5 of the best waterfalls in Snowdonia National Park
One thing we have in abundance here in Wales is rain. The country is renowned for it, with Cardiff officially being the UKs wettest city.
Because of all that precipitation we are blessed with an abundance of wonderful waterfalls of all shapes and sizes strewn right across the country.
Although they aren’t situated in luscious jungles or basking in thirty-degree heat, they are often shrouded in romance, myth, and legend and are arguably some of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in the world.
Within this blog post I have highlighted 5 of the best waterfalls in Snowdonia National Park and how to reach them.
Key information before visiting the waterfalls
These waterfalls can get very busy, especially in the peak summer months, if you want them at their quietest and when they are the most impressive consider visiting during the wetter months.
For the wild swimmers amongst you I would also recommend packing a pair of swimmers a towel as almost all of these have some form of pool you can take a refreshing plunge into.
Access to a several of these waterfalls are via narrow roads with limited parking. Be respectful of the locals and get there early (or late) to guarantee a space
In south wales ‘Sgwd’ is the word for waterfall whilst in North Wales its Rhaeadr (we’re a funny old bunch)
Appropriate footwear and a waterproof coat are recommended even if its dry.
Watkin Pools
These may be the smallest waterfalls on this list but I’d go as far as saying the most magical.
Located on the Watkin Path, one of seven routes up Snowdon, the Watkin pools are a series of natural plunge pools connected by serval waterfalls
The water which flows through them is some of the clearest and most turquoise I have ever seen. You could honestly mistake this place for Canada or the Dolomites. Adding to the allure of this location is the large single stoned bridge which crosses the most elegant part of the waterfall.
The location is a firm favourite with wild swimmers due to the crystal-clear waters and very deep circular plunge pools. All though it may look inviting the water is baltic, so consider dipping the toes before you attempt any cannonballs.
How to reach the waterfall
Pay and display parking is available in the village of Nant Gwynant, from here it’s a one-mile walk involving 440ft of elevation to the pools which are marked by a large cascading waterfall. I would also recommend stopping by Caffi Gwynant for a bite to eat afterwards as they do a terrific cooked breakfast.
2 - Aber Falls
Located just off the North Wales coast in the northern most part of Snowdonia national park lies the mighty Aber Falls.
Known in welsh as Rhaeadr Fawr which means big waterfall, the 37m fall is one of two waterfalls situated at the head of Aber Valley.
The waterfall is the most popular destinations in Snowdonia and for good reason. The family friendly path winds through a beautiful valley before emerging at the base of this mighty cascade of water.
A side view of Aber falls - I actually took this using a 10 second self timer
Once at the waterfalls base you can view it from a variety of angles.
I would also take the time to make the short 5 minute walk over to Rhaeadr Bach or Small Waterfall. This waterfall isn’t as impressive as Aber Falls but you are able to climb up alongside it and explore its many plunge pools located towards the top.
Parking is available outside the village of Abergwyngregyn. It costs £5 per day and there are toilets on site.
From the car park Aber falls can be reached via a 2km walk along a well-maintained gravel path which is pushchair friendly. When in full flow you will be able to hear the thunderous roar of the waterfall before you see it.
Aber falls
Rhaeadr Bach - 5 minutes from Aber Falls
3. Pistyll Rhaeadr
Regarded as One of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’, Pistyll Rhaeadr is located in mid-west Wales sandwiched between Snowdonia National Park and the Welsh border near Oswestry.
The gem of a waterfall cascades 73m over three stages, with the highest section being around 40m. The waterfalls secluded location, dramatic nature, and the fact that part of it flows through an natural arch shaped rock make this one of the best in Wales.
The waterfall is often wrongly regarded at the tallest single drop waterfall in Wales, a title which belongs to the Devils Appendix located in Snowdonia’s Ogwen Valley.
4 - Rhaeadr Eynnol
More commonly known as Swallow Falls, Rhaeadr Ewynnol actually translates into English as ‘foaming waterfall’. This picturesque waterfall which cascades down the River Llugwy is located around two miles outside of Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia National Park.
Free parking is available in a lay-by opposite the Swallow Falls Hotel on the A5. Access to the two purpose built platforms which overlook the waterfall is a via a secure, prison-like turnstile which costs £2 to enter.
If you fancy a cheaper and more exciting way to see the falls then consider walking the trail on its north bank. You can park next to the Ty Hyll café and walk half a mile downstream to the viewpoint on the other side of the river Llugwy.
5 - The Secret Waterfall
Tucked away in the hills of southern Snowdonia lies this gem of a waterfall.
The waterfall, which plunges into a batman-esqe slate cavern and is surrounded a dense forest of trees is often referred to as the “Secret Waterfall of Snowdonia’.
This is mainly because of its hidden location, which is far away from the usual hotspots of the national park, and how difficult it is to find.
In fact even though I knew roughly where the waterfall was, I had to rely on chance meeting with a another couple who had the exact grid co-ordinates in order to find it.
Now this highly sough out place is one that is very peaceful and rather undisturbed and because of that I’m not going to give away the exact location of where it is. however I have written a separate blog post on my journey to find the waterfall and have included where you can start your hike to find the waterfall from.
There we have it, the five must visit waterfalls in Snowdonia National Park. Let me know in the comments below which is your favourite and if I have missed any out.
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For more travel, & photography inspiration around Wales check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite regions below.