| Rhaeadr y Cwm | |
|---|---|
| Waterfall of the Cwm | |
 Rhaeadr y Cwm | |
 | |
| Location | Gwynedd, Wales |
| Coordinates | 52°57′25″N3°52′37″W / 52.957°N 3.877°W /52.957; -3.877[1] |
| Total height | 400 feet (120 m) |
| Number of drops | Six |
TheRhaeadr y Cwm is a waterfall on theAfon Cynfal river in Gwynedd, North Wales. The falls are located near the B4391 road, some 3 miles (5 km) east ofFfestiniog.[2]
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Rhaeadr y Cwm is located atSH736415 on the Afon Cynfal river, a watercourse that drainsMigneint (to the east), an area of upland covering over 47,000 acres (19,000 ha).[3][4] The river drops about 400 feet (120 m) as it flows through the gorge which separates the upland from the lowland course of the river.[5][6] The waterfall's run covers a cascade of six steps through a narrow gorge.[5]
The waterfall can be viewed from a lay-by on the adjacent B4391 road (SH732418) between the A470 and A4212 roads.[7][8] Due to the nature of heavy rainfall on the long falls over a steep drop, it has been described as "..one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Britain."[9]
There is a proposal to build a weir above the waterfall and pipe some of the water away from a hydrolectric scheme. Those backing the scheme state that it will generate enough electricity to power 700 homes. Opponents say that up to 70% of the water will be diverted away from the falls, which will change the overall look of the waterfall.[10] There are also concerns that the moisture-loving mosses and liverworts that line the gorge's sides will be affected by the water diversion.[11]
Rhaeadr meanswaterfall in Welsh, and cwm meansmountain hollow.[12]
Waterfalls of Wales | ||
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| North Wales |  | |
| Mid Wales | ||
| West Wales | ||
| South Wales | ||
