Skip to content
Waterfalls Near Barmouth — Seven Worth the Drive
– Experiences in Barmouth
The Belmont Barmouth Guide:
7 WATERFALLS | AROUND 10-60 MINUTES FROM THE BELMONT | ALL WITHIN ERYRI | DOGS WELCOME
7
FALLS
10
MIN- NEAREST
60
MIN FURTHEST
FREE
MOST CAR PARKS
Where are these waterfalls?
All seven waterfalls are within approximately one hour of The Belmont Barmouth. Use the map below to see where each one sits within Eryri National Park before planning your day.
The mountains around Barmouth feed some of the finest waterfalls in Wales. Most visitors never find them — they’re tucked into gorges, hidden in ancient oak woodland, or reached by short walks that feel far wilder than the distance suggests. All seven are within an hour’s drive of The Belmont Barmouth, making them easy day trips for guests looking to explore more of North Wales and Eryri National Park.
This guide covers what you’ll find at each one, how long it takes to get there, and which falls suit different kinds of groups — from a quick morning walk before lunch back at the house, to a full waterfall day combining two or three in a loop.
Why Stay in Barmouth for Waterfall Walks?
One of the advantages of staying in Barmouth is how much variety you can reach within a short drive.
From woodland cascades and mountain gorges to some of the best-known waterfalls in Eryri (Snowdonia), these walks make an excellent day out for families, walking groups, friends and celebration weekends.
Many can be combined with other popular attractions including the Mawddach Trail, Dolgellau, Coed y Brenin Forest Park and the Wales Coast Path.
The Belmont Barmouth provides a convenient base for exploring them all, with the closest waterfall reachable on foot from the house.
The Falls
The 7 Best Waterfalls Near Barmouth
1 Arthog Falls – Approx 10 mins from The Belmont
Arthog – just over Barmouth Bridge – Walk: 30-45 mins
The closest waterfall to The Belmont and the easiest to reach on foot — you can walk here directly from the house via Barmouth Bridge and the Mawddach Trail, without a car. The falls themselves are a series of cascades tucked into a short woodland walk above Arthog village: cool, shaded, and surprisingly quiet even in summer. A good morning option before returning along the estuary for lunch
Easy walk · Reachable on foot · Family-friendly · Dogs welcome
Best for: families, anyone combining with the Mawddach Trail, first-morning walks.
COMBINE ARTHOG FALLS WITH THE MAWDDACH TRAIL
Arthog Falls works particularly well when combined with the Mawddach Trail. Guests can walk from The Belmont, cross Barmouth Bridge, follow the estuary path to Arthog and continue to the falls before returning along the same route. For many visitors, this creates one of the best full-day walks available directly from Barmouth. See the full Mawddach Trail Guide)
2 Torrent Walk- Approx 20 mins from The Belmont
Brithdir · off the A470 east of Dolgellau · Walk: ~1 hour
A short, popular circular walk following the Afon Clywedog as it tumbles over a series of falls through a steep wooded gorge. The path descends alongside the river, with side paths taking you right to the water’s edge at the best drops. Under an hour to walk, with almost no navigation required — park in the layby off the B4416 and follow the fingerpost. Combines well with a stop in Dolgellau before or after.
1hr walk · Moderate · Free parking · Dogs welcome
Best for: a quick half morning outing, combining with lunch in Dolgellau
3 Rhaeadr Ddu – Approx 25 mins from The Belmont
Ganllwyd · National Trust · A470 north of Dolgellau · Walk: 1.5–2 hours
The standout waterfall of the area and the one most worth going out of your way for. Two dramatic falls cascade over 60 feet through an ancient oak gorge on the Afon Gamlan — dark, mossy, and thunderous after rain. The National Trust manages a small free car park in Ganllwyd village; the falls are a steep but short walk in. The loop trail takes about 1.5–2 hours. At their absolute best 24–48 hours after heavy rainfall, when the volume is extraordinary.
Best after rain · Steep in places · National Trust · 2 Hr Walk
Best for: photographers, anyone wanting the most dramatic waterfall in the area, groups comfortable with a bit of a climb.
4 Rhaeadr Nantcol – Approx 25 mins from The Belmont
Llanbedr · A496 between Barmouth and Harlech · Walk: Variable
A series of falls on the River Nantcol at the foot of the Rhinog mountains — one of the wildest and least visited corners of Snowdonia. The approach road is narrow and the landscape feels genuinely remote despite being a short drive from the coast. Access is through the Nantcol Waterfalls campsite — the site owners provide marked walking routes. Ring ahead to confirm access if you’re visiting outside camping season. Bring water shoes if you want to paddle.
Feel remote · Wild swimming · Narrow road · Dogs welcome
Best for: adventurous groups, anyone wanting somewhere genuinely off the tourist trail.
5 Pistyll Cain & Rhaeadr Mawddach – Approx 35 mins from The Belmont
Coed y Brenin Forest Park · off A470 north of Dolgellau · Walk: ~2 hours
Two waterfalls for the price of one walk — a waymarked circular trail through Coed y Brenin Forest Park leads past both Pistyll Cain and Rhaeadr Mawddach, with the added curiosity of the old Gwynfynydd gold mine en route. The forest setting is dramatic: a steep-sided valley, a big timber bridge, and the sound of the Mawddach river alongside for most of the walk. A satisfying full-morning outing with car parking at the Tyddyn Gwladys car park.
Two falls in one · Way marked · Forrest Walk · Gold mine history
Best for: groups wanting a proper walk with something to look at throughout, not just at the falls themselves.
6 Dolgoch Falls– Approx 40 mins from The Belmont
Dolgoch · near Tywyn · B4405 · Walk: 45 mins–1.5 hrs
Three waterfalls linked by a woodland circuit near Tywyn — consistently ranked among the best waterfall walks in Wales. The gorge is deep enough to shelter you from light rain and the canopy keeps it cool even in August. The main lower fall is reached within minutes of the car park; the upper falls require a steeper climb with impressive views down through the gorge. There’s a tearoom at the car park. The Talyllyn narrow-gauge railway stops at Dolgoch station, steps from the trail entrance — worth factoring in if you want to arrive by steam train.
Three falls · Tea room · Steam railway access · Good in rain
Best for: multigenerational groups, anyone who wants a tearoom at the end, combining with the Talyllyn railway for a full day out.
7 Aber Falls– Approx 55-60 mins from The Belmont
Abergwyngregyn · north coast of Eryri · Walk: 2 – 2.5 hrs
The furthest of the seven and the most spectacular for sheer scale — a 37-metre single-drop waterfall at the end of a gentle 2.5-mile return valley walk from the village of Abergwyngregyn. The path follows a river through open farmland with the mountains gradually closing in, before the falls appear at the head of the cwm. Big enough to feel genuinely impressive even after a dry spell. The return journey passes through the northern edge of Eryri with views out to the Menai Strait. Allow 2–2.5 hours for the walk itself.
37m drop · Easy path · 2.5 miles return · Dogs welcome
Best for: groups wanting the most dramatic single-drop fall, combining with a coastal drive along the north Wales coast
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Go After Rain
Every waterfall on this list is better 24–48 hours after heavy rainfall. The Rhinogs and Cadair Idris catch a lot of weather — a wet morning often means spectacular falls by afternoon
Download maps before you leave
Mobile signal is patchy at most of these locations. Download the relevant OS Maps section before setting off — the Barmouth area falls on OS Explorer OL23.
Car parks fill early in summer
Rhaeadr Ddu at Ganllwyd has limited spaces. Aber Falls car park gets busy on summer weekends. Aim to arrive before 10am or after 3pm to avoid the worst of it.
Trainers are usually fine
Most of these walks don’t need walking boots — trail shoes or sturdy trainers handle all but the steepest sections. The exception is Rhaeadr Ddu after heavy rain, where the approach can be slippery.
Looking for more ideas? Browse our complete Experience Barmouth Guide, covering beaches, walking routes, golf, coastal paths and more
Which Waterfall Should You Choose?
| Waterfall | From The Belmont | Walk Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthog Falls | ~10 mins | 30–45 mins | Families & walkers |
| Torrent Walk | ~20 mins | ~1 hour | Short morning outing |
| Rhaeadr Ddu | ~25 mins | 1.5–2 hours | Dramatic scenery |
| Nantcol Falls | ~25 mins | Variable | Adventure & wild swimming |
| Pistyll Cain | ~30 mins | ~2 hours | Forest walks |
| Dolgoch Falls | ~45 mins | 45 mins–1.5 hrs | Families & tearooms |
| Aber Falls | ~55–60 mins | 2–2.5 hours | Biggest waterfall |
Keep Exploring
More Outdoor Adventures Near Barmouth
• Mawddach Trail Guide — the flat, fully accessible 9.5-mile trail starting at Barmouth Bridge
• Golf Breaks in North Wales — courses within easy reach for golfing groups
• Wales Coast Path — 90 seconds from The Belmont’s front door
• Experience Barmouth — the full guide to things to do nearby
Stay Close To Some of North Wales Best Waterfalls
The Belmont Barmouth
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, walking weekend or celebration with friends, The Belmont offers the perfect base for exploring the waterfalls, beaches and mountain scenery of Eryri National Park before returning to nine comfortable bedrooms, sea views and space for everyone to relax together.
The Belmont Barmouth — Self-Catering Base for waterfall experiences in North Wales
10 minutes drive from the nearest waterfall. The Belmont is a 9-bedroom self-catering house on Marine Parade in Barmouth, sleeping up to 18 guests exclusively — no other guests, no shared spaces. The kind of self-catering base where everyone arrives the evening before, walks the trail together the next day, and comes back to a fully equipped kitchen, private dining room, and sea views straight off the estuary.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visit Wales 5-Star Rated
9 Bedrooms
Individually styled rooms sleeping up to 18. Four bedrooms offer twin or super-king configuration — ideal for group accommodation for water fall explorer groups of any mix.
Beachfront Location
Step outside onto Marine Parade and you’re on the beach. Restaurants, pubs and harbour all within flat walking distance. No cars needed.
Absolutely stunning house right by the beach. Rooms are huge! Comfy beds, spotlessly clean- perfect house for large groups/few families
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Verified Guest – Google Review
Myself and my family had the most amazing stay at The Belmont Barmouth. The house was perfect and had everything we needed. We had a holiday we ll never forget, we made memories we will cherish, and we can’t thank Liz for all her help beforehand to get everything sorted. Would absolutely recommend
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Verified Guest – Google Review
RATED 4.9 / 5 FROM GOOGLE REVIEWS – READ ALL REVIEWS
