Walking trail
Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd walk
This is a great waterside walk, taking you alongside the turbulent River Gamlan and past the magnificent Rhaeadr Ddu waterfalls. They look different every time you visit, depending on rainfall, weather and light.
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![River Gamlan in Ganllwyd near Dolgellau, Snowdonia]()
Listen out to the river as you make your way to Rheadr Ddu -
![Rhaeadr Ddu in Snowdonia]()
Explore Rhaeadr Dhu waterfall on the Gamlan river -
![Bridge amongst the trees at Rheadr Ddu, Ganllwyd]()
Walk beneath oak trees and tumbling waterfalls
Map
Start:
Ganllwyd car park, grid ref: SH727243
1
Cross the road from the car park towards the recently restored corrugated iron village hall.
2
Follow the tarmac road alongside the river then follow the waymarks over the stone bridge, heading for a wooden bridge. Look out for a lichen covered rock which has a Latin inscription carved on it.
River Gamlan
The rocky outcrops along the course of the river make it very turbulent, it's spectacular in rough weather.
3
Cross the wooden bridge and veer right towards the waterfalls. Rhaeadr Ddu, Black Falls in English, are two waterfalls which cascade over 60ft (18m). Take care on this section as the rocks can be slippery.
Rhaeadr Ddu
These cascading falls on the River Gamlan are impressive in all weathers. They inspired one visitor to inscribe a line of poetry on a rock near the bridge.
4
Continue along the path following the waymarkers. Go through the kissing gate and shortly afterwards take the path to the left, following the waymarkers down through the open oak woodland.
Oak woodland
In spring the oak leaves emerge as a fresh green mantle. They cling on to the branches well into autumn, when they turn to a golden brown before carpeting the ground.
5
At the crossroads, go straight ahead through the wooden gate. Follow the path, through two more gates, to the main road. Turn left here to go back to the car park.
End:
Ganllwyd car park, grid ref: SH727243