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Natural Monuments

Rhaeadr y Chwarel (Quarry Waterfall)

Natural Monuments

Rhaeadr y Chwarel (Quarry Waterfall)

Highlight • Natural Monument

Rhaeadr y Chwarel (Quarry Waterfall)

Name: Rhaeadr y Chwarel (Quarry Waterfall)
Rating: 2

Recommended by 30 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

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Location: Betws Garmon, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Rhaeadr y Chwarel (Quarry Waterfall)

4.9

(12)

hikers

1. Rhyd Ddu Path to Snowdon – Bwlch Main Ridge loop from Beddgelert

16.7km

06:19

1,040m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

4.6

(5)

108

hikers

2. Bwlch Main Ridge – Snowdon Ranger Path loop from Beddgelert

17.8km

06:38

940m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

4.9

(13)

100

hikers

3. Bwlch Main Ridge – Rhyd Ddu Path to Snowdon loop from Beddgelert

17.2km

06:36

1,120m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

Tips

Ryan O'Dell

September 13, 2020

Enjoy and be careful, great photo opportunity

Osian🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

January 25, 2025

The waterfall of the quarry!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁿

Translated by Google •

Ann (Peregrinate North West & Beyond)

September 22, 2025

📖 Rhaeadr y Chwarel is A picturesque mountain waterfall tucked into the lower section of Cwm Llan, near the old slate quarry workings on the southern flanks of Snowdon. The name literally means “Quarry Waterfall,” a nod to the mining history of the area, you can still see traces of old quarry buildings, walls, and inclines nearby.

👥 Feels remote and peaceful. Take in the surroundings before tackling the steeper, rockier terrain above and the crowds at the summit of Snowdon.

🚗 From Rhy-Ddu car park, c. 2.8 miles.

☕ A perfect spot to stop for a brew as it is sheltered.

⚠️ Access is along the well-trodden quarry approach path, so you don’t need scrambling skills. (Unless you walk further up the path to the top of Snowdon)

To sum up: Rhaeadr y Chwarel is one of those small but memorable landmarks on Snowdon’s southern approaches. It’s not a massive waterfall, but its mix of natural beauty and industrial heritage makes it stand out. A perfect spot to pause before the serious climbing begins.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 490 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 13 December

9°C

4°C

32 %

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Max wind speed: 35.0 km/h

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Location: Betws Garmon, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Rhaeadr y Chwarel (Quarry Waterfall)

1. Rhyd Ddu Path to Snowdon – Bwlch Main Ridge loop from Beddgelert

2. Bwlch Main Ridge – Snowdon Ranger Path loop from Beddgelert

3. Bwlch Main Ridge – Rhyd Ddu Path to Snowdon loop from Beddgelert

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