The Old Ballast Quay
During the 19th century Porthmadog was an important slate-exporting centre.
From here slate was sent to Germany and the Baltic.On their return the ships often sailed in ballast.
Originally this was dumped near the harbour but in 1862 this site was levelled at 18feet above low water and
a new dumping ground had to be found.
A sandy site east of the Glaslyn was chosen and an island gradually developed.Later a quay was constructed
where the ballast was unloaded and a small travelling crane was used to transfer ballast to small trucks.
These were man-handled along a track to the end of the island.A house for the crane-driver and his family was built.
Stones from many parts of the world can be found on Ballast Island as well as rare plants and flowers which have
grown from seeds brought on the stones