Cwmorthin Waterfall

The walk to Cwmorthin Waterfall takes you through proper mountain country, the kind of terrain that makes you understand why North Wales grabs hold of people. Starting from near Blaenau Ffestiniog, you're climbing into slate-mining country where the landscape still bears the scars of industry - old workings and abandoned buildings dot the hillside alongside the more recent gash of the activity centre.

Once you push on, the waterfall reveals itself as a single, elegant drop in a rocky moorland setting. It's not dramatic in the Snowdon Falls sense, but there's something compelling about finding it up here, especially on a grey day when the water's running strong. The walk itself matters as much as the destination - you're covering open ground with views back towards Blaenau Ffestiniog and the surrounding peaks.

Allow a couple of hours for the round trip, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. It's free, naturally, and no facilities once you leave the town. Walkers will get the most from this - families with young children might find it a bit steep, though older kids who don't mind a proper hike will manage it fine.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Llechwedd Glamping, Llyn Gwynant, or Cae Du - this makes a solid morning or afternoon outing to break up your time in the area. Pair it with a visit to Blaenau Ffestiniog itself if you're interested in industrial heritage, or use it as a counterpoint to the more manicured attractions nearby.