It is situated in
an amazing place and seems to sit in a hidden valley. Surrounded by
pine topped hills and mountain crags.
Corris lies between Dolgellau and Machynlleth (try saying that after a few beers).
Its a sharp turn in
to the village of Corris if you are coming in from the A487.
Easy to miss but there
is a sign for a railway to remind you where it is.
Of a weekend you
will hear the toot of the miniature railway tender that used to pull
the valuable slate, from the quarry. Now lovingly restored and manned
by volunteers.
Corris slate is called monumental slate as it was used
for the best jobs.
It was used on the ill fated Titanic for its
circuit boards.
Corris is surrounded by slate quarries some you can visit
and back in the day this was a working slate quarry town.
Bridge street
was lined with shops selling their wares. There was even a musical
instrument shop if the old label on the harmonium still inside Capel
Salem built 1868 is to be read.
As the road dips
past the Corris Institute people will be sitting whiling away the
hours outside the village cafe, Idris Stores, run by Rob and Hazel.
You will find a
friendly welcome from all there.
Everyone says hello
as they go about their business.
Just past the
historic grade II listed Slaters Arms run by Mike and Charlotte you may wish to stop to have drink in the friendly pub before take a left and
tackle the hill that seems to get steeper the further you climb.
Looking back to the village of Corris the views just seem to get
better as the dots of people disappear.
Just past the Corris Hostel you realise, if you check your watch, that this is like the land that time forgot.
And the views keep getting better.
It is mystical in the rain that feeds the lichen that cover the trees as you rise even further.
When you come to a
little branch in the dirt track and take the right hand it seems you
are heading towards a secret garden, a fairy glen as the shadows of
the pines dapple the light.
Keep going you will not be disappointed.
Suddenly you can hardly believe it, your eyes are
feasted by............. an Italian village.
In miniature.
In Corris.
In Wales.
Florence Cathedral,
in what seems like perfect replica.
The Colosseum in perfect model
size, apparently to scale.
There's more everywhere you look there are
famous Italian landmarks looking as if they have been transported
from the Mediterranean to Wales.
It the most amazing sight
that is more than worth the hike.
Wear steady boots.
Looking a little
bit further some of the historic landmarks in miniature need a little
bit of restoration.
The Welsh wind and rain has been pounding the
magical little gem for several decades now.
Lets hope it can be
restored back to the original plan.
So just who created this wonder of the world of miniature?
