Cwm Llan Waterfall Walk

3.1 miles (5 km)

The Cwm Llan Waterfall Walk is a scenic, moderate out-and-back trail located at the base of the Snowdon Massif in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) near the village of Beddgelert. The route follows the first section of the historic Watkin Path which begins at the Nant Gwynant car park....
The walk starts by leading you through tranquil woodland areas, offering varied terrain right from the beginning. The path soon opens up into a more exposed, stony hillside, where you are greeted with increasingly impressive views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. As you continue, you will pass a series of beautiful, gushing waterfalls and crystal-clear plunge pools along the Afon Cwm Llan river, which are a highlight of the walk and popular for photo opportunities or a wild dip on a warm day.
The path continues uphill, leading you past the evocative ruins of Plas Cwmllan, a 19th-century house that was used for target practice during the Second World War, with visible bullet holes still on its side. Further along, you will reach the notable Gladstone Rock, which commemorates a speech given by Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone in 1892 to mark the opening of the Watkin Path, Britain's first designated public right of way.
The designated Cwm Llan Waterfall Walk typically concludes around the Gladstone Rock or the old quarry barracks area before the terrain becomes much steeper and more challenging for the ascent to the Snowdon summit. From here, you simply retrace your steps, following the same picturesque route back down to the car park. The trail features rocky and potentially wet underfoot sections, so appropriate sturdy footwear is recommended. The walk offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, including dramatic waterfalls and panoramic mountain views, with a touch of local history.
You can continue your walking by heading to the nearby Llyn Dinas and Llyn Gwynant.