Torrent Walk

From the lay-by, walk about 100 yards along the road towards Pont ar Ddibyn, passing the first signpost. At the second Torrent Walk signpost, go through the kissing gate and cross the wooden bridge over the ravine. The path then follows the Afon Clywedog under woodland, passing Mary Richards's commemorative bench and three large boulders. At the lower road, turn right over Pont Clywedog, pass the old mill entrance, then turn right opposite Clywedog Lodge and up the narrow, steep wooded road. At the next signpost, take the path along the ravine back to the start.

Expect steep and unsurfaced woodland paths in places, stone steps, tree roots and uneven ground. It gets slippery and muddy when wet, and the stone steps are the section walkers most often mention. Several stretches run close to steep ravine edges above fast-moving water, so keep children close and dogs under particularly close control. The short road sections at each end are narrow, so watch for traffic.

The payoff is the ravine itself: a deep wooded gorge with the river rushing through a long series of cascades and small waterfalls, and banks thick with moss, ferns, lichens and liverworts under mixed woodland. The ravine is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The three big boulders were carried here by glacial forces nearly 10,000 years ago. Near Pont Clywedog there are industrial remains, including an early 18th century iron furnace and the former woollen mill and warehouse buildings. Otters, dormice and lesser horseshoe bats are supported by this habitat, though you should not count on seeing any of them.

The walk works year round and the woodland shade makes it a good warm-weather choice. Wet spells make the falls noticeably more dramatic, which is when the ravine is at its most atmospheric, and also when the footing needs the most care. For photography, soft overcast light or the diffuse light under the canopy suits the moss, ferns and moving water far better than harsh midday sun, and a longer exposure helps with the cascades.