BMC embraces historic, Welsh names at Dinorwig Quarries
In 2024, the BMC (British Mountaineering Council) in Cymru (Wales) has been actively collaborating with local groups to explore the historical place names of the popular climbing area of Dinorwig Quarries, or Chwarel Dinorwig as they are locally known.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preserving local names as a way of honouring the history and culture of an area. Find out more about the history of the Dinorwig Quarries here.
Access & Conservation Officer for Wales, Tom Carrick, explains:
"In recent years, the move to embrace traditional names has gained significant traction. For example, the Welsh, Eryri (pron. Eh-ruh-ri) is increasingly used in place of the English, Snowdonia, as well as Yr Wyddfa (pron. Ur With-va) rather than Snowdon. This trend is not limited to Wales; it resonates internationally, with names like Uluru and Denali becoming more widely recognised in Australia and Alaska, replacing the colonial Ayers Rock and Mount McKinley respectively. In New Zealand, a strong petition to officially adopt the country’s Māori name, Aotearoa, is gaining momentum.
"As part of this effort in the Dinorwig Quarries, the BMC consulted with CADW (the authority for protecting Wales’s historic environment), the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, and numerous local groups. The BMC supports preserving historical names where relevant to climbing areas but has expressed concerns about calls to remove existing climbing route names entirely. Such changes could lead to confusion among climbers and diminish the heritage tied to these names.
"A balanced approach was reached: a hierarchical list of place names will be created, prioritising the most historically significant names at the top. This approach ensures that historical names are preserved without erasing others. It acknowledges that before climbing became a prominent activity in North Wales, the slate industry profoundly shaped the region’s landscape.
"Remembering history is essential - it teaches lessons, celebrates culture, and connects us to our past. For local communities, these names are reminders of the gruelling labour endured in the quarries, where many workers faced perilous conditions and often lost their lives. The BMC also emphasises the importance of preserving the more recent history of climbing in North Wales. Routes established over 50 years ago tell their own stories and deserve recognition alongside the slate industry’s legacy.
"We invite you to join us in using and practicing the pronunciation of the original names used by the quarrymen. These names are not just words; they are a tribute to those who sacrificed so much, earning meagre wages while sculpting the quarries into what we see and enjoy climbing on today.
"Below are maps developed with the help of local organisations, featuring contributions from Rockfax and Rob Johnson.
"Many of the names, such as Australia and California, reflect global events of their time. For instance, the California ponc (levels) was named during the Gold Rush era, when workers would have heard about the event. Australia, one of the poncs, was so remote that reaching it felt like a journey to the other side of the world. Ponc Toffat was named for its brutal working conditions, likened to the biblical concept of hellfire. These names hold rich stories, connecting us to the lives and imaginations of the people who once laboured there."
Dinorwig overview
Dyffryn Area
Lower Walls
Sinc California
Sinc Pen Garret North West face
Sinc Pen Garret Back Wall
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