To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site.  Learn more

Allow cookies
Coed Ganllwyd Nature Reserve

Book Tickets Online

About

MAPS : LR 124; Leisure Map 23; grid ref : SH 715245

The reserve at Coed Ganllwyd includes a steep wooded gorge with high tumbling waterfalls. The main attraction for many are the spectacular Black Falls or Rhaeadr Ddu on the Afon Gamlan.

The woodland forms part of a larger Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is part of the Coedydd Derw a Safleoedd Ystlumod Meirion/ Meirionnydd Oak woods and Bat Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The wet climate that feeds the falls also provides the moist conditions in the gorge to make this the richest site for mosses and liveworts in north west Europe. The rocks and treetrunks are festooned with the green and grey growths of these lowly plants.

The trees largely escaped the fellings through two world wars and survive as an excellent example of the ancient oak woodland of this part of Wales. But it was used and managed woodland nonethless, with the large trees once being favoured for ship and house building, while the smaller coppiced poles found a multitude of agricultural uses or were burnt for charcoal. Oak bark was harvested for tanning on a large scale.

These old trees and their descendants are home each summer to that most distinctive of Welsh woodland migrants, the pied flycatcher and a host of other woodland birds. This reflects a plentiful food supply, particularly of insects, though jays are partial to acorns. The uncommon brimstone butterfly is found on the Dolmelynllyn estate in association with its food plant, the alder buckthorn.

WALKING TRAILS

A network of paths on the reserve mean you can choose from circular walks of 100 metres up to more demanding routes that stretch over two kilometres. The terrain is a mixture of tarmac, grassy paths (may be muddy), rocky slopes. Dogs welcome, under close control in woodland and on short leads on farmland.

The paths on the reserve are steep and rough with gates, stiles and a few steps leading up to a footbridge. The route to the Rhaeadr Ddu (eng. Black Falls) waterfall viewpoint is particularly steep. There are two waterfalls which cascade over 60ft (18m).

 

Book Tickets

Map & Directions

Road Directions

By bike: NCN Route 82 goes close by, see Sustrans for details By bus: Bus stops in Ganllwyd, routes between Dolgellau and Blaenau Ffestiniog, see Traveline-Cymru for details By train: Station at Barmouth 10 miles (16km), see Traveline-Cymru for detailsBy car: A470 to Ganllwyd, car park in village. Post code LL40 2TF

The nearest railway station is Barmouth, which is 10 miles away.

Coed Ganllwyd Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2TG

Add Coed Ganllwyd Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01341 440238

Opening Times

* Open during daylight hours along waymarked routes.

Related

Rhaeadr Ddu & Coed Ganllwyd | Walking Trails, DolgellauA network of paths on the Coed Ganllwyd reserve mean you can choose from circular walks of 100 metres up to more demanding routes that stretch over two kilometres.

What's Nearby

  1. Coed y Brenin Forest Park is set in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park near Dolgellau and…

    0.7 miles away
  2. Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre is in the heart of southern Snowdonia near Dolgellau, is the…

    1.45 miles away
  3. The serene ruins of Cymer Abbey stand in a lovely setting beside the River Mawddach.…

    3.1 miles away
  4. Cadair Idris is a spectacular mountain reserve in southern Snowdonia with a variety of…

    5.9 miles away
  1. Cregennan Lakes in southern Snowdonia are owned by the National Trust and are a renowned…

    7.65 miles away
  2. Cadair Idris Visitor Centre & Tea Room is 250 metres from the car park and the Minffordd…

    8.49 miles away
  3. Neolithic tomb comprising two chambers of different phases, originally covered by a stone…

    8.69 miles away
  4. The vast and sandy Mawddach estuary is one of Snowdonia National Park’s most remarkable…

    8.71 miles away
  5. Arthog Bog is located in southern Snowdonia between Dolgellau and Fairbourne. It is a…

    8.88 miles away
  6. Bendi-gedig Indoor Play Centre

    Bendi-gedig Indoor Play Centre caters for children up to the age of 12 years, with…

    8.88 miles away
  7. Barmouth Sailors' Institute

    The recently refurbished Sailors Institute (on the quay) was erected in 1890 and houses…

    8.91 miles away
  8. Barmouth is southern Snowdonia’s most popular seaside resort. In summer, its big sandy…

    9.04 miles away
  9. Located at the foot of Cadair Idris, Tal-y-llyn Lake is north of Machynlleth and…

    9.27 miles away
  10. Tal-y-bont Beach/Bennar Beach

    To the north of Barmouth near Tal-y-bont, Bennar's fine, sandy beach is backed by the…

    9.6 miles away
  11. Dyffryn (Llanendwyn) Beach

    Dyffryn (Llanendwyn) is a long sandy beach backed by an extensive sand dune system…

    9.66 miles away
  12. The spectacular Morfa Dyffryn Reserve stretches for about 4.5 miles along the coast of…

    9.66 miles away
Previous Next

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss