**Renowned Welsh Waterfall Temporarily Out of Bounds Amid Safety Concerns**
One of Wales’ most celebrated natural gems, known locally as Rhaeadr y Parc Mawr and to English speakers as Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, has been closed to the public due to ongoing safety concerns. The decision to restrict access comes as a disappointment to both residents and tourists who cherish the site’s tranquillity and breathtaking landscape.
Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall is located deep within the Gwydir Forest, not far from the villages of Llanrwst and Trefriw, in the picturesque setting of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and ancient woodlands, the waterfall has long drawn those seeking a serene escape into nature. Its distinctive twin cascades, which split around a rocky outcrop at the summit, have earned it accolades as one of the finest horsetail falls in the United Kingdom—a waterfall type that retains continuous contact with the bedrock as water slides downward.
In recent years, the site has experienced a surge in popularity, with many visitors lauding it as a “hidden treasure” of North Wales. Last year, the site was even voted the ‘best hidden waterfall walk in the UK,’ a testament to its enduring appeal among nature enthusiasts. Online reviews frequently describe the destination as “absolutely amazing,” with guests highlighting the peaceful atmosphere, particularly during quieter periods when the footpaths are free of crowds.
However, in early May, visitors approaching the waterfall were met with cautionary notices and barriers on the approach roads. The closure, according to local authorities, is a necessary measure until urgent safety concerns are addressed. According to a spokesperson from Eryri National Park Authority, the primary concern is a number of unsafe trees that require expert attention. Although much of the required work has already been completed, the intervention coincided with the onset of the bird nesting season, which has complicated efforts to fully clear the hazards and perform maintenance work on the site’s footpaths.
Adding another layer to the ongoing efforts, the park authority is also conducting environmental monitoring around the falls. Samples collected from the area are currently being examined as part of long-term initiatives to preserve the delicate ecosystem that makes the waterfall such a unique attraction. The public has been assured that updates regarding the site’s reopening will be communicated through the park’s official social media channels.
The waterfall’s rich heritage is closely tied to the region’s mining history. Its Welsh name, Rhaeadr y Parc Mawr, refers to the historic Parc Mine—a once thriving centre for lead ore extraction. The nearby woodland, Coed Felin Blwm (“Lead Mill Wood”), echoes this industrial legacy, and ruins from the former Felin Blwm lead mill can still be found not far from the site.
Beyond its natural beauty and historical significance, the waterfall is also associated with Gwydir Castle, a fortified Tudor mansion that stands in the vicinity. In the 16th century, the castle’s owner, Sir John Wynn, cleverly harnessed the waterfall’s flow to create ornamental water features for his estate’s gardens. An ingenious system of channels and reservoirs once captured water above the falls, generating enough force to power a now-famed fountain.
Interestingly, it was Lady Willoughby of Gwydir who is said to have bestowed the poetic moniker “Grey Mare’s Tail” upon the falls, inspired perhaps by the silvery spray as it tumbles over the rocks.
For now, would-be visitors are urged to respect the closure while restoration, conservation, and environmental monitoring are underway. Authorities stress that public safety remains the top priority and remain hopeful that the beloved waterfall walk will be reopened ahead of the busy summer season, allowing once again for the enjoyment of what many consider the jewel of Snowdonia’s hidden landscapes.