Dolaucothi Gold Mine


Useful Information

Location: Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8US.
At Pumsaint just east of the A482 trunk road 10 km north west of Llandovery, Carmarthenshire. Between Lampeter and Llanwrda.
(52.044567, -3.949911)
Open: 15-MAR to 02-NOV Wed, Thu, Sun 10-17.
Last underground tour leaves at 16.
[2022]
Fee: Adults GBP 10, Children GBP 5, Family (2+2) GBP 25.
[2022]
Classification: MineGold Mine
Light: cap lamps.
Dimension:
Guided tours: Surface tour: D=2+h, L=5,000 m.
mine tour: D=60 min, L=1,200 m.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography: A Annels, B C Burnham (1986): The Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Geology and Mining History 2nd edition 62 pp illus.
Jones, Lewis (1971): The Roman Gold Mines at Dolaucothi, reprinted 1974, 24 pp illus.
(1986): Llyfryn Coffa Mwyngloddiau Aur Dolaucothi Gold Mines Souvenir Booklet, 20 pp illus 1986
(1991): Dolaucothi Gold Mines, leaflet 1991; ditto ND
Address: The National Trust, Dolaucothi Estate, The Coach Hose, Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire SA19 8RR, Tel: +44-1558-650177, Infoline +44-1556-825146. E-mail: contact
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

2000 BP exploited by the Romans.
19th century mining resumed.
1938 mine closed.

Geology


Description

You can spend a day exploring the Dolaucothi Gold Mines where you can experience a wealth of surface and underground activities that span a period from the Roman occupation to the present day. Today the mines form part of an extensive estate which was given to the National Trust between 1941 and 1943. The present car park occupies the Ogofau Pit, the main focus of mining operations. Underground and surface tours are available to the public. In 1988, virtually all the surface installation and surface equipment was moved here from the Olwyn Goch site in North Wales, including a spectacular head frame with winding gear.

The mine hosts the usual facilities for visitors: Information centre, cafe, museum, gift shop, 1930's mining machinery, Roman tours, Waymarked Estate walks, Cycle Hire etc, etc. Parking is free and there is plenty of space for a picnic. It can be muddy under foot, so wear stout shoes or boots.

The Cardiff University Field Studies Centre is located in the mine yard.


Text by Tony Oldham (2001). With kind permission.