Stunning hidden waterfall gorge in North Wales that few people ever visit
- UK Hidden Gems
- Sep 27
- 2 min read
Wales is well known for its beautiful scenery, rolling green hills and amazing waterfalls.
But one of its most striking natural sights is also one of the least visited. Hidden away in a steep gorge on the Hiraethog moors in southern Conwy, a series of waterfalls tumble and leap like wild horses.
The biggest of these is this hidden gem, which crashes in a wide curtain of water over huge dark rocks at the bottom of the chasm.
Climber and travel writer Jim Perrin once called the fall “sinister and lonely”. The name adds to that feeling too, since it translates as “Waterfall of the Grave”. Its setting, carved into the side of the gloomy Mynydd Hiraethog gorge, only strengthens the atmosphere.
Adding to the spectacle is a second waterfall, which drops into the same pool at a right angle to the 72-foot Rhaeadr y Bedd.
This one is taller but narrower, and can be viewed from a steel gantry that stretches across the gorge. The walkway can only be reached by a gated steel staircase, reports North Wales Live.
One YouTube blogger, Tim Prevett, visited when the water flow was low and still called the falls “pretty spectacular”. He said they “must be among the least viewed but most decent waterfalls in Wales”.
Another visitor described them as “powerful hidden gems” set in a gorge with tempting pools below.
Before 1900, Rhaeadr y Bedd was known on maps as Rhaeadr Fawr. By 1913, it had been renamed the “Waterfall of the Grave”, thought to come from an old local legend about a tragic love story.
Despite its beauty, Rhaeadr y Bedd is often missed by tourists in North Wales. Its quiet location plays a part, even though it can be reached easily by car.
Its changing water levels are another reason, as the falls are fed by a reservoir created from the damming of the River Aled.
Aled Isaf reservoir was built in 1938 when the river was dammed just above the waterfall. Downstream it connects to Llyn Aled, a natural lake that was made larger to serve as a second reservoir.
Both were originally planned to supply water to Rhyl and Prestatyn, but the aqueduct needed was never built. Today, Aled Isaf’s main role is to control the flow of the river, provide fishing opportunities, and offer breathtaking views towards Eryri.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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