Dolmelynllyn car park, Ganllwyd, near Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2TF
Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd Walk
route · Waterside walk
Place photograph
6.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.1A short circular walk follows the turbulent River Gamlan through Coed Ganllwyd to Rhaeadr Ddu—Black Falls—where white water tumbles over dark rock. The waterfall’s appearance changes with rainfall, weather and light.
This is more than a quick waterfall stop: a complete waterside circuit brings together the rushing River Gamlan, rocky falls and woodland in a compact South Eryri walk. Its changing water and light give the route a different character from one visit to the next.
Atmospheric · Wild
Find your way
Open mapDolmelynllyn car park, Ganllwyd, near Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2TF
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
A moderate, 3.2 km circular waterside walk from Dolmelynllyn car park, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. The route follows the River Gamlan past Rhaeadr Ddu waterfall over tarmac, grassy paths and rocky slopes.
Things to do
Walk the circular River Gamlan trail
Follow the National Trust’s moderate circular route from Dolmelynllyn car park. The 3.2 km trail takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and uses a mixture of tarmac, grassy paths and rocky slopes.
About 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop at Rhaeadr Ddu
See the Black Falls on the River Gamlan. The National Trust notes that their appearance varies with rainfall, weather and light.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour 30 minutes
Quick Escape: River and falls circuit
- 01
Start at Dolmelynllyn car park.
- 02
Follow the circular waterside trail beside the River Gamlan.
- 03
Pause at Rhaeadr Ddu to take in the cascades, then complete the circuit.
Half day · Half day
Make a Half Day of It: Take your time by the Gamlan
- 01
Walk the full 3.2 km circular trail at an unhurried pace.
- 02
Allow time to watch how the falls and river look in the day’s light and conditions.
- 03
After the walk, consider cafés, pubs or restaurants in Barmouth town centre; check details before travelling.
Hidden details
The falls change with the conditions — Rhaeadr Ddu can look different from one visit to another as rainfall, weather and light change the appearance of its cascades.
When to go
· No particular time of day is specified by the supplied sources.
The National Trust says the falls look different depending on rainfall, weather and light; it does not identify a single best season.
Paths may be muddy, and rocky sections by the waterfalls can be slippery. Take extra care with footing and check conditions before visiting.
The route
- stiles
- Not specified; check before visiting.
- surface
- A mixture of tarmac, grassy paths that may be muddy, and rocky slopes
- distance
- 3.2 km (2 miles)
- duration
- About 1 hour 30 minutes
- difficulty
- Moderate
- waymarking
- Not specified; check before visiting.
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Dolmelynllyn car park, Ganllwyd; grid reference SH727243
- parking start
- Dolmelynllyn car park, Ganllwyd, Gwynedd, LL40 2TF. Check current parking arrangements before travel.
- Rhaeadr Ddu (Black Falls) on the River Gamlan
- A circular waterside trail through Coed Ganllwyd
- Changing views of the falls with rainfall, weather and light
Worth pairing with
Barmouth town centre
The National Trust lists cafés, pubs and restaurants in Barmouth town centre as food options in the wider area.
What to look for
Look for the contrast between the white cascades and dark rock at Rhaeadr Ddu, and notice how the river and falls change with rainfall and light. Watch your footing on the rocky sections.
Best time to go
All year; the waterfall changes with rainfall, weather and light.
The falls look different depending on rainfall, weather and light. Choose conditions that suit your comfort on rocky paths; take particular care if the rocks are wet.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Dogs
Route at a glance
Duration
1–2 hours
Terrain
Woodland, Riverside
Parking / start
Dolmelynllyn car park, Ganllwyd; the National Trust lists a car park at the walk’s start. Check current parking arrangements before travel.
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
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
Practical information
Opening & access
The National Trust describes a circular walk starting at Dolmelynllyn car park. The route has uneven, sloped and rocky sections, which may be muddy; take extra care near the waterfalls, where rocks can be slippery. Check current route and access information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Dolmelynllyn car park, Ganllwyd; the National Trust lists a car park at the walk’s start. Check current parking arrangements before travel.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets at the car park, according to the National Trust.
Food & drink
No café is listed at the walk. The National Trust identifies cafés, pubs and restaurants in Barmouth town centre.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome under close control in woodland and on short leads on farmland. Clean up after dogs.
Accessibility
Not described as an accessible route. The trail includes steps and uneven, sloped, rocky and sometimes muddy ground; it may not suit visitors who need a smooth or step-free path.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
River; waterfall
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd Walk
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
