Panorama of Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, Wales
Panorama of Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, Wales

Dolmelynllyn Estate hike

Snowdonia
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Path towards Afon Gamlan on Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, WalesRhaeadr Ddu Falls on Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, WalesGreat view of Rhaeadr Ddu Falls on Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia National ParkBridge on Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, WalesMoorland along the Dolmelynllyn Estate walk (Snowdonia, Wales)Gold workings on Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, WalesOpen views above the estate on Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, WalesValley views on Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, WalesWoodlands towards National Trust Workbase on Dolmelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, WalesAfon Mawddach on Domelynllyn Estate hike in Snowdonia, Wales

Dolmelynllyn Estate hike

Distance: 4.4mi
Elevation: 781ft
Time: 2-2.5h

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This walk has everything from waterfalls, to ruins, to an old gold mine! This is a great hike to go on if you want to learn more about Welsh history. It’s also not terribly taxing: a good adventure for the whole family.

Dolmelynllyn Estate Walk Map

Getting there

Take the A470 to Ganllwyd, there is a car park in village with public toilets.

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About

When to do

April - October

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

At trailhead

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Poor

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Loop


Dolmelynllyn Estate
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Dolmelynllyn Estate

From the car park cross the main road and turn left to follow the road towards the black corrugated iron village hall. Immediately after the village hall turn right following the sign for Rhaeadr Ddu. The track leads you uphill alongside the wild waters of the River Gamlan. After heavy rain, the river is particularly impressive- some compensation for a wet weekend in Wales!

As the track bends sharply to the right, follow the waymarked footpath heading off into the woods towards the river and a small wooden footbridge. Cross the bridge and turn right to continue upstream. Shortly, you will reach the spectacular Rhaeadr Ddu. Welsh for Black Falls, these two beautiful waterfalls cascade just over 59ft.

After enjoying the falls, continue upstream following the waymarked route which shortly takes you away from the river and further into the woodland. After approximately 0.3mi, you will pass through a kissing gate. Next, turn right at the ‘T’ junction, following a path up to a small wooden bridge. Cross the stream and continue uphill to meet a tarmacked track and again continue ahead uphill. Passing through the gate into woodland and continuing ahead for 328ft, turn left following waymarkers leading up into the woodland and on to another small footbridge. From here, the waymarkers lead you out into the open moorland. Past the 19th century gold workings, the path turns left and heads downhill through a gate and on to the ruined cottage of Berthlwyd,

The path joins a tarmacked road, turn right to follow it downhill. After 0.3mi, at the stone house, take the path on the right, leading over a stile and into the woodland. Continue ahead on this path until reaching a junction turn right on the main track leading uphill and follow the waymarkers leading further through the woodland. After doubling back on itself, this path brings you out at a National Trust Workbase.

Turn right onto the tarmacked road and continue on to reach the A5 at the bottom of the valley. Turn right towards the Tyn-Groes Hotel and then cross the main road to join the path opposite leading down towards the River Mawddach.

Follow the river upstream. Upon reaching a small lane, exit through the gate and turn left. Follow the lane back up towards the A5 (main road). Cross the road and turn right, using the pavement to follow the main road back to the village of Gwynedd and your starting point.

Want to find more amazing walks in Snowdonia? Check out the Pyg Track to Snowdon, Llyn Ogwen or the Moel Siabod walks.

Insider Hints

  • Good footwear is essential as footpaths are slippery in places.

  • Watch for the rock inscribed in Latin by the poet Thomas Grey alongside the footpath leading to the bridge crossing the River Gamlan.

  • The waterfalls are particularly impressive after heavy rainfall.

Comments

Tom Nahl 4 years ago

It was a fun and thrilling experience. A great way to educate my children about Welsh history as well. We will surely be back here during warmer seasons.

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Byron Hermes 5 years ago

It is a peaceful hike that offers beautiful scenery. There are falls and woodlands to enjoy. Great for people who don't like crowds.

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Kantinka B. 5 years ago

Fun easy trail. The waterfalls is beautiful and there are tons of places to explore too. Perfect moderate hike for adventurous soul.

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Erez Frew 6 years ago

This hike is amazing, without a doubt. The waterfalls was very gorgeous. We took lots of great photos.

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Sarah T 6 years ago

I still cannot even spell the name of this place but the hike was really impressive. My kids loved the gold mine. I really enjoyed the walk itself quite a bit.

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5 Comments

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