Last Friday I attended the inaugral Slate Mountain stage of the Wales Rally GB. It’s a brand new stage set in the wonderful Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog. The stage is 1.3 miles long and takes in the twists and turns of the slate tips. Not only were there twists and turns there were also jumps and plenty of splashes to be seen – especially in the rain!
Mountain Top Action
As the stage started on top of the old slate tips it was quite a walk uphill which I found a bit difficult as my asthma was playing up. It was a shame but I couldn’t make it to the very top of the stage so I wasn’t able to see the jumps section. However, next year I will be better prepared!
We stood at the last straight section before the finish line. It was a great view point as you could see the cars come around the blind corner before zooming up the stretch and over the crest of the hill to the finish line.
At one point I had a wander further down the stretch and to the corner. From there you could see the cars coming down the hill before going around the blind corner. It was a good place to watch as you were stood right over the corner.
Rain Rain Go Away
It was such a shame about the weather though! To say I got wet, was a bit of an understatement. However, it is pretty much a guarantee that you will get a bit of rain in Blaenau. The fog meant we you couldn’t see the spectacular view of Blaenau Ffestiniog which is a shame. But on the walk back down I was able to take in the view of Llechwedd Slate Caverns (above). Oh I love the place! The slate and even the fog meant I was home.
I cannot wait for next year’s event as I’ve been informed that it is going to be bigger and better! Before you go, let me leave you with the little video of the action I saw at Slate Mountain….
