Rhaeadr Du

Rhaeadr Du or the Black Falls as they are otherwise known, consists of two waterfalls on the fast flowing Afon Gamlan as it passes through the Coed Ganllwyd National Nature Reserve at the spectacular Coed-y-Brenin Forest or Forest of the Kings. The forest lies at the heart of the Welsh gold prospecting area and is the oldest and most extensive forest in Wales. It is famous for its world-class mountain biking trails, the forest also has a multitude of scenic footpaths, and provides picnic sites and visitor centres.

At the waterfall, large stone steps lead down to a viewing platform which offers superb views of the cascades. Visitors are advised to take care on descending the steps which can be very slippery and dangerous in wet weather.

The impressive falls have a total drop of over sixty feet and take their name from the slab of black rock over which the water cascades.

The Afon Gamlan is a short river which flows through the Cwm Camlan Valley into the Mawddach at Ganllwyd north of Dolgellau.

Landscape of Snowdonia