The Torrent Walk is a path on the outskirts of Dolgellau and is one of the more popular routes in the area. This walk will lead you under a woodland canopy, along the Afon Clywedog river and past hidden industrial remains.
The walk’s name likely derives from the many striking views of the Afon Clywedog river as it cascades down the ravine.
The ravine is home to a wealth of wildlife, including otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats, and an important collection of unique plants such as lichen, ferns, mushrooms, and liverwort.
At one time, the banks of Afon Clywedog were bursting with industrial activity. There was a mill, smithy, woollen mill and an iron furnace, some of which can still be seen today.
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The National Park Authority has categorised this route as a moderate route. It is suitable for people with some countryside walking experience and a reasonable level of fitness. The terrain will include some steep or unsurfaced paths in the open countryside. Walking boots and waterproof layers are essential.
Please note: Some sections of this path are exposed to the steep edges of the ravine. Please keep children under close supervision at all times. As dogs are curious animals and often love to run and explore, it is also advised that they are kept under particularly close control.
Start / Finish
Lay-by near the village of Brithdir on the B4416 (SH 761 182)
Relevant OS Map
OS Explorer OL23 (Cader Idris and Llyn Tegid)
Always park in designated parking places and never in areas where you block entrances to fields, residential areas.
Lay-by near the village of Brithdir on the B4416
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Stay safe and help protect the countryside by reading the information about safety and following the Countryside Code.
Torrent Walk was designed and engineered by Thomas Payne. Payne was also responsible for engineering the stone sea wall across the Afon Glaslyn river at Porthmadog, known locally as ‘Y Cob’. The original intention of the Torrent Walk was to extend the gardens of the nearby mansion, Plas Caerynwch. Baron Richards of Caerynwch commissioned the work during the 1800s.
You will come across a commemorative bench for Mary Richards along the route. Mary was a botanist who lived at the nearby mansion, Plas Caerynwch. She travelled a great deal, mainly to Africa, and brought many plants back to the mansion’s gardens.
The National Park Authority has undertaken restoration work on the old route on the eastern side of the ravine—trying to keep to the former path where possible. As the ravine is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, the National Park Authority had to take special precautions to ensure the restoration work would not impair the site.
A short distance from Pont Clywedog bridge, towards Dolgellau, lie the ruins of an old iron furnace dating back to the early 18th century. The furnace was built by Abraham Darby, a Quaker from Coalbrookdale. He and other Quakers from Dolserau and Dolgun farms mined iron ore on nearby Tir Stent and hauled it down to the furnace.
As you cross Pont Clywedog bridge, you might notice a collection of buildings on your right. These were formally a woollen mill and warehouse. Water was taken from Afon Clywedog river to power the mill.
