At a glance
Nantcol Waterfalls (LL45 2PJ) are in a remote valley above Llanbedr on the Ardudwy coast. Series of cascades over glaciated rock with wild swimming pools. Small farm charge (~£2). Car essential — no public transport. Rough path — boots required. Allow 1.5–3 hours. Good starting point for Rhinog Fawr mountain walks. Quiet and little-visited.
About Nantcol Waterfalls
The Nantcol stream descends from the high plateau of the Rhinogau — one of the wildest and least-visited mountain ranges in Wales — through the remote Cwm Nantcol valley before reaching the Ardudwy coastal plain above Llanbedr. The valley is one of the older landscapes in Wales: the Rhinog rocks beneath are among the most ancient in Britain, and the valley floor retains a character that has changed little since the hill farmers first grazed it.
The waterfalls occur where the stream crosses resistant bands of rock on its descent — dropping over smooth, glacially-polished surfaces into pools that have been used by local people for swimming for generations. The main falls and pool are reached by a farm walk up the valley from the parking area near Maes-y-Garnedd farm, with a small charge payable at the farm.
The valley's historical depth adds to its atmosphere. Maes-y-Garnedd was the birthplace of John Jones, one of the men who signed Charles I's death warrant in 1649 — a regicide in a remote Welsh valley. Bwlch Drws Ardudwy (Pass of the Door of Ardudwy), the mountain pass at the head of the valley, has been a route through the Rhinogau since prehistoric times and is one of the oldest routeways in Snowdonia.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
Nantcol (Cwm Nantcol) is a remote valley running inland from Llanbedr on the Ardudwy coast, between Barmouth and Harlech. From the A496 at Llanbedr, follow the road up through the village and into the valley — the road becomes a rough track as it climbs towards Maes-y-Garnedd farm and the higher valley. A car is essential — there is no public transport to the valley. The postcode LL45 2PJ gets you to the Llanbedr area; use a map for the final approach into Cwm Nantcol.
The Nantcol stream descends from the high Rhinog moorland through a series of falls and cascades over smooth glaciated rock. There are several distinct drops, with pools between them that form natural wild swimming spots in summer. The scenery is dramatic — steep valley sides, ancient moorland above and the rough outcrops of the Rhinog mountains on the skyline. The valley is much quieter than more famous waterfall sites, making it a rewarding destination for those who seek solitude.
The pools below the Nantcol waterfalls are used for wild swimming in summer, though the water is cold even in warm weather — fed from the high moorland above. The largest pool below the main falls is the most popular. As always with wild swimming, enter slowly, assess conditions carefully, and never swim alone or after heavy rain when currents increase. Respect the farming environment and farm access.
Yes — Cwm Nantcol is one of the most atmospheric starting points for the Rhinog mountains. The approach to Rhinog Fawr (720m) goes up the valley and over the ridge via Bwlch Drws Ardudwy (the "Pass of the Door of Ardudwy") — a mountain pass used by travellers since prehistoric times. This is serious mountain walking on rough ground — suitable only for experienced hill walkers with map and compass. The Roman Steps (actually a medieval packhorse route) run nearby through the Rhinogau.
Maes-y-Garnedd is a farmhouse in the upper Nantcol valley, noted as the birthplace of John Jones, one of the regicides who signed the death warrant of King Charles I in 1649. He was later executed at the Restoration in 1660. The farm itself is a traditional Welsh hill farm that has likely occupied this site for centuries. The historical connection adds another dimension to this already remarkable landscape.