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0:00:28 > 0:00:32- Train driver Gwyrfai Williams - from Llanberis.
0:00:33 > 0:00:38- Structural engineer Geraint Bowen, - originally from Swansea.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- Works clerk Tecwyn Hughes - from Caernarfon.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52- Labourer and occasional chef - Eifion Yates from Bala.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- Stonemason Robin Hughes - from Nantlle Vale.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04- And Gwyn Thomas, - the 2007 National Poet of Wales.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- This is the story of - the construction of Hafod Eryri...
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- ..through the eyes of people who - have been part of the majestic plan.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- Every building starts with a plan.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- For Hafod Eryri, - many plans were needed...
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- ..before construction began.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- One of the first people - to draw up the plans...
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- ..was structural engineer - Geraint Bowen.
0:01:38 > 0:01:44- The architect is responsible - for creating the building's shape.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50- The architect makes sure that - the building is conducive for work.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- The building must have - practical elements.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- The structural engineer - works with the architect...
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- ..to ensure, in simple terms, - that the building stands up.
0:02:02 > 0:02:08- If the building can stand up, we - have to ensure it's easy to build.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- We work with the contractor - to ensure that he can build it...
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- ..on site.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- At the end of the day, - we want this project to succeed.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27- The architect created a 3-D model - on his computer.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32- We transferred that model - to the software package we use.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- From there, from that 3-D model...
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- ..we worked out every co-ordinate - on every piece of land.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- 3,000 different co-ordinates...
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- ..were processed.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- They were sent over - to the steel fabricators.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- The first model was created - by the architect.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58- The second model was created - using our software.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- The third model was created - by the fabricators.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11- The steel fabricators are in Kinmel - Bay, about 40 miles from the site.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- Before they started, they had - to make their own designs...
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- ..itemizing every beam - and every bolt...
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- ..making sure that all sizes - corresponded with the original plan.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- There was no room for error - at a site...
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- ..where alterations - were nigh on impossible.
0:03:32 > 0:03:38- Each piece had to be small enough - for transportation on the train.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43- No longer than 11 metres, no wider - than 2 metres - and not too heavy.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- We have to make sure - that the building...
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- ..stands up - to the inclement weather on Snowdon.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- The snow, the frost...
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- ..and the wind.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01- Bangor University have monitored the - weather on the summit of Snowdon...
0:04:02 > 0:04:03- ..for the past 50 years.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- We digested their information.
0:04:06 > 0:04:12- One of the best statistics referred - to the strongest winds recorded.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- It was around 150mph.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20- That's a hurricane-strength wind.
0:04:20 > 0:04:27- We had to make sure the structure - could withstand the forces...
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- ..and could remain intact - for the foreseeable future.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- One of the most unusual aspects - of the project...
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- ..was to build the structure - at another site...
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- ..to see if everything - slotted into place.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- The only site large enough was the - Corus plant of the banks of the Dee.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- Once it was all in place, - it had to be taken apart...
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- ..the steel was treated...
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- ..and the 120 tonnes of steel was - transported to the foot of Snowdon.
0:05:01 > 0:05:07- Every piece of the jigsaw arrived, - and it was transferred to the train.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- It was then taken to the summit.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16- I'm the train driver.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- I've been a train driver - for around 18 years.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- I've been working here - for the past 26 years.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- When I started here, - I worked as a guard.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- I worked here - for around three or four seasons.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- I worked away in the winter because - they couldn't keep me full-time.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- I asked if I could go - on the footplate...
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- ..to learn how to be a stoker.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- We used to watch the old drivers, - follow their every move...
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- ..listen to everything they said - and pick things up from there.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- Sometimes, they would allow you - to drive, from Hebron to Half Way.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- That's the easiest journey - to control the steam engine.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- The gradient isn't as steep.
0:06:16 > 0:06:23- The journey from Llanberis to Hebron - passes a waterfall.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- That's well worth seeing - after heavy rain.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- There's a historic chapel in Hebron.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- Further on, as you pass Cwm Brwynog, - you can see numerous mountains.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- The terrain opens up - the higher you go.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44- If you look down to your left, - down towards Llanberis Pass...
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- ..that's almost 2,000 feet.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- That's a lovely view.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- I like watching people's faces...
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- ..when they pull their cameras out - as they reach that spot.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- Then, we reach Clogwyn.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04- We've been stopping at Clogwyn - since the construction work started.
0:07:04 > 0:07:10- From there, people can see the Lleyn - Peninsula, mid Wales and Anglesey.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- On a clear day, - people can see the Isle of Man.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- For me, the best journey - is from Clogwyn to the summit.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- You can see a lot more. - Sometimes, you can see Ireland.
0:07:22 > 0:07:28- I remember coming down towards - a cutting near Half Way one day.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- When it's busy, you'll have - two trains about two minutes apart.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- I was in the first train - on the way down.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- I looked up and saw the other train - entering the cutting.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- The only thing that came out - of the cutting was the engine.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- It had left the carriage behind.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47- The driver hadn't realized - for a few minutes.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- I was still looking back, - and he returned for the carriage.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- Then, all the passengers were - applauding and shouting hooray!
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- Things like that happen sometimes.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04- Before starting the work, a special - vehicle was built - a flatbed...
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- ..to carry the materials - and steel pieces to the summit.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- It was built in Leeds and - transferred to Llanberis on a lorry.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- The flatbed has been used - to transport all the materials up...
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- ..and transport the old, - dismantled building down.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- I've been an important part - of the process...
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- ..transporting it all to the summit - and helping the lads build it.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36- We've been responsible for carrying - everything up to the summit.
0:08:39 > 0:08:45- The weight on the flatbed is similar - to a carriage full of passengers...
0:08:45 > 0:08:46- ..about 10 tonnes.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- After transporting 4,000 tonnes of - materials, let alone passengers...
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- ..how many times has Gwyrfai - been to the summit?
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- How many times have I been to the - summit? That's a difficult question.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- I wish I could tell you.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- In the past 26 years, - it could be thousands of times.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- This is the strangest and most - picturesque building site in Wales.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- Every now and then, - the weather can be so bad...
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- ..it's impossible - to reach the summit by train.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- Some still have to walk the last two - and a half miles to the summit...
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- ..to inspect the building.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- Between the snow and the clouds...
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- ..it's sometimes difficult - to know where you are.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52- Once at the summit, some clearance - work is required to gain entry.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- At the end of April 2008, - the work was on hold again.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10- The machines were required - to help clear a path for the train.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- No train, no materials.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- No materials, no work.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- Time waits for no-one.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- I make sure the building - is constructed...
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- ..to a satisfactory standard.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- I inspect every aspect of the work.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- The foundations, - the roof, the walls...
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- ..every aspect of the construction.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- My father worked - on the original building.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- It was more difficult for them.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- They would stay here during the week - in zinc sheds.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- They used to stay - in the old building.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- I don't know how they coped - during the nights.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- It's extremely cold here at night.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- It's cold here during the day.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- They must have been close - to freezing at nights.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- They were strong lads.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- My father was a plasterer.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31- He told me how he'd plastered one - corner 12 times because of the ice.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- The plaster would crumble away.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- Nain would cook a breast of lamb - for my father every Sunday night.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- That would keep him going all week.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- These days, we have mobile phones - and walkie-talkies.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- They had nothing - when they worked here.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- They had no contact with the base.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- No-one worried - where he was during the week.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- They're worried - about the weather this year.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03- Will the elements disrupt the plan - to finish Hafod Eryri on time?
0:12:04 > 0:12:04- .
0:12:06 > 0:12:06- 888
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- 888- - 888
0:12:09 > 0:12:10- After a delay over the winter...
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- ..the construction work restarted - at the end of February 2007.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- More machinery was needed - for the process.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- For some machines, there's only - one slow way to the summit.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- In early 2007, there was - no building on the summit...
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- ..for the first time in 170 years.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- It was only a temporary situation - as work began on the foundations.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- In April 2007, - the first concrete was set.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- With the foundations in place - by the end of May...
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- ..the steel parts were put in place.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- By September, the skeleton - was complete with the roof in place.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- There was less than a year - until the scheduled opening.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Every army needs to be fed...
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- ..and that's no different - at the summit of Snowdon.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- The responsibility falls on Eifion.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- We're having beef today...
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- ..with new potatoes, - roast potatoes...
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- ..carrots, cut green beans - and Yorkshire pudding.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- We eat more up here - than we do at home.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- We have a Sunday lunch once a week. - It's better than sandwiches!
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- Eifion Yates has been working at - Hafod Eryri since the first day...
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- ..come rain or shine, wind or snow.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- On Sundays, the spade and hammer - are put to one side...
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- ..and replaced - with an apron and an oven.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- The roast potatoes - go into the oven first.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- If we have peas in the pod, - I cook them at home.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- They take a long time.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- We only have 30 minutes for lunch.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- 30 minutes - isn't enough to cook them.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27- The meat goes into the oven.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- You wouldn't expect to see an oven - on Snowdon.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- The lads have made the cabin their - second home over the past two years.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- I only bring these up - when we're having a roast lunch.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- I take them home - and keep them in the cupboard.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- Otherwise, they'll get broken.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- A place for everything - and everything in its place.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- George is having lunch with us.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- It's a great lunch. - It smells nice here.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Eifion's prepared lunch - for twelve today.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- I've made a mistake. - There are only eight of us today.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- Three roast potatoes.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- The cabin is the first place - to open each morning at 8.00am...
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- ..after an hour-long journey - on the train.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- The workers return to Llanberis - by 6.00pm...
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- ..and are back on the platform - early the next day.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- This is the order of the day - seven days a week.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- Lovely! Very nice.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- On 7th September 2007, - a stonemason in his sixties...
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- ..went to the summit of Snowdon - for the first time in his life...
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- ..along with over 400 tonnes - of stone from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- I'm a stonemason.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- I left school - when I was 15 years old.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- I worked at a horse riding school...
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- ..in Plas Nantlle - with Major Watkins.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- I stayed there for a few months.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- I was fortunate enough to find work - with the county council...
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- ..as an apprentice stonemason.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- Believe it or not, I've been - doing that work for 50 years.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- I'd never been to the summit - before this job.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- It amazes me that so many people - walk up here.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- The weather can be atrocious - up here, with thick fog all around.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- But like many other places...
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- ..when the weather's good, - it's lovely up here.
0:17:05 > 0:17:11- This job is more complicated - than the work I'm familiar with.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- There are many different angles.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- That makes life more difficult.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- You have the follow the angle or - shape of a piece of iron or steel.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- The stones have already been cut.
0:17:26 > 0:17:32- Over the years, I've shaped my own, - randomly selected stones.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- I prefer working like that.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- It's an interesting process. - It's quite a challenge.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51- There's hardly any need to alter - them, not the way I'm used to.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- Years ago, I'd use a hammer - which weighed around 50lbs.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- It might have been heavier.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- It was shaped like this.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- The stones were huge lumps.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- We had to cut them down - to around six inches in size...
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- ..for the wall of a house.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- We had to do that by hand.
0:18:20 > 0:18:26- I know that you needed more skill - in those days than you need today.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- Quarries do a lot of the work now.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- They're almost the finished product - when we get them.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40- You don't have to be as skilful - these days as you were years ago...
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- ..even though I say so myself.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- I have plenty of other jobs to do - - I don't have to work here...
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- ..but I want to be part of this.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- With the construction period - coming to an end...
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- ..and only a few months to go, the - finishing touches are being applied.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- Everyone's working hard inside - and the tiles are now in place.
0:19:13 > 0:19:19- The stones aren't the only materials - sourced from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- The last part of the jigsaw - is also Blaenau-made.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- They're the words of Gwyn Thomas - on the westerly-facing windows.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45- This commission came from the - National Park Authority of Wales.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- I was the National Poet of Wales - at the time.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- They gave me the commission.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- Snowdonia has always been - an important place for me.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- They're the mountains around - my home in Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- The mountains have been - an important part of my life...
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- ..as have the slate heaps and - the rivers and lakes of the area.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- I often travel - from Bangor to Llanberis.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- Llanberis is virtually the next - village to Blaenau Ffestiniog...
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- ..in terms - of its nature and character.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- I started by meeting people - from the National Park...
0:20:28 > 0:20:34- ..and representatives of the people - who were designing the building.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- I was eager to include elements - relating to the area and to Wales.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49- They wanted to incorporate - the surrounding landscape.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- That's how we determined - which elements to include.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- Some things were historic...
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- ..and I wanted to include - the history of the quarrymen.
0:21:02 > 0:21:08- These short verses needed to reflect - the grandiosity which surrounds us.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- I only write poetry in Welsh.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- I can translate into English.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- Very few people can write poetry - in two languages.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- The first National Poet, - Gwyneth Lewis, is an exception.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- She can write in two languages.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Most of the time, - when you're asked to write poetry...
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- ..you think about - the subject matter for some time.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- Then, it eventually comes to you - as if you're composing it...
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- ..if you complete it successfully.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- In some ways, it takes over.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- If you've been doing it - for many years...
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- ..it's like shoeing a horse - - there's an art to it.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- You can do - whatever people ask of you.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- You also hope that you receive - enough poetic inspiration.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- Primarily, you have to rely - on your ability.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- Imagine you're reaching the summit.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- This is what you'll find - on the summit.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- On Snowdon's summit - - "Here, you are nearer to heaven."
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- There are two meanings to this.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- You're high up and, literally, - nearer to heaven.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31- You're also nearer to heaven...
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- ..because of the grandiosity - of your surroundings.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- I hope that people who reach - the summit will read the words...
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- ..and see what I saw - when I wrote the words.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- I also hope they will realize - that there's a special bond...
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- ..between the words - and their location...
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- ..and a connection between - the history of our nation...
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- ..and the extraordinarily beautiful - landscape that surrounds this area.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- Since the initial dream in 2002...
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- ..and after two years of work - in extreme conditions...
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- ..Hafod Eryri will open its doors to - half a million visitors every year.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- They will marvel - at Snowdonia's splendour.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- "There are aeons of creation - in these rocks.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- "Our task is to protect - this grandiosity.
0:23:34 > 0:23:40- "Look and you will find the torrent - and tranquillity of Snowdonia.
0:23:41 > 0:23:47- "Around us there is success and woe - of an old, old nation."
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- S4C subtitles by Simian 04