TORRENT WALK
Circular riverside walk with waterfalls
There’s no denying that this walk is a little on the short side but the fairytale landscape provides ample compensation for the lack of miles. The route runs alongside the Afon (river) Clywedog. You can walk along one side of the river on the way out and the other side on the way back. It’s up to you which side you tackle first.
The Torrent Walk was created by the Richards family of the Caerynwch estate in the late 1800s. It has been a popular trail with both locals and visitors since it was first opened. The route was designed and engineered by Thomas Payne who was also responsible for the embankment at Porthmadog which is known as “The Cob”. At 1.5 miles long, the Torrent Walk is an ideal excursion if you are visiting Dolgellau, the Corris Craft Centre or Machynlleth. The change in elevation is a modest 110m and so anyone can complete this pretty walk through woodland, past a series of small cascades.
There isn’t a great deal of parking in the area but you can park in a small layby next to the trail head. This is located on the B4416 near Brithdir.
Duration: 1 hour
Terrain: Woodland paths
Starting Out
The Torrent Walk begins at a gate next to the layby in which you have hopefully managed to park. If you don’t manage to grab a space, there is another layby a few yards further down the road and on the right, next to a schoolhouse. The path takes you past a field and then into woodland. The river tumbles down the valley to your left. There are many viewpoints along the way from which to admire the waterfalls.
The path continues down through the trees and alongside the river. You will eventually arrive at a gate. Pass through this and then continue along the path until you reach a lane with three stone cottages.
The Cottages
When you reach the lane, walk past the cottages and over the bridge. Just after the bridge and on your left, you can pass through a gate to access the path which will take you up the south side of the river and back to the layby. If you have your dog with you and they fancy a dip, there are a few rock pools which are accessible and deep enough to swim in.
The Return
As you work your way up the path and through the attractive woodland, keep an eye out for the large tree covered in vines. The dangling vines create a magical scene with a mystical feel. There are several good vantage points from which to view the cascades. When you reach the end of the trail, you will emerge onto the B4416 where you should turn left and walk roughly 100m back to the layby.
Directions
From the Woollen Mill, head for the A487 and travel south towards Porthmadog. After passing Porthmadog, you will drive under a metal bridge and then arrive at a roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout towards Penryhndeudraeth (A487). Keep on this road and follow the signs for Dolgellau. Remain on the main road until you have passed Dolgellau and then turn left onto the B4416 towards Brithdir. After you cross the stone bridge, there is a layby on the left in which you can park. The entrance to the trail is next to this layby.
