Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd
Table of contents
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.
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, 400 m 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 18 m.
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 0.5 km 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 for Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd
- 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.
Getting to the Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd Trailhead
Follow the A470 to Ganllwyd, free car parking is available in the centre of the village opposite the village hall. Postcode: LL40 2TF.
Route Information
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 Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Diffwys Walk
Snowdonia
Aran Fawddwy from Llanuwchllyn
Snowdonia
Llyn Trawsfynydd
Snowdonia
Rhinogydd Traverse
Snowdonia
Rhobell Fawr
Snowdonia
Cader Idris via Pony Path
Snowdonia
Torrent Walk
Snowdonia
The Roman Steps
Snowdonia
Rhinog Fawr from Graigddu-isaf
Snowdonia
Coed y Brenin Walk
Snowdonia
Dolmelynllyn Estate
Snowdonia