Discovering Dolgellau's Enchanting Waterfalls
Welcome to Dolgellau, a picturesque town nestled amidst the stunning landscape of Snowdonia National Park. If you're seeking a holiday filled with natural beauty and tranquility the local area around Glasfryn can offer this. Immerse yourself in the magic of nature and embark on local waterfall walking trails.
There are some great family-friendly options available and most walks have an easier start with options for adding harder challenges.
Watching waterfalls (Dolgoch falls)
Dolgoch Falls
Dolgoch Falls are a series of three impressive waterfalls forming part of the Nant Dol-Góch stream, a source for the River Fathew, and can be reached via a short walk. Despite visiting the area for many decades we first went to Dolgoch only last year! We really enjoyed it for a family-friendly walking option - the first waterfall is an accessible path although steep could be suitable for buggies and wheelchairs – the walk then goes on past a further two falls. There were lots of options for paddling and picnic spots so we will be heading here regularly in warmer weather. I have also read about caves and tunnels to explore although we didn’t do this.
Postcode: LL36 9UW
Easy to moderate (from 1.5 miles) we would recommend allowing at least 1.5 hours but we can spend longer.
Note this can also be combined with a trip on the Tal y Llyn Railway.
Paying car park and café are available.
Further information and good guides to the walks available:
Tripadvisor
Visit Tywyn
Waterfall blog
Accessible approach to Dolgoch Falls
Rhaeadr Ddu (Afon Cwm Nantcol Waterfall/Black falls)
Black falls is a nice waterfall of 20 meters plunging down over 2 steps. The name Black falls is derived from the black stone over which the waterfall plunges down. It’s a great circular waterside walk, taking you alongside the turbulent River Gamlan. The magnificent Rhaeadr Ddu waterfalls look different every time you visit, depending on rainfall, weather and light.
The walk starts from a carpark and recently-restored corrugated iron village hall owned by the National Trust. We walked here many times as children so I have a strong sense of familiarity from the site of this building.
The village itself is now surrounded by Forestry Commission and National Trust parkland of conifers and oaks. The surrounding woodland is a designated site of scientific special interest and has a particularly rich Bryophyte community. The forest has a group of Wellingtonia planted in the early 20th century and two trees dating from the 1850s, one being the second largest in Wales.
Postcode: LL40 2TF
Moderate walk, 2 miles, 1.5 hours
Car park (with an honesty box for payment) and toilets.
Further information and good guides to the walks are available:
National Trust walk information
Tripadvisor
Village hall information (for the more niche interest!)
Coed y Brenin Waterfalls (varies depending on walk choices)
Visit several waterfalls from Coed y Brenin there are options to scale up the hikes as you like. There are circular moderate-level hikes up to 7 miles with a nice forest track. Easy well-defined paths, walking along the River Mawddach for most of the walk. As several different trails intersect with Coed y Brenin, you can enjoy a personalized adventure by following them or harder hiking options. We recommend downloading the map if you choose to do this as there is poor reception in the area.
Further information on different walks:
Goldrush trail 4 hours
Coed y Brenin circular
Torrent Walk
Closer to Glasfryn is the Torrent Walk – a popular local circular walk that follows the river Clywedog as it cascades down the gorge. There are good options to see past industrial remains like the woolen mill. Good for a shorter walk to combine with a trip to Roberts for cake! Not strictly waterfalls but it is waterside.
Postcode: LL40 2RE
Local easy/moderate walk, 1 hour, 4km
Snowdonia National Park walk guide
Tripadvisor
Mud and Routes blog
Other waterfalls further afield:
Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr), 1-hour drive -
Popular and easy to access - with a jaw-dropping height of 120 feet, this stunning waterfall is an absolute must-visit. The well-maintained walking trail allows you to soak in the breathtaking scenery and is suited for all abilities.
Snowdonia walking blog
Aber Falls - Wikipedia
Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol), 1-hour drive -
Near Betws-Y-Coed so could be combined with a visit to some other attractions, this is another famous fall with an out-and-back walk and is described as one of the must-see waterfalls in Snowdonia.
How To Visit Swallow Falls Near Betws-Y-Coed
As you plan your holiday to Dolgellau, be sure to include a waterfall adventure on your itinerary. From the grandeur of Aber Falls to more local walks like Torrent, each waterfall has its own unique charm that will leave you captivated – please pass us on any tips for good local walks that you find! We always love to discover more places in the area.
