Ancient Oak Celtic Rainforest: A walk from Tyddyn du Farm

Looking down to the hidden waterfall in the Celtic Rainforest near Maentwrog

Just a few miles from Tyddyn du, you'll find an ancient oak woodland, also known as a Celtic Rainforest, featuring a gorge ideal for rare mosses and wildlife. Also, nestled deep within these woodlands is a hidden gem: Rhaeadr Ddu (The Black Waterfall).

I aimed to create a simple guide for our guests who might want to visit The Celtic Rainforest, known as Ceunant Llennyrch Nature Reserve. So, Lois and I went there the other day. The weather wasn't ideal, as we faced wintery showers, but we donned our raincoats and proceeded anyway.

Information sign at Ceunant Llennyrch

Information sign at Ceunant Llennyrch

Information signs about Ceunant Llenyrch

About the Walk:

• 4-5 mile return walk from Tyddyn du Farm

• The terrain is challenging and may have muddy areas. The paths in the woodlands are steep and slippery. Appropriate footwear is advised (avoid flip flops!).

• Passess the Bryn Arms pub & restauraunt.

• Ideal for nature enthusiasts who enjoy uncovering hidden gems.

  
  

Here are the directions........

Right onto main road from Tyddyn du entrance

Right and cross the road at the T junction towards Gellilydan

Left into the village of Gellilydan

1st left before the white bungalow. Follow this road for approx 3/4 mile

1. 2. 3. 4.

1.Turn Right at Tyddyn du entrance. 2.Right again at T junction. 3.Left into Gellilydan

4. Next left before the white bungalow.

Walk along the tarmac road for approx 3/4 miles

When the road curves to the right, turn left.

Bare right at the fork

Carry on through the gate

5. 6. 7. 8.

5. Carry on the tarmac road for approx 3/4 miles. 6. When the road curves to the right, bear left. 7. Immediately bear right at the fork. 8. Continue through the gate.

Through the farmyard to the gate

Cross the bridge to get over the black pipes

Continue through the field

Follow the public footpath sign through the field down to the forest

9. 10. 11. 12.

9.Go through the farm yard to the next gate. 10. Cross the bridge over the black pipes.

11. Follow the stone wall to the bottom of the field to a small gate. 12. Puplic footpath sign directs you to the woodlands - Ceunant Llenyrch.

Step stile and a fence gap for dogs

The sign at the entrance. Use the map to choose your route to the secret waterfall.

A little sneak peak at Rhaeadr Ddu, the hidden waterfall at the ancient oak woodland Maentwrog

Steps down to the waterfall. Cautious, steep and slippery

13. 14. 15. 16.

13.A stile and a liftable dog gap takes you into the woodlands. 14. Check out the Ceunant Llenyrch sign and map for your preferred route to the waterfall. 15. Rhaeadr Ddu (Black Waterfall) peaking through the trees. 16. Steep steps take you down to the waterfall and pool.

Footpath closed by natural resources Damaged footbridge in the Celtic rainforest on the red path.

Following the footpath at the Celtic Rainforest in Maentwrog.

17. 18.

17.The footpath was closed when we went 3/1/2025. This is part of the red circular route you see on the Ceunant Llenyrch sign. 18. We turned around and followed our steps back to Tyddyn du.

A photo from last summer.

Information for other walks in Eryri (Snowdonia) are found in the guests information folders at each of our accommodation cottages.

Have you done the walk to Tomen Y Mur? - an archaeological roman site and fort 1 mile from Snowdonia Holidays Tyddyn du Farm.

Thank you for visiting my blog, and I hope you enjoy the walk. Carys

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