Our guide to the best waterfalls in Eryri (Snowdonia)

Beyond the majestic mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, hidden amongst the ancient woodlands and towering mountains, lie a collection of beautiful waterfalls. Each offers its own unique charm and the chance to explore — and in some cases swim — amongst the rugged wilderness of this spectacular landscape. 

Prepare to be awestruck by the commanding power of Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls) or, for a gentler experience, follow the path towards Conwy Falls within the mystical Fairy Glen which promises a fairy-tale-like escape. For those wanting to witness without getting wet, the mesmerising beauty of Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) has captured the hearts of filmmakers, artists and photographers alike. 

Each waterfall promises a day of awe-inspiring beauty and adventure, and what better way to unwind afterwards than in a cosy holiday cottage? We’ve put together our guide to the best Snowdonia waterfalls — and if you need to find a place to stay nearby, be sure to browse our diverse selection of holiday homes. 

Skip to: 

• Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls) 
• Conwy Falls – Fairy Glen 
• Ceunant Mawr Waterfall 
• Watkins Path Waterfall  
• Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)
• Map of Eryri (Snowdonia) waterfalls  

Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls) 

Set in the northern foothills of the Carneddau range, on a lofty cill of igneous rock, you’ll find the utterly breathtaking Rhaeder Falls (Aber Falls) waterfall. This powerful waterfall is formed as the Afon Goch (Red River) plummets over a 36.5-metre drop, creating one of the most dramatic sights in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. 

The walk to the falls is along a well-maintained, hard, compact gravel path – accessible for most – that is slightly uphill but not too steep. The distance from the car park to the falls and back is around 2.5 miles. With various picnic spots along the way, it’s a great option for young families. These spectacular falls tumble into a plunge pool, which is popular with cold-water swimmers — however those with children might want to frolic along the more tranquil stream. Be wary of rocks too, they are very slippery. 

The Carneddau range is the largest uninterrupted part of Eryri, so visitors walking along the main footpath towards the falls may spot wild ponies, or one of the small Bronze Age settlements which includes an excavated roundhouse and a smithy fence — and several standing stones and cairns have also been preserved.  

Conwy Falls – Fairy Glen

Situated within the Fairy Glen near Betws-y-Coed, this chain of cascading waterfalls nestles along the Afon Gyrach river, a popular beauty spot in a secluded gorge. Famed for its ethereal surroundings and mystical atmosphere, Conwy Falls is the perfect destination for a family outing or a romantic stroll. 

The walk to Conwy Falls is a pleasant and relatively easy trail that takes you through the heart of the Fairy Glen, an ancient woodland that sits to the south of Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd. There are several viewpoints along the path offering stunning vistas of the falls and surrounding scenery. If you take the public footpath, the trek is about 3 miles long. 

A narrow gorge, with large rocks for perching, it’s a popular place with wild swimmers, with shallow areas for paddling, and the idyllic, fairy-tale setting further adds to its appeal. 

Ceunant Mawr Waterfall  

This impressive waterfall is situated near the village Llanberis, which is why Ceunant Mawr is also known as Llanberis Falls. Due to its unique form – cascading in two stages – it creates an enormous and dramatic drop, truly a sight to behold. Set within the stunning scenery of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, it’s a popular place to visit for spectacular photo opportunities. 

Those who embark on a hike to the falls tend to profess it is a moderate to easy trek that can be completed in around half an hour, however, the pathways are uneven and can get slippery, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear with plenty of grip. The viewpoint is also shared with Snowdon Mountain Railway, but actual footfall is relatively light, making it a bit of a hidden gem. 

Seasoned wild swimmers have been witnessed bathing at the 30-metre waterfall which pools at the bottom, however this isn’t generally recommended. It is well worth the walk to Ceunant Mawr, ‘the waterfall of the great ravine’, for the scenery alone. 

Watkins Path Waterfall  

Known as one of the more scenic routes up to Snowdon’s summit, this moderate pathway is the ideal trek for families and those wanting to explore the mountain with the reward of a cold and scenic swim. The Watkins Path is a popular pathway of mixed terrain, but accessible for most, with the ancient woodland almost laid out in stages, featuring various pools leading up to the summit. 

The path itself begins with a stone staircase opposite the car park. From there, simply follow the Watkin Path uphill through the woods and after a pleasant 20-30-minute walk, you'll be rewarded with the sight of the waterfall cascading in front of you. Keep an eye out for smaller paths branching off the main track as you get closer, then follow one of these until you reach a stone bridge and cross over this to the riverbank. 

There are various pools that have been carved out by the waterfall and these are suitable for swimming — many flock here just to enjoy a wild swim in the crystal clear, deep, cool waters before heading up to the summit. 

Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)  

This picturesque waterfall can be found near the village of Betws-y-Coed, Conwy and consists of a series of cascades which tumble down a wooded gorge along the River Ogwen. Utterly mesmerising, Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) has become a famous destination, iconic in the local area, having been used as a film location and regularly captured on camera and canvas.  

Because of its appealing scenery, the falls are a popular tourist hotspot and if you wish to embark on the trek, you’ll find it's a moderate walk, with a well-maintained path, though you’ll need a little extra oomph reaching the upper falls, where you’ll need to ascend a series of steep steps. There are also a number of viewing platforms en route, with a cafe and gift shop on site too. 

Due to Rhaeadr Ewynnol being a series of cascades, there’s no opportunity to swim here, but the location is perfect for a scenic stroll and yet more fabulous photo opportunities. 

Map of Eryri (Snowdonia) waterfalls

Find our top Snowdonia waterfalls on the map below. 

Stay in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Are you now desperate to chase waterfalls in Eryri? Have a browse of our cosy Eryri (Snowdonia) cottages and create an adventure amidst the cascading waters and breathtaking scenery that’s on offer in beautiful North Wales.

Whether you want a dog-friendly cottage or a property with a hot tub to soak in after a day of adventures, book a charming cottage nearby and enjoy the comfort of a home away from home.