Interested in experiencing the world’s deepest sleep? Such an offer is being presented at a closed Victorian slate mine in north Wales. Visitors are welcome to stay in one of four log cottages or a unique chamber with a slate roof, 1,375 feet (419 meters) below the Earth.
The apartments themselves may have a sense of luxury, but getting there is not for the timid. A two-hour climb and scramble with zip lines and flooded slate chambers to negotiate are to be anticipated. Peredur Hughes, a former quarryman, and shipwright, remarked, “I’ll never forget the day the owner asked me if I could build cabins underground. But he claimed that he preferred the lowest, deepest chamber. My jaw fell at that point.”
The project was flat-packed after being put together at his house using sketches he had created on scrap paper, and each component was manually transported down the mine. “I’m pretty proud of it,” he continued. Located high on a mountainside at Tanygrisiau, close to Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, the Cwmorthin quarry and mine once employed hundreds of men. However, it was shut down in the middle of the 20th century and left to deteriorate, just like much of the slate industry in north Wales. However, it has experienced a revival in the form of an exhilarating adventure destination managed by Go Below Underground Adventures. This unique location now features the world’s deepest zip line, and the deepest free fall, and is currently recognized as the site of the deepest overnight accommodation available.
Underground Guide and Go Below operations manager Mike Morris stated that there were “two main reasons” why it began. The first reason was high demand. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to sleep down here?” a lot of the customers we took on our exciting excursions would frequently comment. “Yes, why not,” we reasoned. Additionally, our proprietor, Miles, aims to create unique achievements. These include pioneering the longest and deepest underground zip ride and introducing the world’s inaugural subterranean freefall experience. Another chance to express his creativity and design in this area presented itself to him. By doing so, it enhances North Wales’ expanding status as a hotspot for adventurous adventures.” Mr. Morris continued, “I like to think that we’ve integrated the two because many visitors book a hotel as well as an experience.” However, there are difficulties with it. “Many things are happening behind the scenes,” he remarked.
“Everything you’d expect from a typical hotel is being done by staff people who come down to strip beds and refill food supplies. However, being so deep underground makes it more difficult. The skilled crew must negotiate kilometers of tunnels down steep inclines, cluttered with outdated machinery and uneven slate trash, even when taking the quickest path out of the mine, which takes well over an hour. Even more exhausting, with an uphill trek that causes your lungs to collapse, is the return trip.”
Workers at Deep Sleep, however, claim that it is worthwhile because of the response from those who stay. According to Mr. Morris, after extensively navigating a complex and challenging situation in a gloomy and uncertain environment, you finally reach a pivotal moment represented by a door. Upon opening the door, everyone is astonished by what lies beyond. They enter, pause, and just exclaim “Wow.”
Yes, there is a cost associated with the “wow.” A night in a cabin costs approximately £350, while the ‘luxury’ slate chamber in Deep Sleep will cost you over £500. Even though food is provided, those looking for a gourmet feast might be let down. Only freeze-dried expedition-style meals are offered. They are warm and filling but not quite cordon bleu. Alcohol is also forbidden for safety reasons. It is not surprising that you would prefer to avoid attempting the challenging half-kilometer climb out of the mine if you are feeling the effects of a hangover.
- Misleading Video Alters Prime Minister Shehbaz’s Speech Targeting Political Rival, Not His Party - 21/04/2024
- ATC Grants Three-Day Remand for Suspects in Ichhra Bazaar Harassment Case - 19/03/2024
- Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh Lead World in Severe Smog Crisis, Exceeding WHO Guidelines - 19/03/2024
 below the Earth.){kind=link}