The history of Blaenau Ffestiniog will be put under the microscope in the latest series of Codi Pac on S4C.

Meirionnydd’s famous slate town is the main focus of the next episode of the series, which looks at a diverse range of towns and regions in Wales through the eyes of a visitor; by taking a look at hotels and campsites, restaurants and pubs, theatres and hidden country trails and everything in between.

In this episode, shown at 8.25pm on Friday, 19 July, presenter Geraint Hardy begins by visiting the historic cottage in Coed-y-Bleiddiau, which is available to rent, before traveling to town on the Ffestiniog and Snowdonia steam train.

He then visits Cell B, an old police station turned hostel and arts centre, Caffi Kiki and devours ‘the world’s best’ Kurdish pasty in the Model Bakery.

One of the episode’s highlights is Geraint’s visit to Llechwedd Slate Caverns, where he learns more about the rich history of the slate quarries.

He meets Philip Jones, who works at the centre, and is taken 70 meters underground on Britain’s steepest funicular railway.

Philip recounts the story of the town’s quarries: “The quarry opened here in 1846. At the time, Blaenau Ffestiniog was important, and it was the place to be. Just under 700 people worked on the whole site. They created roof tiles in the mill. If they had good stones, they could create up to 600 slates in a day.

“My father and grandfather worked here. I can go back six generations of our family who have worked in places like this. Unfortunately, my grandfather had an accident. He was stamping down the black powder; the hole ignited prematurely, and he lost the use of his hand.

“That’s the sacrifice people made to put food on the table and a roof over their families’ heads. Without the slate, Blaenau Ffestiniog wouldn’t exist.”

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday