🗺️ The route
Free to viewThis 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
No, there aren't any on this route.
On lead only.
Expect loose slate paths, lakeside underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 1.5 Miles
- 1-2 Hours
- Easy–Moderate
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.
- Cwmorthin Abandoned Buildings
- Cwmorthin Waterfalls
Step-by-step
- From the car park, head left and take the first footage on your left, this will take you to the first waterfall.
- After this, come back on yourself slightly to rejoin the main path upto and into the quarry.
- Follow this until you get to the ruins, you can explore these now or leave them until the way back like we did.
- Further up the main path, you'll see a path that leads off to the right towards a mine entrance - it's kept closed as this is the entrance to 'The Deep Sleep' Hotel.
- Check out the lake and while you're up here before heading back down to the car park.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
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.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Our everyday pick We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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Always in the pack Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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Room for water & snacks Char usesDeuter Speed Lite 23
Lightweight, low-bulk pack for fast, lighter days.
