Y Cefn, Peat Stack II

Explorer Tom Rhaeadr Cynfal throws the Afon Cynfal into a deep wooded ravine near Llan Ffestiniog, and the old viewing platform lets you see the drama without auditioning for a cliff rescue. The waterfall makes plenty of noise; I imagine the Victorian visitors brought very dignified hats that immediately lost an argument with the spray. Natural Resources Wales places the falls inside Ceunant Cynfal National Nature Reserve, where a humid oak woodland supports distinctive plants. Its Rhaeadr Cynfal Waterfall Walk follows a public footpath from Llan Ffestiniog to the reserve and then a demanding route to the Victorian platform. The return distance is about 2.2 kilometres with a substantial climb. This is the Cynfal fall in Gwynedd, not Pistyll Rhaeadr in Powys or a generic cascade elsewhere on the river. The ravine itself is part of what makes the view remarkable. The reserve route is graded strenuous and the walking trail is not waymarked after the signed public path from the village. Study the operator's directions before setting off, wear shoes for steep or slippery ground and turn back if conditions are poor. There is no reserve car park; Natural Resources Wales asks visitors to park considerately in Llan Ffestiniog. Stay at safe viewing places rather than trying to reach the water or cross the ravine. Woodland and spray can make a dry day feel unexpectedly wet underfoot. At the platform, pause long enough to watch the water disappear into the shaded gorge. This is one of those views that rewards the climb without asking you to conquer anything. I shall let the waterfall keep the hat; it seems very proud of its collection.