Introduction
Grey Mare’s Tail, also known as Rhaeadr y Parc Mawr, is a beautiful little waterfall tucked away near Llanrwst in North Wales. Hidden among the woodland of Gwydir Forest, it feels like the kind of place you could easily walk straight past without ever knowing it was there, which makes discovering it all the more rewarding.
If you are searching for Grey Mare’s Tail, just make sure you are looking for the Welsh waterfall near Llanrwst rather than the famous Grey Mare’s Tail in Scotland. This guide is all about this little Welsh gem hidden away in Gwydir Forest.
In this guide, I’ll explain where to park, how to reach the waterfall, what the walk is like and what to expect when you arrive.
Quick Verdict of Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall
Grey Mare’s Tail is definitely one for anyone who enjoys finding waterfalls that feel a little bit off the beaten track. It is a short visit, but there is something really rewarding about making your way down through the woodland and discovering the waterfall waiting at the bottom.
The walk is short but includes a steep descent through the woodland, so sturdy footwear is a good idea, particularly after wet weather.
There is something really special about finding a waterfall like this tucked away in the woodland. If you are exploring around Llanrwst or Gwydir Forest and want to find somewhere peaceful and a little different, I would definitely add Grey Mare’s Tail to your list.
Key Information
- Waterfall Height: 12 metres/40 feet
- Waterfall Type: Dual Cascade/Horsetail Waterfall
- Starting Point: Betws-y-Coed, Trefriw LL26 0PN (car park detailed below)
- Parking: Free parking at Gwydir Mawr & Bach Car Park | what3words scrambles.post.hospitals
- Public Transport: Bus available to Llanrwst or Trefriw
- Walk: 0.5 miles/0.8 km return
- Time: 10 minutes to the waterfall. Allow 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy (short steep section down to waterfall)
- Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Dogs: Yes
- Swimming: No
- Toilets: No
Where to Park for Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall
Free parking is available at the Gwydir Mawr & Bach car park. Alternatively, you can cross the crossroads as you leave the car park and, as you start heading up the route towards the waterfall, there is enough space for around 2–3 cars to park at the side of the road.
The waterfall is less than 0.25 miles from the car park, so I would recommend parking here if there is space available.
To get to the car park, follow the B5106 from Betws-y-Coed until you reach the T-junction leading towards Llanrwst. Just before the T-junction, you will see the entrance to the forest park on your left. Follow the road up the hill until you reach a junction with signs for “Mainc Lifio Sawbench” and a grey house and bridge on the right. Take the left turn at this junction and you will find the free car park.
Alternatively, you can get a bus to either Llanrwst or Trefriw and walk to the waterfall. It is approximately 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Llanrwst or 1.6 miles (2.5 km) from Trefriw.
Tip: Save the parking location and route directions on your phone, or take a printed copy with you, as phone signal can be spotty.
The Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall Walk
From the Gwydir Mawr and Bach car park, head back down the same road you drove along when you arrived.
At the junction, cross over onto the road opposite. The roads don’t line up perfectly to form a traditional crossroads, but the turn is easy enough to see. Continue uphill and keep an eye out for a small gate on the right. You will be able to hear the waterfall before you see it but may catch a glimpse of it before you get to the gate.
Go through the gate and follow the steps and zig-zag path down towards Grey Mare’s Tail which will be visible to the bottom right of the path. The descent is quite steep in places, although it is only a short distance.
When I visited, there were a number of fallen trees across the route which meant climbing and stepping over them in places. The waterfall was closed shortly afterwards so that the fallen trees could be cleared from the path, so conditions may have changed since my visit.
The ground around the stream and the remains of the old lead mill can be uneven and muddy, so I would definitely recommend wearing sturdy footwear or trainers with a good grip. Despite the steep descent, it is a very short walk and the waterfall at the bottom makes it well worth it.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this route is not suitable for wheelchairs due to the steep steps and uneven path leading down to the waterfall. Depending on weather conditions and thickness of the trees, you may be able to view the falls from the top of the path, although this will be a restricted view.
Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall
Tucked away in Gwydir Forest, Grey Mare’s Tail is a true hidden gem and the sort of waterfall you would never know was there unless you already knew where to look. Surrounded by woodland, it feels wonderfully quiet and secluded, and when I visited I had the whole place completely to myself.
One of the things that makes Grey Mare’s Tail so unusual is the way the water splits into two separate tails as it drops over the rocky cliff face. The two cascades give it a really distinctive look and make it a little different from many of the other waterfalls in North Wales.
If you love woodland walks, forests and being surrounded by nature, this is definitely one to add to your list. The moss-covered rocks, trees and peaceful setting make it a lovely place to stop and take in the surroundings. It feels like one of those places where you can just sit for a while and enjoy being away from everything, which makes discovering Grey Mare’s Tail even more rewarding.
Swimming at Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall
Swimming is not recommended at Grey Mare’s Tail. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is very shallow, and the surrounding area has a history of lead mining. With the shallow water and the old mining workings in the area, this isn’t a waterfall where I would recommend going for a swim.
If you’re considering swimming here, please read my Wild Swimming at Waterfalls guide before getting in. It covers some of the risks to consider and practical advice for staying safe around natural swimming spots.
Interesting Facts and Wildlife
Grey Mare’s Tail is tucked away in Gwydir Forest, an area with a fascinating mining history. The woodland around the waterfall was once home to lead mining, and you can still see some of the old remains around the route. It is quite interesting to think that what now feels like such a peaceful woodland was once a much busier working landscape.
The forest around Grey Mare’s Tail is also a great place for nature lovers. As you walk through the woodland, keep an eye out for the birds and wildlife that live among the trees. Squirrels are common around Gwydir Forest, and you may also spot woodland birds such as robins, wrens, tits and woodpeckers.
The area around the waterfall is particularly lovely, with mossy rocks, ferns and damp woodland surrounding the stream. I would definitely take your time here rather than rushing straight to the waterfall, as there is plenty to look at along the route and the woodland itself is a big part of what makes Grey Mare’s Tail feel so peaceful and secluded.
Facilities and Nearby Attractions
There are no toilets, cafés or other facilities at the Gwydir Mawr and Bach car park or at Grey Mare’s Tail, so I would recommend making sure you have everything you need before setting off. Llanrwst is the nearest place to stock up on food and drink and use the toilets before starting this walk.
The waterfall is surrounded by Gwydir Forest, so there is plenty more to explore if you want to make a longer day of your visit. There are various walking routes through the forest, as well as old mining remains and beautiful lakes including Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant.
Llanrwst is also only a short distance away and is a good place to stop for something to eat or drink after your walk. The town has pubs, cafés, shops and other useful facilities.
If you have time, I would definitely recommend exploring more of Gwydir Forest while you are in the area. There is plenty to see beyond Grey Mare’s Tail, making it easy to turn a short waterfall visit into a full day exploring this beautiful part of North Wales.
Best Time to Visit Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall
I visited Grey Mare’s Tail in March, which I found to be a particularly peaceful time to explore the area. With the woodland still in its early spring stages, there was a lovely sense of tranquility around the waterfall and fewer distractions from the surrounding trees and landscape.
Spring and autumn would both be good choices for visiting Grey Mare’s Tail, particularly if you want to see the waterfall after periods of rainfall when the water is likely to be flowing strongly. The woodland also has a different character throughout the seasons, from fresh spring growth to the colours of autumn.
The waterfall can be visited throughout the year, but I would recommend choosing a day when the weather has been reasonably dry for the walk itself. The steep section down to the waterfall can become muddy and slippery, so sturdy footwear with good grip is particularly important.
Responsible Waterfall Visiting and Safety
Please visit waterfalls responsibly.
Waterfalls can be beautiful places to explore, but they can also be unpredictable. Rocks, paths and viewing areas can become extremely slippery, especially after wet weather. Water levels and river conditions can change quickly, so always use common sense and take extra care around fast flowing water, steep drops and uneven ground.
Please follow the Countryside Code, leave no trace of your visit and take all litter home with you. Respect local communities, livestock, wildlife and any access restrictions that may be in place.
Before visiting, check local conditions and remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
I’ve put together a collection of practical resources to help you plan and enjoy your waterfall trips. From what to pack and how to find new waterfalls to wild swimming safety, you can browse all of my waterfall resources here.
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If you’ve recently visited this waterfall and spotted any changes, please let me know. Whether it’s updated parking information, a damaged footpath, new access restrictions or anything else that could help future visitors, I’d love to hear from you.
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