Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd hike
View Photos
Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd hike
Difficulty Rating:
This is a spectacular riverside walk in Snowdonia that follows the River Gamlan from Ganllwyd up to the wild Rhaeadr Ddu falls. The route will wind its way through the peaceful woodland before bringing you back to your starting point in the village.
Getting there
Follow the A470 to Ganllwyd, free car parking is available in the centre of the village opposite the village hall. Postcode: LL40 2TF.
About
| When to do | Year round |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | At trailhead |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Loop |
Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd
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 roaring 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, 1312ft up the hill, 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 well-marked route which soon takes you away from the river and further into the woodland. After approximately 0.3mi you will pass through a kissing gate, turn left at the ‘T’ junction, signposted ‘P’ for parking. This track leads you gently downhill following a boundary wall.
Continue ahead as the track takes you gently downhill, at the crossroads continue straight ahead through a gate. Follow the path through two more gates before emerging back on to the main road. Turn left, past the village hall and back to the car park.
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.
Similar hikes to the Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd hike
Moel Wnion from Rachub
Walking up Moel Wnion from Rachub is a superb exploration of the Carneddau’s lower reaches. A gate at the end…
Alltwen to Mynydd y Dref Walk
Alltwen to Mynydd y Dref is a wonderful walk when you’re a bit short on time for Snowdonia’s larger mountains,…
Druid’s Circle Walk
The Druid’s Circle Walk is a unique adventure in the hills of northwestern Wales. While plenty of Snowdonia walks offer…
Erez Frew 4 years ago
Very easy and accessible. The falls were not that stunning, but it's nice to see it. Planning to go back after the dry season.
Alex Stark 4 years ago
beautiful falls! nice walk in the park. great views all around. very peaceful too.
Tom Nahl 4 years ago
Great hike. The scenery was great. We got there around 10am and parking was almost empty. Black falls was spectacular. Kids love them too.
Terrance Gyro 5 years ago
Easy and short hike! Breathtaking! The falls are worth getting to.
Melissa Schott 5 years ago
Nice hike! The trail was pretty simple and straight forward, Wearing good footwear is necessary while crossing some slippery footpaths.
colormylife 5 years ago
Great hike with a minimal elevation gain! It's so easy even my kids completed it without any trouble.
Danielle v. 5 years ago
We had a fine time trekking to the falls! It was absolutely worth visiting.