Tiktokers blocking roads into the village TIK-ED OFF I'm selling my home now our quiet village is overrun with nightmare 'TikTok tourists' – It's totally out of control Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DESCRIBED as a hidden gem, the mountainside of Dinorwig Quarry is a sight to behold - so it's no wonder the area has become a TikTok hotspot. But the stunning slate mine and it's "lost-in-time" village has been besieged by tourists since it went viral online - so much so that one resident says she's been forced to sell her home. 13 Huge lines of double-parked cars on an access road leading to the quarry Credit: John Horrigan/Daily Post Wales 13 The Dinorwig Quarry in the village in Snowdonia Credit: Alamy 13 Rubbish is continuously piling up Credit: 13 Phoebe Griffith is selling up and moving elsewhere after the huge amount of hassle Credit: Villagers have complained that the numbers are so "out of control the only road in is clogged with miles of traffic, with litter being left to rot by disrespectful visitors. The situation has sparked heated rows and left locals being trapped in their homes, with many begging for better parking to cope with the sudden influx. Locals say human faeces is even being left in surrounding fields. One woman has even admitted that she has now sold her home after being fed up with so many TikTok tourists. The Dinorwig Quarry in the village in Snowdonia, North Wales, has become a phenomenon on the social media site TikTok, with users, including the official 'visitwales' account, posting stunning views of the landscape. I am leaving the village and moving because of all the tourists. I put the house on the market and have accepted an offer. I am just waiting for it to go through." Phoebe Griffith The area has been declared an UNESCO world heritage site and was once the world's second largest slate mine, but there are very few car parking facilities. Bank holiday 'mayhem' The problem was even worse over Easter when up to 1,000 cars clogged the road, with queues stretching back two miles to another village. Tattooist Phoebe Griffith, 29, who lives locally, said: "It's got totally out of control. "It was mayhem here over Easter with so many TikTok tourists and others. Scots council under fire for 'butchering' beauty spot loved by newlywed couples "Without doubt, it's gone absolutely crazy with the number of tourists coming here. "They have shattered the peace of the place. I came to live here because it was quiet, but it's not anymore. "In fact, I am leaving the village and moving because of all the tourists. "I put the house on the market and have accepted an offer. I am just waiting for it to go through." Author Ronna Halsall, 63, who writes psychological thrillers, said: "So many tourists are spoiling the place, which is a shame as it is so beautiful with views of Snowdon. She says: "It gets put on social media and one of the top five most beautiful sites in Wales so everyone comes. It's ridiculous." Retired business consultant Rose Cantrell, 75, who lives near the quarry, said: "It's a nightmare at the weekends or bank holidays. "It has got a lot worse recently as people have put it on TikTok. 13 Floods of tourists have been driven to the 'lost-in-time' village Credit: John Horrigan/Daily Post Wales 13 The main road to Dinorwig Quarry's entrance where visitors have been causing chaos with their abandoned cars Credit: 13 Members of the public queue to reach the trig point at the summit of Mount Snowdon, near the town of Llanberis, United Kingdom Credit: Getty "The main problem is parking as there is just not the infrastructure to support the number of visitors especially as it is now a UNESCO world heritage site. "There have been arguments over parking. "Sometimes it can take three-quarters of an hour to get out of the village as cars are parked on both sides of the road and they get blocked. "The TikTok tourists have shattered the peace of the place. "They leave excrement by the side of the road and they leave litter all over the place. "It is upsetting. We have called on the council to do more to solve the problem." Student Emily Walker, 17, said: "It can be a nightmare with all the traffic and problems caused by tourists." 'It's a good thing' But some locals are able to see the positives of having more tourists visit the sleepy town - as long as facilities are improved to go with them. Builder Russell Williams, 59, told The Sun: "I think it's a good thing so many people to visit us. But sometimes there are too many cars." Paid-for parking for the quarry is available in Llanberis – but this involves a climb up the mountain to reach a site billed as the 'place where time stood still', reports NorthWalesLive. Old barracks, sheds, adits and cabins hark back to a time when the quarry was a hive of activity, offering a fascinating glimpse into an industry that once roofed the world. John Horrigan, who lives next to the quarry, told the local news outlet: 'The traffic there at the weekend was the worst I've ever seen." Free parking is available up on the mountain itself at Allt Ddu bus terminus, and this offers an easier route to the quarry. And it was clogged with 30 campervans over Easter. 13 A sign warning against parking in the area Credit: 13 Rose Cantrell in front of her home near Dinorwig Quarry, reports arguing with the influencers Credit: 13 The town of Llanberis at the bottom of the Dinorwig mountain Credit: "You look anywhere online and this is where people are advised to park,' said John, adding it meant on Good Friday, in particular, it was "packed with 'vanlifers'". He said people were parking on blind bends with no repeater signs making things "extremely dangerous". John said of people unfamiliar with the area: "They're driving up and down at speed despite there being sheep on the roads and kids stepping out from behind cars." He added that a woman with a walking stick was also recently knocked over by a car. "If it continues like this someone is going to get killed," he said. Some have even called for a "tourist tax" in a bid to control the number of visitors to the area. Picturesque spot The picturesque spot boasts old barracks covered in tumbleweeds, piercing blue waters, sheds adits and cabins harking back to the time whey the quarry was the hub of an industry that once roofed the world. One TikTok creator captioned their snapshot of cliff diving into the turquoise waters, "Can you believe this in the UK?" TikTok fame has also repopularised the "secret waterful" for divers, which is locally known as the "pool of death" as 22 divers have died there since 1994. Online explorers have been flocking to the site, flouting the clear "Keep Out" signs. 13 The area was a former slate mine and has stunning views of Snowdonia Credit: Alamy 13 Author Ronna Halsall has had untold problems with visitors who constantly block her drive access to her house Credit:
Wales Online
24-04-2025
- Wales Online
Locals 'can't wait for the tourist tax' at 'besieged beauty spot'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Residents in Gwynedd are at their wits' end after being "besieged" by Easter visitors at a former slate quarry. A Dinorwig villager took car-cam footage showing a long line of double-parked cars extending to the neighbouring village of Deiniolen, two miles away. North Wales Live readers have been discussing the news in our comments section. The once world-renowned Dinorwig Quarry, now a social media sensation, has seen an influx of visitors to its site on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia), with numbers over the Easter weekend described as "unbelievable". Communities nearby have voiced their concerns about over-tourism and are unhappy about the litter and human waste left behind in the fields. Some residents admit to feeling too intimidated to leave their homes during busy weekends due to congested roads. There are increasing calls for a review of parking regulations or even the creation of a new car park with toilet facilities on the mountain. While paid parking is available in Llanberis, which requires a hike up the mountain to reach the quarry known as the "place where time stood still", there is also free parking at the Allt Ddu bus terminus on the mountain itself, providing easier access to the quarry. The quarry's "secret waterfall" is a major draw, despite being off-limits with warning signs after a past tragedy. Online adventurers frequently visit the site, although they are advised to stick to the footpaths. The damage to historic structures is causing increasing concern. Local resident John Horrigan, whose home is adjacent to the quarry, expressed his worries: "The access road, on the line of the quarry's old railway, is now extremely dangerous – especially on blind bends where people are parking even though the road narrows. Something needs to be done here before it's too late. In two weeks time, if the sun shines on the next Bank Holiday weekend, we'll be facing this madness all over again." (Image: John Horrigan) Commenter Blaiddcymraeg asks: 'Where are the police? What is Gwynedd Council doing about it?' Confusing replies: 'Surprising that the council haven't leapt into action and charged them from parking. Surely they wouldn't miss an opportunity?' GETTING ANNOYED NOW adds: 'How many buses/minibuses go to these tourist areas daily? Surely if tourist hotspots get a lot of tourists, then there should be more buses from park and ride sites nearby, which are reasonably priced and run longer hours when tourists need them. Also, if there is a problem with public toilets then more should be provided. Most charge up to 50p these days, so why hasn't Cyngor Gwynedd done it's sums? Loos and park and ride buses = MONEY. Think about it now.' Jonesey1 replies: 'It's difficult to magic up buses and bus drivers just for extra-busy bank holidays, if there were extra buses then out of season and on rainy days they'd be running virtually empty. I'm all in favour of having public WCs (on every street corner preferably) and local councils have long since dropped the ball on these but they do take time and money to build.' (Image: John Horrigan) Reactor says: 'I used to enjoy a quiet and lonely walk up there. Clearly that is now at an end - along with the nice spots on Anglesey.' CharlesPhilipArthurGeorgeWindsor-Mountbatten thinks: 'There's no such thing as over-tourism. All tourism is good business. What arrogance! Some places have no tourism and would be glad of some income and jobs.' RhosResident replies: 'All tourism is good business?! Are you joking? Over-saturating an area that relies on zero contract, minimum wage jobs? Yes, perfect for stable communities.' Hogangymraeg adds: 'Some tourists disrespect places, come in their hoards and do as they like. Park on housing estates, park on yellow lines, leave litter, wild camp which is illegal in Cymru without a landlord's permission, have barbecues and leave hot briquettes that cause fires, defecate on the beaches, you have no real idea of the effect of over-tourism.' Rojer writes: 'As someone living in Eryri I cannot wait for the tourist tax to start to see if we can get rid of the littering. If you live somewhere where there are no tourists, you will not understand how people in inundated areas feel.' Steamnut replies: 'The tourist tax will not help this situation. At less than the cost of a tank of fuel for these vehicles there is no disincentive.' ThePickledLiver thinks: 'If it's on TikTok, it'll be utterly unfashionable and forgotten about in a couple of years, so look forward to enjoying the peace and solitude. Besides, is an Easter bank holiday weekend any way to gauge anything and draw conclusions?' Do you sympathise with locals who live in tourist places? What do you think the solution is? Have your say in our comments section.
North Wales Live
24-04-2025
- North Wales Live
Locals 'can't wait for the tourist tax' at 'besieged beauty spot'
Residents in Gwynedd are at their wits' end after being "besieged" by Easter visitors at a former slate quarry. A Dinorwig villager took car-cam footage showing a long line of double-parked cars extending to the neighbouring village of Deiniolen, two miles away. North Wales Live readers have been discussing the news in our comments section. The once world-renowned Dinorwig Quarry, now a social media sensation, has seen an influx of visitors to its site on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia), with numbers over the Easter weekend described as "unbelievable". Communities nearby have voiced their concerns about over-tourism and are unhappy about the litter and human waste left behind in the fields. Some residents admit to feeling too intimidated to leave their homes during busy weekends due to congested roads. There are increasing calls for a review of parking regulations or even the creation of a new car park with toilet facilities on the mountain. While paid parking is available in Llanberis, which requires a hike up the mountain to reach the quarry known as the "place where time stood still", there is also free parking at the Allt Ddu bus terminus on the mountain itself, providing easier access to the quarry. The quarry's "secret waterfall" is a major draw, despite being off-limits with warning signs after a past tragedy. Online adventurers frequently visit the site, although they are advised to stick to the footpaths. The damage to historic structures is causing increasing concern. Local resident John Horrigan, whose home is adjacent to the quarry, expressed his worries: "The access road, on the line of the quarry's old railway, is now extremely dangerous – especially on blind bends where people are parking even though the road narrows. Something needs to be done here before it's too late. In two weeks time, if the sun shines on the next Bank Holiday weekend, we'll be facing this madness all over again." Commenter Blaiddcymraeg asks: 'Where are the police? What is Gwynedd Council doing about it?' Confusing replies: 'Surprising that the council haven't leapt into action and charged them from parking. Surely they wouldn't miss an opportunity?' GETTING ANNOYED NOW adds: 'How many buses/minibuses go to these tourist areas daily? Surely if tourist hotspots get a lot of tourists, then there should be more buses from park and ride sites nearby, which are reasonably priced and run longer hours when tourists need them. Also, if there is a problem with public toilets then more should be provided. Most charge up to 50p these days, so why hasn't Cyngor Gwynedd done it's sums? Loos and park and ride buses = MONEY. Think about it now.' Jonesey1 replies: 'It's difficult to magic up buses and bus drivers just for extra-busy bank holidays, if there were extra buses then out of season and on rainy days they'd be running virtually empty. I'm all in favour of having public WCs (on every street corner preferably) and local councils have long since dropped the ball on these but they do take time and money to build.' Reactor says: 'I used to enjoy a quiet and lonely walk up there. Clearly that is now at an end - along with the nice spots on Anglesey.' CharlesPhilipArthurGeorgeWindsor-Mountbatten thinks: 'There's no such thing as over-tourism. All tourism is good business. What arrogance! Some places have no tourism and would be glad of some income and jobs.' RhosResident replies: 'All tourism is good business?! Are you joking? Over-saturating an area that relies on zero contract, minimum wage jobs? Yes, perfect for stable communities.' Hogangymraeg adds: 'Some tourists disrespect places, come in their hoards and do as they like. Park on housing estates, park on yellow lines, leave litter, wild camp which is illegal in Cymru without a landlord's permission, have barbecues and leave hot briquettes that cause fires, defecate on the beaches, you have no real idea of the effect of over-tourism.' Rojer writes: 'As someone living in Eryri I cannot wait for the tourist tax to start to see if we can get rid of the littering. If you live somewhere where there are no tourists, you will not understand how people in inundated areas feel.' Steamnut replies: 'The tourist tax will not help this situation. At less than the cost of a tank of fuel for these vehicles there is no disincentive.' ThePickledLiver thinks: 'If it's on TikTok, it'll be utterly unfashionable and forgotten about in a couple of years, so look forward to enjoying the peace and solitude. Besides, is an Easter bank holiday weekend any way to gauge anything and draw conclusions?'
