Black Mountain Lime Quarry.

Lime was an important product in agricultural Carmarthenshire - primarily to spread over farmland in the absence of modern day chemicals and fertilizers. The importance of lime has now diminished along with the industry that produced it, but if you want an idea of how substantial that industry was in its day, then a visit to the Black Mountain Lime Quarries will enlighten you.

A lime kiln and part of the Black Mountain Quarry complex.

Part of quarry machinery, with a view over Carmarthenshire.

To visit the quarry, also known as Herbert's Quarry, there are convenient car-parks near the summit of the road across the Black Mountain from Llangadog to Brynamman, and from there a short walk will take you to the old quarry workings - the extent of which will take your breathe away, as will the stunning panoramic views over Carmarthenshire.


 

Restored Lime kiln.

There has recently been an historical restoration of the site under the auspices of the CALCH partnership with visitor trails, restored lime kilns and information boards. The project is a credit to them and leaves you wanting to find out more. What can't be restored however are the atrocious working conditions - the noise, chocking dust and acrid smells that would have been a part of daily life here at the quarry in those days gone by.