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Overview

Perfectly-preserved example of Welsh industrial heritage in a sublime rural setting

The Industrial Revolution wasn’t confined to coal and iron in south Wales and slate in the north. Built around 1755, this charcoal-fired blast furnace used for the smelting of iron ore is one of the best-preserved industrial buildings of its type in Britain.

Harnessing the power of the River Einion, the furnace’s waterwheel drove a huge set of bellows. These huffed and puffed compressed air into the furnace, creating the scorching temperatures needed to process the ore into pig iron, much of which was sent to forges in the Midlands.

The furnace only operated for around 50 years before being abandoned. The restored waterwheel that can now be seen is a remnant of the building’s second life as a sawmill.


Opening times

Daily 10am–4pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January


Prices

Category Price
Admission
Free

Facilities

Car park icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon

Parking spaces (approx.12 cars) at car park across a busy road. No dedicated disabled spaces.

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

Smoking is not permitted.


Directions

Road
6m (9.7km) SW of Machynlleth, on A487.
Rail
Dovey Junction 2m (3.2km).
Bike
NCN Route No.82 (4m/6.4km)

Postcode SY20 8PH

For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484950.