At a glance
8 verified waterfalls — from Pistyll Rhaeadr (80 m, the highest in Wales) to the tourist-friendly Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed. Most impressive after autumn and winter rainfall.
About waterfalls in North Wales
North Wales's topography — high rainfall, steep valleys and hard metamorphic rock — creates some of the most impressive waterfalls in Britain. Snowdonia receives over 3,000 mm of rain annually at the summit and the rivers that drain the mountains carve dramatic gorges and falls before reaching the coastal plain.
Pistyll Rhaeadr stands apart. Located in the Berwyn Mountains south-east of Snowdonia — one of the least-visited hill ranges in Wales — it drops 80 metres through a natural arch cut through solid rock by the Afon Disgynfa. It was described by the 17th-century traveller George Borrow as "the most beautiful thing he had seen in Wales." It remains private land but is accessible year-round via a teahouse and small car park at Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant.
Swallow Falls on the Afon Llugwy near Betws-y-Coed is the most visited, easily reached from the A5. Aber Falls near Abergwyngregyn — a 40-minute walk through an NNR — is one of the most dramatic in North Wales, set in a glacially carved cwm. Dolgoch Falls near Tywyn can be combined with a trip on the Talyllyn Railway, with a halt at Dolgoch station.
Top 8 waterfalls
Waterfalls by region
- Snowdonia
- The highest concentration: Swallow Falls, Conwy Falls, Ceunant Mawr (Llanberis), Pistyll y Llyn (Cwmorthin), Rhaeadr Ddu (Ganllwyd). Most accessible from Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis and Beddgelert.
- Conwy & North Coast
- Aber Falls (Abergwyngregyn) — easiest to reach from the A55 coast road, just 10 minutes from junction 13.
- Clwydian Range / South
- Pistyll Rhaeadr in the Berwyn Mountains (technically outside Snowdonia but the finest in the region). Moel y Faen waterfalls above Llangollen.
Frequently asked questions
Pistyll Rhaeadr in the Berwyn Mountains near Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant is the highest waterfall in Wales, dropping 80 metres (262 feet) in two stages through a natural rock arch. It is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The falls are on private land but access is via a teahouse and car park at the end of a narrow lane — a small charge applies. A short walk (10 minutes) from the car park leads to the base of the falls. Higher viewpoints are accessible on a longer walk.
Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol) is on the Afon Llugwy, 2 miles west of Betws-y-Coed on the A5 road. It is the most-visited waterfall in Wales, easily accessible from the road with a small car park and café. A modest entry charge applies (approximately £2 per person) at the viewing platform. The falls are at their most dramatic after heavy rain. Accessible year-round; the path from the car park is surfaced but steep.
Yes. Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr) in the Abergwyngregyn village near Bangor is one of the most impressive waterfalls in North Wales — a wide, single-drop fall of 37 metres into a pool in a natural amphitheatre. The walk from the car park takes about 40 minutes each way along a good track through a National Nature Reserve. Free to visit; small NRW car park charge. Particularly spectacular in winter and after rain.
Autumn (October–November) and winter (December–February) after rainfall give the most powerful, most photogenic falls. Spring snowmelt (March–April) can also produce exceptional flow. Summer can leave some falls reduced to a trickle during dry spells — particularly Swallow Falls. Always check recent rainfall before a dedicated waterfall trip. Pistyll Rhaeadr has never been known to run dry.
Wild swimming at waterfalls carries significant risks — powerful currents, cold water, submerged rocks and difficult exit points make plunge pools at the base of falls some of the most hazardous wild swimming environments. Some waterfalls have designated pools where swimming is traditional and relatively safe (the lower pools at Swallow Falls are sometimes used). Always assess conditions carefully and never enter plunge pools during or after heavy rain.
Most smaller waterfalls are free. Pistyll Rhaeadr charges a small car park/teahouse fee. Swallow Falls charges a viewing platform fee (~£2 per person). Aber Falls is free (small NRW car park charge). Conwy Falls charges a small entry fee via the adjacent café grounds. Dolgoch Falls is free but accessed on foot from the Talyllyn Railway halt at Dolgoch — a combined train and waterfall visit is possible.