Dolgoch Falls in North Wales

Here's a post with a difference from the usual fayre of these pages but a few days' camping with the

The early part of the walk to Nant Gwernol

kids in Wales was no less of an adventure than a trip to the hills. It was a trip to the hills after all - to the Fferm Cedris camp site at the foot of Cader Idris - we just did different stuff! Our campsite was in a remote area but it's one I like and there's plenty to do that doesn't cost a fortune - even with the weather as it was.

Some of the best natural sights of this area - other than Cader Idris itself which remained hidden in rain clouds today - are the Nant Gwernol Ravine and the Dolgoch Falls. Both are set in deep natural woodland that could be described as temperate rainforest, and are easily accessible from Abergynolwyn village and the car park at Dolgoch respectively. Forget the car though - far and away the best way to experience this area is on the Talyllyn Railway

My three fellow adventurers at the falls

which winds its way seven and a quarter miles from Nant Gwernol in the hills (free parking at nearby Abergwnolwyn Station) to Tywyn on the Cardigan Bay coast. The waterfalls are a short walk (even for younger kids) from Dolgoch Station.

We began at Abergynolwyn with a walk of about a mile to Nant Gwernol - simply follow the path signposted from just below the station - this follows the railway alongside fields until it crosses the line to reach a wide forest track. Turn right up the hill and follow the track as it curves back around again to head roughly north east through the forest. Presently the track heads more to the right and downhill into a spectacular wooded ravine leading to the railway station of Nant Gwernol. The station can also be reached over the bridge if coming up from the village but you would still have to walk the last bit. If you don't like or are unable to walk then simply take the train up here first. The station in its spectacular setting is well worth seeing instead of just going straight to Tywyn.

Our train arrived to the excitement of the children and some of the adults present - there is something special about a steam train - and we boarded to journey back to Abergynolwyn and on via Dolgoch to

The fascinating valley above the main fall

Tywyn which takes about 45 minutes not including the wait at Abergynolwyn. The beach at Tywyn followed by fish and chips were the order of the day as the coastal climate allowed the sun to make an appearance but that is beyond the remit of these pages.

On our return when the weather was a little better, we left the train at Dolgoch to walk to the falls - a trip of about ten minutes each way. The path is easy but there is a steepish climb up to the upper part of the falls that people unused to outdoor activities may find harder than my six, nine and nineteen year olds did; sprinting up the slope like mountain goats. The falls themselves - especially after the rain - were more than worth the walk plunging from steep wooded slopes into a deep shadowy pool with a

Viaduct over the ravine by Dolgoch Station

roaring sound that contrasted with the more serene setting higher up where the river flows between moss grown banks under the thick forest canopy - a scene  that could be right out of Middle Earth or Narnia.

Please note that there are some steep drop offs which are protected by fencing so while the path is suitable for older children and sensible dogs, toddlers and more impetuous canines should be kept on a lead! There is also a play area at Abergynolwyn by the car park and below the station building. Here's some more information on the Talyllyn Railway and below is a short video of the trip.