Cwmorthin Waterfall — Place photograph (1 of 3)

Cwmorthin Waterfall — Place photograph (2 of 3)

Cwmorthin Road, Tanygrisiau, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Wales

Cwmorthin Waterfall

Waterside landscape

Place photograph

6.3

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Dramatic

Feel

HillsValleyRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.3

A waterfall on the approach to Cwmorthin’s mirrored lake, set among loose-stone tracks, quarry remains and open mountain views.

The appeal is the combination: a tumbling waterfall, a high mountain setting and a route that continues towards a lake and evocative quarry terrain. It offers more to explore than a quick waterfall stop, though the rough, sometimes boggy approach makes it a walk to prepare for.

Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild

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Cwmorthin Road, Tanygrisiau, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Wales

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The experience

Visit the waterfall as part of a walk from Blaenau Ffestiniog, or continue along the tracks towards Llyn Cwmorthin and the surrounding quarry landscape. The longer outing is described as a moderate loop; expect uneven ground and possible boggy sections.

Things to do

Walk to Cwmorthin Waterfall

Follow the described route from Blaenau Ffestiniog towards the falls, a scenic highlight on the way to Cwmorthin quarry.

About 1.5–2 hours for the listed circular route

Continue towards Llyn Cwmorthin

The route source describes continuing up the track from the waterfall towards the lake; the wider landscape includes quarry tracks and moorland views.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the described circular route.

Quick Escape: walk to the falls

01
Start from the station car park in Blaenau Ffestiniog, as described by the route source.
02
Follow the route out of town and along the tracks towards Cwmorthin Waterfall.
03
Pause at the falls, then return by the route you came or follow the mapped loop if conditions and navigation allow.

Half day · About 2 hours for the described loop; allow extra time if continuing to the lake.

Make a half day of it: waterfall and lake

01
Walk from Blaenau Ffestiniog to the waterfall.
02
If conditions, time and access allow, continue up the track towards Llyn Cwmorthin.
03
Take time to look across the lake and towards the surrounding mountain landscape before returning.

Verified history

The sources describe the waterfall within a landscape of Cwmorthin quarry tracks and ruins. They do not provide dates or a detailed history of the quarry, so no further historical claims are included.

Hidden details

The falls are a waymarker into a bigger landscape — The waterfall is described as an early highlight rather than the end of the outing: tracks continue towards Llyn Cwmorthin, quarry remains and moorland views.

When to go

· Choose a settled day with good visibility; the supplied sources do not identify a preferred time of day.

A source describes the falls as a scenic highlight on the route, but the supplied evidence does not establish a best season.

The route may be wet and boggy. Check conditions before setting out and be prepared for uneven tracks and changing mountain weather.

The route

ascent: 508 ft (AllTrails); another supplied source gives approximately 275 metres.
surface: Tracks; loose stone and wet or boggy sections are reported.
distance: 3.9 miles (AllTrails); another supplied source describes a 3.8-mile loop.
duration: 1.5–2 hours estimated
difficulty: Moderate
route shape: Loop
start point: Station car park, Blaenau Ffestiniog, according to the AllTrails route description.
parking start: The route source identifies the station car park as the start. Confirm current parking arrangements before travelling.

Cwmorthin Waterfall
Cwmorthin quarry landscape
Optional continuation towards Llyn Cwmorthin
Moorland views towards Blaenau Ffestiniog and surrounding peaks

Worth pairing with

Llyn Cwmorthin

A worthwhile extension on the same outing: route descriptions say the track continues from the waterfall towards the lake.

What to look for

Notice how the waterfall sits between the Moelwyns and Nyth y Gigfran, then look for the transition from the water to loose-stone quarry tracks, the lake and open moorland views.

The story

Industry

Best time to go

No season-specific conditions are established by the supplied sources. The waterfall is described as visitable year-round; check weather and ground conditions before going.

Choose a settled day with good visibility for the mountain scenery. Recent rain may make the route wetter underfoot; check conditions before leaving.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Cwmorthin Rd, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3ST

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.7 · 1,059 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

The waterfall is described as a highlight on a walk from Blaenau Ffestiniog towards Llyn Cwmorthin. Route descriptions include tracks and sections that can be wet or boggy. Confirm current access and conditions before setting out; take care on uneven terrain. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

Check before visiting

Parking

The AllTrails route starts at the station car park in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Confirm parking arrangements before travelling.

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

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Dogs

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Accessibility

The described route includes tracks and wet or boggy sections. The source row reports no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance; this does not establish the accessibility of the wider route.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Waterfall