'Eyesore' pipeline ... or just a 'part of history'

READERS HAVE SAY ON STRUCTURE THAT'S SCARRED LANDSCAPE FOR 120 YEARS

- By CLAIRE ELLIOTT

The pipeline at Llanddulas beach

READERS have long been divided over the huge pipeline running down the slopes of Yr Wyddfa, with many describing it as an eyesore that cuts across one of the most iconic mountain landscapes in Wales.

The giant white pipe, stretching around 2km from Llyn Llydaw to the historic Cwm Dyli Hydroelectric Power Station, has become instantly recognisable over the decades, even appearing in a James Bond film. Yet despite its fame, countless visitors have questioned how such a striking industrial structure was ever allowed to dominate such a treasured natural setting.

Constructed in 1906, before modern planning laws existed, the pipeline was built to supply hydroelectric power to the slate quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog and surrounding areas. At the time it was hailed as a remarkable engineering achievement and became the UK’s first alternating current hydroelectric station, technology that would later become the global standard.

Today, the station remains operational after 120 years, producing enough renewable electricity to power nearly 10,000 homes. Energy firm RWE describes it as both a historic engineering landmark and a lasting example of reliable renewable energy.