Rhaeadr Dolgoch Falls Circular Trail

Route overview

Dolgoch Falls circular walk at a glance

• Route type: Short circular woodland waterfall walk
• Distance: About 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
• Time: Allow 1-1.5 hours
• Start and finish: Dolgoch Falls car park beside the B4405
• Terrain: Firm lower path, stone steps, woodland tracks, roots, rock and mud
• Main highlights: Lower, middle and upper falls, the wooded ravine, railway viaduct, picnic area and Dolgoch Station

The trail follows the stream into the ravine, visits all three levels of the falls and uses the signed woodland return to complete the circuit. Several paths meet around the falls and railway, so use the interactive map, follow the signs on site and never cross the railway except at an authorised crossing.

Important: Water levels and path conditions can change quickly after heavy rain. If a path is closed, damaged or too slippery, turn around and return by the safe route you have already used.

Follow the route

1. Car park to the ravine entrance

Leave the B4405 car park on the wide path running beside The Dolgoch. Continue to the large metal gate at the entrance to the ravine. The stream and woodland quickly hide most of the road, and the route begins to feel wonderfully tucked away.

2. Under the railway and towards the lower falls

Take the signed path for the falls and continue beside the water. The lower approach uses the firmer path beneath the railway viaduct. Keep to the official route and watch for trains around Dolgoch Station, even when the railway appears quiet.

3. Lower Dolgoch Falls

The lower falls provide the gentlest part of the outing and a good first view into the ravine. Stop at the proper viewing area, keep children close beside the water and resist climbing onto wet rocks. The route becomes much steeper after this point.

4. Climb towards the middle falls

Follow the signed stepped path uphill through the trees. Take your time because the stone, roots and exposed rock can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on the main path when smaller tracks appear and give people coming downhill room to pass.

5. Middle falls and the rocky woodland

The middle section feels deeper and wilder, with the stream squeezing between rock and trees. Pause only where the path is wide enough. Cave-like recesses and old cuttings can be seen around the route, but do not enter anything closed, unstable or unsigned.

6. Upper Dolgoch Falls

Continue climbing on the marked trail to the upper falls. This is the highest and roughest part of the route, but the view of water dropping through the wooded gorge is worth the effort. Picnic tables near the upper section make this a good place to stop before beginning the return.

7. Take the signed circular return

From the upper section, follow the signed circular return through the woodland rather than taking an unmarked shortcut. The path descends over uneven ground and eventually works back towards the railway and lower ravine. Descend carefully because wet leaves can hide slippery rock and roots.

8. Dolgoch Station and the lower path

Where the route reaches the station area, use only the designated paths and crossing. If trains are running, this is a lovely place to pause and watch the railway. Composting toilets and a covered waiting shelter are available at the station.

9. Return to the car park

Follow the signs from the station and lower falls back towards the ravine entrance. Pass through the metal gate, continue beside The Dolgoch and return to the B4405 car park where the walk began.