About

The woodland at Coed Ganllwyd is considered to be the richest site for mosses and liverworts in Western Europe. The extreme humidity within the gorge is caused by a combination of high rainfall and continuous river spray, which is prevented from evaporating by the dense oak canopy.

The wood is also important for bats, particularly the rare lesser horseshoe bat. Breeding woodland birds include the wood warbler, nuthatch, black cap and redstart.

A network of paths on the reserve mean you can choose from circular walks of 100 metres up to more demanding routes that stretch over two kilometres. The terrain is a mixture of tarmac, grassy paths (may be muddy), rocky slopes. Dogs welcome, under close control in woodland and on short leads on farmland.

The paths on the reserve are steep and rough with gates, stiles and a few steps leading up to a footbridge. The route to the Rhaeadr Ddu (eng. Black Falls) waterfall viewpoint is particularly steep. There are two waterfalls which cascade over 60ft (18m).