Well, the fat lady ain't quite sung yet, but 2020 is almost at an end now. It has certainly been a tough year for everyone, more some than others. And one which made a big proportion of the year off-bounds for exploring. That said, many of us managed to get out-and-about in fits and spurts. So, what were you best explores of 2020? It can be Top 3, Top 5 or Top 10 or anything!
Here’s mine. Our 'main' (and only) holiday was in North Wales, hence it's big influence being felt below.
1. Dinorwic Slate Mine, North Wales, September 2020
Massive, majestic and unforgettable. One visit to this welsh heavyweight is never enough. Hence a revisit is top of the list in 2021, COVID-19 allowing. Explored with my non-forum member mate Gazza.
Report HERE
2. Maenofferen slate mine, North Wales, July 2020
Another welsh classic. Visited on the rainiest day you could ever imagine. Had a good look at the above ground stuff nut only scratched the surface with the mine, so another revisit candidate in 2021. Solo explore.
Report HERE
3. George Barnsley’s, Sheffield, October 2020
Never knew this was still doable so when I heard it was, made my way down to this local explore quick-sharpish. It’s changed a bit since the first time I explored it but still very much worth a couple of hours of your time. Explored with my non-forum member mate Dale.
Report HERE
4. Pen-yr-orsedd Slate Quarry, Talysarn, North Wales, July 2020
Had no expectations when I rocked up to this old quarry on a very sunny July morning. It surpassed all expectations and had many highlights including a still hanging “blondin” and an exquisite little winding house. Solo explore.
Report HERE
5. Stanton Steelworks, Derbyshire, September 2020
This place turned out to be way better than expected. Can’t beat a bit of industrial goodness. Had to skirt round the live stuff but a relaxed and enjoyable wander with @Bikin Glynn
Report HERE
6. The Five Sisters, Willington, Derbyshire, February 2020
Didn’t expect these beauts to be still here in 2020 but here they were so a revisit was in order. Never fail to be impressed with them. Awesome place and always a great explore with my non-forum member mate Gazza.
Report HERE
7. Octel Bromine Works, Amlwck, Anglesey, North Wales, July 2020
Didn’t envisage this being that good but there was far more left than I’d expected, so this place turned out to be a good solo explore.
Report HERE
8. The Citadel, Sheffield, June, 2020
On the list as I’d waited years to see this place. A window of opportunity (quite litterally) opened and in I popped. The best bit is the lovely main hall. Now resealed, but with its future uncertain. Solo explore.
Report HERE
9. Hanging Flat Lead Mine, Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire, December 2020
Been getting into underground stuff/mines this year and although this wasn’t the biggest of mines it was a little cracker and very photogenic. Explored with non-forum member mate Dale.
Report HERE
10. The Deaf Institute, Liverpool, August 2020
Not the largest and most spectacular explore but that main hall with all its stained glass and THAT roof meant that this one just snook in 10th place. Solo explore.
Report HERE
OK - that's it for 2020. Hope 2021 turns out to be a better one for us all. Stay safe and keep on exploring!
Here’s mine. Our 'main' (and only) holiday was in North Wales, hence it's big influence being felt below.
1. Dinorwic Slate Mine, North Wales, September 2020
Massive, majestic and unforgettable. One visit to this welsh heavyweight is never enough. Hence a revisit is top of the list in 2021, COVID-19 allowing. Explored with my non-forum member mate Gazza.
Report HERE
2. Maenofferen slate mine, North Wales, July 2020
Another welsh classic. Visited on the rainiest day you could ever imagine. Had a good look at the above ground stuff nut only scratched the surface with the mine, so another revisit candidate in 2021. Solo explore.
Report HERE
3. George Barnsley’s, Sheffield, October 2020
Never knew this was still doable so when I heard it was, made my way down to this local explore quick-sharpish. It’s changed a bit since the first time I explored it but still very much worth a couple of hours of your time. Explored with my non-forum member mate Dale.
Report HERE
4. Pen-yr-orsedd Slate Quarry, Talysarn, North Wales, July 2020
Had no expectations when I rocked up to this old quarry on a very sunny July morning. It surpassed all expectations and had many highlights including a still hanging “blondin” and an exquisite little winding house. Solo explore.
Report HERE
5. Stanton Steelworks, Derbyshire, September 2020
This place turned out to be way better than expected. Can’t beat a bit of industrial goodness. Had to skirt round the live stuff but a relaxed and enjoyable wander with @Bikin Glynn
Report HERE
6. The Five Sisters, Willington, Derbyshire, February 2020
Didn’t expect these beauts to be still here in 2020 but here they were so a revisit was in order. Never fail to be impressed with them. Awesome place and always a great explore with my non-forum member mate Gazza.
Report HERE
7. Octel Bromine Works, Amlwck, Anglesey, North Wales, July 2020
Didn’t envisage this being that good but there was far more left than I’d expected, so this place turned out to be a good solo explore.
Report HERE
8. The Citadel, Sheffield, June, 2020
On the list as I’d waited years to see this place. A window of opportunity (quite litterally) opened and in I popped. The best bit is the lovely main hall. Now resealed, but with its future uncertain. Solo explore.
Report HERE
9. Hanging Flat Lead Mine, Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire, December 2020
Been getting into underground stuff/mines this year and although this wasn’t the biggest of mines it was a little cracker and very photogenic. Explored with non-forum member mate Dale.
Report HERE
10. The Deaf Institute, Liverpool, August 2020
Not the largest and most spectacular explore but that main hall with all its stained glass and THAT roof meant that this one just snook in 10th place. Solo explore.
Report HERE
OK - that's it for 2020. Hope 2021 turns out to be a better one for us all. Stay safe and keep on exploring!
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