Cwmorthin Quarry & Waterfalls, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)

This walk to see the Cwmorthin waterfalls and quarry is a great short walk for when you don’t have too long but aren’t ready to go home yet. You could spend as long or as little as you like exploring here and ‘bad’ weather doesn’t really take anything away from it so it’s a good option for a rainy day walk.

What to expect

Although it’s a short route, the path is very loose and can be slippery in sections, there are also big drops by the waterfall so not the safest walk for young children or dogs.

We arrived here on a midweek evening so had no trouble getting parked up but we have heard it can be very different during busy times, the car park isn’t massive and the road up towards it is very steep and narrow.

Getting there & parking

For parking closest to Cwmorthin waterfall use postcode LL41 3ST. There is also limited roadside parking along the lane leading from the Lakeside cafe in the village of Tanygrisiau upto the quarry.

Good to know

The route

Simply head up the main path through the quarry and explore the bits you see, the waterfalls, abandoned buildings, disused mines and the lake at the top.

Tips & what to bring

A head torch might come in handy if you find any disused mines but other than that, just sensible footwear and clothing. Always remember that quarries can be dangerous so keep yourself safe, there’s loose slate and disused metal workings across the site that can fall on you or you can trip over.

Eat & drink nearby

There’s the Lakeside cafe in the village, which we haven’t tried yet or you can head 20 minutes down the road into Betws Y Coed for a selection of pubs and cafes.

Places to stay nearby

Elephant View, Eryri National Park Glamping

Elephant View, a luxury shepherd's hut for 4 near Eryri (Snowdonia), with a wood fired hot tub and pizza oven.

13.3 miles away 📍 Map View →

See all places to stay on the map →

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POIs nearby

Cwmorthin Waterfalls A natural cascade tucked into the rugged historic slate quarry 📍 On the route View on map → Cwmorthin Abandoned Buildings Abandoned and disused quarry buildings 📍 0.4 miles away View on map → Castell Dolwyddelan A rugged 13th century fortress 📍 4.9 miles away View on map →