Cwm Rhaeadr, near Llandovery

Welcome

Cwm Rhaeadr, which means “valley of the waterfall” in Welsh, is a woodland and picnic area in the peaceful Tywi valley.

The highlight of the woodland is the sight of the waterfall, the highest in Carmarthenshire, as it pours off the mountain.

You can catch a glimpse of the waterfall on the Waterfall Walk.

There is also a short accessible trail and a mountain biking trail for experienced riders.

This is a mixed woodland, with native broadleaved trees and non-native conifers including big Douglas fir trees planted in the 1940s.

Enjoy carpets of bluebells near the walking trails in spring.

Walking trails

The walking trails are waymarked from start to finish.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trail.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Cwm Rhaeadr Accessible Trail

• Grade: Accessible
• Distance: 1 mile/1.6 kilometres
• Time: 30 minutes
• Trail information: This trail is suitable for wheelchair users. The steepest gradient is 1 in 20.

This trail through the woodland and along a boardwalk.

It passes by two ponds where dragonflies can be spotted in summer.

Waterfall Walk

• Grade: Moderate
• Distance: 2½ miles/4.2 kilometres
• Time: 2½ hours

There are glimpses of the waterfall through the trees on this trail through the lower part of the valley.

It crosses over a wooden bridge and follows the stream back to the car park.

Mountain bike trail

All our mountain bike trails are waymarked from start to finish and have been graded for difficulty.

At the start of the trail there is an information panel – please read this before setting off.

• Find out about mountain bike trail grades.
• For a list of our mountain bike trails and information to plan your ride, go to mountain biking.
• For more information about mountain biking in Wales, go to the Mountain Bike Wales website.

Cwm Rhaeadr Trail

• Grade: Red (difficult)
• Distance: 6.7 kilometres

The Cwm Rhaeadr mountain bike trail is waymarked and starts from the car park.

This trail may be short but it offers singletrack riding, a descent over a rocky ridge and stunning views over the valley and waterfall.

Accessibility information

The Accessible Trail is suitable for wheelchair users.

Closures and diversions

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.

We may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice, due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.

Please always follow any instructions on site and any temporary diversion signs.

How to get here

Location

Cwm Rhaeadr is 6 miles north of Llandovery.

It is in the county of Carmarthenshire.

Ordnance Survey map

Cwm Rhaeadr is on Ordnance Survey (OS) Explorer map 187.

The OS grid reference for the car park is SN 765 422.

Directions

From Llandovery follow signs to Cilycwm.

Then follow the sign towards Llyn Brianne Reservoir for 2 miles and the car park is on the left.

Public transport

The nearest mainline railway station is in Llandovery.

For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website. 

Parking

Car parking is free of charge.

Overnight parking is not permitted.

Contact details

There are no staff at this location.

Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.