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View of the waterfall Rhaedr Ddu (Black Falls in English) with white cascades over dark rocks, surrounded by green trees
Rhaedr Ddu (Black Falls) on the River Gamlan | © National Trust Images/John Miller
Wales

Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd walk

This is a great circular waterside walk in South Snowdonia, 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.

Rocky sections

Take extra care of your footing on rocky sections by the waterfalls. They can be slippery.

Total steps: 5

Total steps: 5

Start point

Dolmelynllyn car park, Ganllwyd, grid ref: SH727243

Step 1

Cross the road from the car park towards the recently restored corrugated iron village hall.

Step 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 that has a Latin inscription carved on it.

Step 3

Cross the wooden bridge and veer right towards the waterfalls. Rhaeadr Ddu (Black Falls in English), are two waterfalls that cascade over 60ft (18m). Take care on this section as the rocks can be slippery.

View of a waterfall cascading into a large dark pool, surrounded by autumnal trees
Rhaeadr Ddu (Black Falls) on the River Gamlan | © National Trust/Malcolm Davies

Step 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.

Step 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 Ganllwyd car park.

View past a black metal fence to autumnal woodland and a road below
Enjoy woodland views of Ganllwyd, South Snowdonia | © National Trust/Malcolm Davies

End point

Dolmelynllyn car park, Ganllwyd, grid ref: SH727243

Trail map

Map of a circular walk from Ganllwyd, taking in Rhaeadr Duu and River Gamlan
Map of the Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Dolmelynllyn car park, Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2TF

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Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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