Nantcol, the Rhinogs' second valley
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Walk directions
Cil-cychwyn Farm is about 4 miles (6.4km) from Llanbedr and is best reached by heading east on the road immediately to the north of the bridge in Llanbedr, following signs for Rhaeadr Nantcol Waterfalls. Continue past the waterfalls and follow a sign for Cwm Nantcol, which will eventually lead to the parking area just before the farm. From Cil-cychwyn Farm, follow the narrow lane up the valley until you reach its end. Go left then right across a small stream to follow a narrow path, with a wall to your right, to a gate. Go through and continue into upper Nantcol. The path traverses the lower south flanks of Rhinog Fawr before entering the dark pass of Bwlch Drws-Ardudwy.
On reaching a marshy basin beneath Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach, look for ladder stiles over the wall on the right. The first leads to a very steep short-cut that bypasses Llyn Cwmhosan. Preferably, take the second stile to a narrow path climbing through heather and passing the west shores of Llyn Cwmhosan, and beneath the boulder and screes of Rhinog Fach’s west face. Beyond this, the route comes to the shores of Llyn Hywel.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Very rough, peaty paths through heather and farm tracks
Landscape
- Gnarled gritstone peaks with heather slopes
Dog friendliness
- Can be off lead in upper heather-clad regions of walk
Parking
- Small parking area just before Cil-cychwyn farm or Maes-y-garnedd, about half a mile further down the lane (small fee)
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
The county of Gwynedd is home to most of the Snowdonia National Park – including the wettest spot in Britain, an arête running up to Snowdon’s summit that receives an average annual rainfall of 4,473mm. With its mighty peaks, rivers and strong Welsh heritage (it has the highest proportion of Welsh-speakers in all of Wales), it’s always been an extremely popular place to visit and live.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
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