Ganllwyd, near Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales
Coed Ganllwyd National Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
6.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2A short circular walk follows the River Gamlan through oak woodland to Rhaeadr Ddu, or Black Falls: two cascades dropping about 18 metres.
The appeal is the combination of woodland, a turbulent river and a substantial double waterfall on a manageable circular walk. The route brings you close to the landscape rather than leaving the falls as a distant viewpoint.
Peaceful · Atmospheric · Wild
Find your way
Open mapGanllwyd, near Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales
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The experience
Follow the circular waterside trail through oak woodland to Rhaeadr Ddu, then return by the route. The supplied description gives a distance of about 2 miles and an estimated duration of 1–2 hours.
Things to do
Walk the Rhaeadr Ddu circular trail
Follow the roughly 2-mile circular waterside route through oak woodland to Rhaeadr Ddu and back. The route is described as moderate, with tarmac, grassy and rocky stretches.
1–2 hours
See the twin cascades of Rhaeadr Ddu
Look for the two falls, described as dropping about 60 feet (18 metres), where the trail follows the River Gamlan.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick escape: Rhaeadr Ddu and back around
- 01
Start from Dolmelynllyn car park.
- 02
Follow the circular waterside trail beside the River Gamlan through oak woodland.
- 03
Pause at Rhaeadr Ddu to see its two cascades.
- 04
Complete the loop back to the starting point.
When to go
· Not specified in the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not establish a seasonal advantage.
The route includes rocky riverside sections. Check current conditions before setting out.
The route
- surface
- Tarmac, grassy and rocky sections
- distance
- Roughly 2 miles (3.2 km)
- duration
- 1–2 hours
- difficulty
- Moderate
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Dolmelynllyn car park
- parking start
- The walk is described as starting from Dolmelynllyn car park; check current arrangements.
- Rhaeadr Ddu, a double cascade
- River Gamlan
- Oak woodland
What to look for
Look for the two cascades of Rhaeadr Ddu and the changing character of the river as the path follows rocky riverside sections through oak woodland.
Best time to go
The supplied sources do not identify a best season. Check conditions before setting out, especially after rain.
No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources. Check the forecast and trail conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A circular walk through Coed Ganllwyd to Rhaeadr Ddu is described as starting from Dolmelynllyn car park. Check current access and local conditions before visiting.
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Parking
The walk is described as starting from Dolmelynllyn car park. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The described circular route is roughly 2 miles and graded moderate, with tarmac, grassy and rocky sections. Check current route conditions and suitability before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
River, Waterfall
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Coed Ganllwyd National Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
