At a glance
A hidden wooded gorge on the River Conwy south of Betws-y-Coed — sheltered emerald pools between sculpted rock walls. Small entry fee (~£2–3, cash). Wild swimming, photography, short walk. No lifeguard. LL24 0SH, B5106.
Safety information
Wild swimming carries serious risks. Never swim alone. Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Enter the water gradually to avoid cold-water shock. Know your exit point before you start. Wear a tow float and consider a wetsuit even in summer — Welsh lake and sea temperatures rarely exceed 16°C.
In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard (sea) or Police / Mountain Rescue (lakes & rivers). Nearest A&E: Ysbyty Gwynedd, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor LL57 2PW. Tel: 01248 384 384.
About Fairy Glen
Fairy Glen is a small but spectacular river gorge on the Afon Conwy, approximately 2 miles south of Betws-y-Coed. Over millennia, the river has carved its way through the bedrock to create a series of smooth-walled chambers and emerald pools, their waters stained green by the surrounding oak woodland canopy. The effect is genuinely otherworldly — the carved rock walls, the colour of the water and the enclosed woodland setting combine to justify the name.
The site is on private land and charges a small entry fee — typically around £2–3 per person — which funds upkeep of the footpath and the site generally. The path from the roadside car park descends through mixed woodland to the gorge floor in approximately 10 minutes; the final section involves a scramble over rocks to reach the water level. The gorge itself is compact — the deepest and most striking sections are within a few minutes' walk of each other.
Wild swimming in the gorge pools has been practiced informally for generations and is tolerated by the landowner. The pools are sheltered from current, relatively warm by local standards, and visually remarkable. They are, however, mountain river water — cold, with variable depth, and with no safety supervision. The most important rule for Fairy Glen swimming, as with any gorge pool, is never to jump from the rocks above without knowing the depth of the pool below.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
Fairy Glen is on the River Conwy approximately 2 miles south of Betws-y-Coed, on the B5106 road toward Penmachno. Use postcode LL24 0SH. Look for a small informal car park on the left (east) side of the road. A short path descends through woodland to the gorge — allow 10 minutes from the car park to reach the water. The site is privately owned and has a small entry fee (typically £2–3 per person, paid at an honesty box or to a fee collector).
Yes — wild swimming in the gorge pools is a long-established activity at Fairy Glen. The River Conwy has carved several emerald-coloured pools between sculpted rock walls in the gorge, and the sheltered setting and relatively slow-moving water in the pools makes this one of the more accessible wild swimming spots in the area. The water is cold (typical mountain river temperature) and the depth of the pools varies. No lifeguard service; swim within your abilities and never alone.
Yes, with supervision. The short woodland walk to the gorge is suitable for older children (the path is uneven but short). The gorge itself involves scrambling over rocks to reach the water — accessible but not pushchair-friendly. The pools are an exciting environment for children, and the scale of the carved rock walls is impressive even for those not swimming. Young children should be kept well clear of the edges, which can be slippery.
Fairy Glen is on private land and a small fee (typically around £2–3 per person) is charged for access — collected at an honesty box near the car park or occasionally by a fee collector on site. The fee funds maintenance of the path and site. Bring cash as there is no card payment facility. Prices may change between seasons — these are approximate rates as of April 2026.
Yes — Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol) is 3 miles north of Fairy Glen on the A5 near Betws-y-Coed, and makes an excellent same-day pairing. Visit Swallow Falls first (paid access, on the A5), then return toward Betws-y-Coed and continue south on the B5106 to Fairy Glen. The combination gives two very different river experiences — the dramatic plunge falls of the Afon Llugwy at Swallow Falls and the calm gorge pools of the Conwy at Fairy Glen.
Betws-y-Coed station (Conwy Valley Line) is 2 miles north of Fairy Glen. From the station it is a pleasant 30-minute walk south through Betws-y-Coed village and along the B5106 to the gorge. Alternatively, local taxis from Betws-y-Coed are available. The Fairy Glen visit combines well with the Conwy Valley railway journey — one of the great scenic rail routes in North Wales.