There certainly has been a lot of rain over the last few days, but our featured walk this week is perfect for the days after rain – the waterfalls will be in full flow!

Cwm Nantcol is a steep valley in the foothill of the Rhinogydd Mountains, just above the village of Llanbedr. The valley views are stunning and it’s also known for it’s beautiful waterfalls.

When the rain eases off, try this stunning Cwm Nantcol Walk – just a short drive from the Oakeley Arms Hotel.

Where:              Nantcol, near Llanbedr, Gwynedd

Distance:          Approx 2 miles

Difficulty:          Easy

Start:                Cwm Nantcol Waterfall car park (take A496 between Llanbedr and Harlech; turn by Victoria Pub       signposted for Cwm Bychan and Cwm Nantcol. Follow lane through village of Gwynfryn. Go right over bridge signposted for Cwm Nantcol then next left. Follow windy lane for just over half a mile to reach track on right signposted for waterfalls and nature trail. Take this to the car park.) Nearest postcode for sat nav is LL45 2PL (approx). Car park charges apply.

Grid Ref:           SH 607 270

Maps:               OS Explorer OL 18: Harlech, Porthmadog & Y Bala

Directions:

1: Leave the car park by the track you came in and back up to lane. Turn right. Walk past turning for Cefn Isaf on left and over cattle grid. Just after lay-by on left, find public footpath sign on left, take this up walled track. Follow to top (as wall on right veers away) and bear left to follow the left wall towards farm buildings.

2: Go right at trees, then soon left to follow field boundary again as path skirts to left of patch of trees then bears right to reach lane.

3: Turn right for 50m to find Capel Salem on the right. Explore, and then retrace steps to lane but instead of returning to the footpath (now on left), continue along the lane and follow as it winds through the trees. Walk to the track that leads to the waterfall car park and return to car park.

4: At the back of the car park find a gate, go through it and along the path with river on right. Cross a stile and walk ahead to the waterfall (this one is the highest). Go up steps and follow the path, still keeping the river on the right.

5: When you reach a green sign-post, leave the nature trail and now follow the river walk (blue signposts). Continue along the path as it follows the river and eventually over a boggy section and a footbridge to another waterfall.

6: Continue, but shortly the path veers away from the river. Follow the blue way-markers to the higher ground and then keep following them as they descend through woodland.

7: Cross a stile into trees and now keep following the woodland walk and it eventually comes to a ruin. Keep to left of the ruin and down as the path veers left to a stile. Cross it to ford a stream and up a track, then bear right to walk along a wall to another stile. Cross it and over the field to return to the car park.

Points of Interest

1: The river is the Afon Cwmnantcol, which runs for 3 miles from its source below Rhinog Fawr to join the Afon Artro in Pentre Gwynfryn.

2: Just south of the village is Shell Island – a tidal island, famed for its variety and abundance of sea shells. It is now a popular campsite during the summer.

**Please note that these directions are for guidance only. The Oakeley Arms can accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather for turn. Do not venture out in bad weather and always take care with coastal tides.