Dolgoch Quarry

An abandoned limestone quarry with wonderful wildflowers

Location

West of Llynclys crossroads

Oswestry
Shropshire
SY10 8LN

OS Map Reference

SJ277247
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A static map of Dolgoch Quarry

Know before you go

Size
3 hectares
z

Entry fee

No
P

Parking information

Layby on A495 c500m from Llynclys Crossroads

Grazing animals

None.

Access

From the layby, cross the road (with care) and head down the track opposite. Cross the disused railway line to enter the wood.

Please note: There are very narrow paths that cross the top of the quarry, with steep unfenced sides that drop to the quarry floor, Please keep a close eye on children and keep dogs on a lead. Not for the faint hearted!

Accessibility: Red/Amber

Steep paths that are often muddy through the woodland entrance. Very steep bank with narrow trail to reach the quarry floor. 

Dogs

Dogs permitted

Please note that there are sheer drops at this site, down the sides of the rocky quarry face, so please be aware and keep dogs on a lead when not in the wood or on the quarry floor.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to August

About the reserve

One of a string of abandoned limestone quarries in the area, Dolgoch on a sunny summer’s day is a delight. A profusion of wild flowers grow on the limestone quarry floor, including yellow-wort, with its waxy, grey leaves, the upper ones cupped around the stem and star-like yellow flowers that shut in the afternoon. On the rock faces, look out for viper’s bugloss, with its bristly spikes of cobalt blue flowers.

There are two ponds here, providing homes for frogs, toads, newts, damselflies and dragonflies. The rocks are interesting too; within the limestone strata you may see fossils of sea creatures such as corals and shellfish that lived when this landmass that was to become England lay in a shallow sub-tropical sea. Look out for the oyster-like fossil shells of Gigantoproductus giganteus, 150mm across and, as its names suggests, the giant of its day.  

How to get here

Park in the lay-by just west of Llynclys crossroads on the A495; cross over and follow the path between the houses. Carry on through a muddy area into woodland. Continue uphill past a waymark post and take the 2nd fork to the left, going up steeply. When you come into an opening look out for a path to your right. Carry on between boulders placed to prevent motorcycles. The path is often wet and muddy.  

Contact us

Location map

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