Ceunant Mawr Gorge
Ceunant Mawr Gorge: A Wild Slice of Nature Just Outside Llanberis
Tucked behind the village of Llanberis, Ceunant Mawr Gorge is one of Snowdonia’s most dramatic hidden landscapes. Carved by the fast-flowing waters of Afon Arddu, the gorge offers steep cliffs, lush woodland, and a real sense of untamed wilderness, all just a few minutes from the more well-known paths leading to Snowdon.
While most visitors head straight to the mountains, this deep, wooded gorge remains quiet, wild, and full of atmosphere. It’s a perfect place for a slower, more immersive kind of walk, one that feels like you’ve stepped into another world.
A Wild Woodland Walk Through Waterfalls and Ravines
Ceunant Mawr, meaning “Great Ravine” in Welsh, has a raw and powerful presence. The river drops steeply through the gorge, forming dramatic cascades and waterfalls, the most famous of which is Ceunant Mawr Waterfall near the top of the valley. But the gorge itself offers more than just the waterfall, twisting paths, mossy boulders, and dense tree cover make every step feel like an adventure.
The trails here aren’t manicured. You’ll find narrow tracks, uneven ground, and moments where the only sounds are rushing water and birdsong. It’s this natural, slightly untamed feel that makes the gorge so special.
Walks Around Ceunant Mawr Gorge
The Ceunant Mawr area offers a mix of short woodland walks and more adventurous loops that explore both the gorge and the surrounding hills. Whether you’re looking for a quick visit to the waterfall or a longer hike with elevated views, these routes capture the raw beauty and hidden charm of this dramatic ravine.
Llanberis to Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
- Distance: 1.5 mi / 2.4 km (round trip)
- Time: 45 mins–1 hr
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
This short walk starts from the centre of Llanberis and leads up through quiet lanes and wooded paths to the viewing platform above Ceunant Mawr Waterfall. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want to experience the power of the gorge and its cascading waters.
Ceunant Mawr Gorge Explorer Loop
- Distance: 3 mi / 4.8 km
- Time: 1.5–2 hrs
- Difficulty: Moderate
This loop explores deeper into the gorge, following woodland paths along the river and circling back through quiet farmland and footpaths. Expect a few steep sections and a bit of adventure underfoot.
Llanberis Ridge & Gorge Combo
- Distance: 5.5 mi / 8.8 km
- Time: 3 hrs
- Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
Combine a walk through Ceunant Mawr Gorge with a climb to one of the ridgelines above Llanberis. You’ll get stunning views of Llyn Padarn, Elidir Fawr, and the slate country before descending back into the wooded gorge for a refreshing finish.
What to Know Before You Go
- No entry fee: The waterfall viewing area may have a turnstile fee, but most of the gorge is free to explore.
- The paths can be muddy and steep: Wear appropriate footwear and take your time, especially after rain.
- Not suitable for pushchairs or limited mobility: The terrain is uneven and narrow in places.
- Keep dogs on leads: The river is fast-flowing, and drops are steep.
Why We Love Ceunant Mawr Gorge
Ceunant Mawr Gorge is a reminder that you don’t need to climb a mountain to find adventure in Snowdonia. Its steep-sided valley, roaring waterfalls, and hidden woodland trails feel completely wild, and yet they’re just minutes from cafés, buses, and lakeside walks.
How to Get to Ceunant Mawr Gorge
Ceunant Mawr Gorge is located just behind the centre of Llanberis, making it one of the most accessible wild spots in the area. From the main high street, head toward the Snowdon Mountain Railway station, then follow the lane that leads uphill past the station buildings. A short walk brings you to Llanberis Waterfall Car Park (LL55 4TU), the easiest starting point for reaching both the waterfall and the upper section of the gorge.
If you’re visiting by public transport, Llanberis is well served by the Snowdonia Sherpa bus network, with regular services running from Caernarfon, Bangor, and Betws-y-Coed. Once in the village, the gorge is easily reached on foot within 10–15 minutes from anywhere in town.
There are no formal trail signs for the gorge itself, but local paths are well-worn and easy to follow. Just listen for the river, you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by trees, rock, and the sound of falling water.
A Bit of Ceunant Mawr History
The name ‘Ceunant Mawr’ reflects the gorge’s grandeur, it means “great ravine.” The river that flows through it, Afon Arddu, was once harnessed by local industry, with water mills and slate works nearby. Today, the gorge is a natural haven, but signs of its industrial past remain hidden in the undergrowth for those who know where to look.
The nearby railway station also has a connection, the Snowdon Mountain Railway passes right over the top of the gorge, and many visitors get their first glimpse of the waterfall from the train window.
Keep exploring
Ceunant Mawr Gorge is just one of many wild places around Llanberis. Want more waterfalls, woodland trails, or scenic walks near town? You’re in the perfect base.