Sarah P
10 November 2020
There’s nothing quite like stumbling upon the humbling site of a remote waterfall tumbling endlessly into deep pools, across majestic rock faces and through magnificent ravines. In both Snowdonia / Eryri National Park and the rest of Wales, wondrous waterfalls are in abundance, hidden away among the hills, mountains, valleys and vales, and we know just where to find them.
A natural water feature and a thing of pure beauty, your adventures in Wales deserve to include some of Eryri's / Snowdonia’s best waterfalls, some of which are swathed in myth and legend; it’s almost like you can feel the magic that surrounds the tumbling wall of water. We’ve collated the best waterfalls and waterfall walks in Snowdonia to help you plan your adventures. While some involve a long trek off the beaten tracks, others are just a short walk through woodlands with picnic areas and tree-lined trails perfect for families.
Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed
One of the most visited beauty spots in North Wales, Swallow Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Afron Llygwy River, 2 miles outside of Betws-y-Coed. Dramatic and mesmerising, it’s certainly a romantic spot for couples. With plenty of viewing areas, it’s a photographer’s dream – you only have to search Instagram for proof of that. One of the most remarkable times to visit Swallow Falls is during the winter months after wet weather has fuelled the current.
How do you get there?
Take the Swallow Falls Trail through beautiful Gwydir Forest Park, which is a delight in itself. The 2.5-mile route starts from the Ty’n Llwyn car park, 3.5 miles west of Betws-y-Coed.
Dolgoch Falls, Meirionnydd
A series of three waterfalls, Dolgoch Falls plunges down the steep sides of the picturesque, wooded gorge on the Nant Dolgoch stream, in the south west of Snowdonia National Park. The water cascades into deep pools peppered with moss-covered rocks. Although you’ll need to keep a close eye on them, this is one of Snowdonia’s waterfalls that you can easily explore with children in tow. Discover the caves and tunnels and cool your toes during a picnic by the pools.
How do you get there?
Park up in the Dolgoch Falls Hotel car park and enjoy a gentle 1-mile woodland walk past caves and tunnels until you reach this stunning Snowdonia waterfall.
Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn
In the foothills of the Carneddau mountains in the Coedydd Aber Nature Reserve, this majestic waterfall cascades with energy through a steep-sided valley. Towering high above you, surrounded by rocky outcrops and accentuated by lush trees, Aber Falls really is a sight to behold, and one that in our opinion, you shouldn't miss when you go chasing Snowdonia waterfalls. Watch out for the spray as the water hits the rocks - it can travel a long way!
How do you get there?
There is an easy family walk to Aber Falls which starts in the car park in Bont Newydd. You can take the same route back and refuel with a cup of tea and some cake in the café in the village.
Llanberis Waterfall, Llanberis
One of Snowdonia’s more modest and easy-to-reach waterfalls, Llanberis Waterfall is just 10 minutes upriver from Llanberis town centre. While a lot of locals and visitors with some time to kill take the short walk to the falls, it’s likely that a lot more people see it from Snowdon Mountain Railway Viaduct. While it's most spectacular after heavy rain, it’s also more important to take care of the water and make use of the safe viewing area.
How do you get there?
The walk begins from the start of the Llanberis Path and heads under the Snowdon Mountain Railway Viaduct, following the sign to the waterfalls.
Nantcol Waterfall, Llanbedr
Image credit: rupinsingh27 via Instagram
Natural beauty at its very best, Nantcol Waterfalls in Llanbedr is one of Snowdonia’s finest. While it’s beautiful and rugged, it offers visitors so much more too. The waterfall is in a magical woodland on private farmland, where there are picnic areas, woodland walks with information plaques, and the Children’s Island walk, which will delight little minds with adventure and discovery.
How do you get there?
There are four walks that start, and eventually end up in, the car park near Llanbedr. The best for catching a glimpse of the waterfall is the Riverside Walk, which is roughly an hour.
Conwy Falls, Pentrefoelas
Image credit: ella_stearn via Instagram
The breathtaking Conwy Falls cascades through the deep gorge of the Fairy Glen, famed for its magical stories of dancing fairies, and fairy-tale stories. Somewhere you can really enchant young minds, Conwy Falls is hidden away in 10 acres of SSSI-designated ancient native woodland, with a café where you can warm up and relax after adventures through the forest.
How do you get there?
Conwy Falls Forest Park is just a few miles outside of Betws-y-Coed, where you can park up and take the short, easy walk through the woodland to an array of viewpoints.
Watkin Path waterfall pools, Snowdon
This is possibly one of the most beautiful spots in all of Snowdonia, and somewhere that you are sure to create memories of a lifetime. These crystal-clear pools and majestic tumbling falls are hidden away on the Watkin Path, one of the routes to the top of Mount Snowdon. It’s a popular spot for wild swimming so why not kick off the walking boots and take a plunge on the wild side at this stunning beauty spot in the heart of Snowdonia National Park?
Like the idea of wild swimming in Wales? Find more beautiful wild swimming spots with our guide >>
How do you get there?
You can park at Nant Gwynant and take the Watkin Path towards the summit of Mount Snowdon; the pools are found about a quarter of a way up.
Waterfalls near Snowdonia
Just outside of Snowdonia National Park, here’s a taste of some of the best waterfalls in North Wales that are near Snowdonia.
Dyserth Waterfall, Dyserth
Where the River Ffyddion falls some 70 feet before joining the River Clwyd, this well-known landmark is a popular spot for visitors. With very easy access from the village of Dyserth, this waterfall in North Wales stands apart from many of the other more rural falls we have mentioned. It looks a little different too, with a pair of huge walls to its left that could be medieval and were originally built to support a water wheel.
How do you get there?
There is a car park at the waterfall in the village. The waterfall also offers the starting point for several public footpaths including the Dyserth-Prestatyn walkway and the Dyserth Circular Walk.
Pistyll Rhaeadr, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant
Recognised as Britain’s tallest single-drop waterfall, and the tallest in Wales, this enchanting sight is one of North Wales’ waterfalls that needs to be on your hit-list. Just within the Welsh border, it is only a few miles from Oswestry and Shrewsbury. The magnificent natural wonder reaches a huge 80m and is known to succumb to cold weather and freeze into a magical ice sculpture. It's also a pretty impressive site fringed with the amber leaves of autumn trees!
How do you get there?
The waterfall car park is just outside of the village of Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, and from here you can choose between a short, scenic stroll to the bottom or a 20-minute scramble to the top.
Rhiwargor Waterfall, Oswestry
A hidden gem in the rugged countryside, this lively North Wales waterfall spills over the slopes of Afon Eiddew Valley at the north end of Lake Vyrnwy. The imposing waterfall cuts through the trees and heath-clad slopes into the pools below. With lots of grassy areas and pretty pools, it makes a lovely spot for a picnic stop along your walk to find the falls.
How do you get there?
Head off from the Rhiwargor Waterfall car park at the northern end of Lake Vyrnwy and follow the mainly flat route along the valley of Afon Eiddew.
Eryri / Snowdonia waterfalls map
Book a cottage in Snowdonia / Eryri
Are you ready to take an adventure through the hills, mountains, forests, and valleys to uncover the best waterfalls in Eryri / Snowdonia? Book an Eryri / Snowdonia cottage as the base for your discoveries and create new memories that will last a lifetime.
Want to explore more of Wales? Be inspired by our guide to Snowdonia / Eryri National Park and extend your waterfall adventure by uncovering even more waterfalls in Wales.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.