12 of the best waterfalls in Wales
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.
Fortunately, all that rain has its benefits and here in Wales we are blessed with an abundance of wonderful waterfalls of all shapes and sizes strewn right across the country.
Although they may not be situated in luscious jungles or be 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, especially those that you can stand directly behind.
Within this blog post I have highlighted 12 wonderful Welsh waterfalls which you must visit.
They are spread all across the country, however over half of them are located in Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons, soo if you want your fill of waterfall head there first.
Key information before visiting the waterfalls
In south Wales ‘Sgwd’ is the word for waterfall whilst in North Wales its ‘Rhaeadr’.
Lots of these waterfalls have very limited facilities at the car park or on route, so use the loo before you set off and pack some snacks and water.
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. Just remember to use you best judgement before getting in.
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.
I will always recommend wearing appropriate and grippy footwear alongside a waterproof coat even if its dry.
1 - Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons
Waterfall height: 90ft
Distance to Waterfall: 500m one way
Accessibility: Easy
The crown Jewel of the Brecon Beacons and arguably the finest waterfall in Wales. When it is in full flow there are not many waterfalls which can match this for its size, beauty and power.
Henrhyd Falls is so impressive it doubled up as the entrance to Batmans ‘batcave’ in the final scene one the Hollywood blockbuster ‘the Dark Knight rises’
Set with a deep wooded gorge, the 27m/90ft waterfall is the highest in South Wales. The car park is free and is located a short distance (< 800m meters) from the waterfalls via a steep but well maintained and signposted path.
What makes this waterfall even more incredible is the fact there is a path that allows you stand directly behind the waterfall.
Unfortunately, there is no hidden batcave behind the waterfall but it is still an incredible experience, just pack some waterproofs as if there’s been heavy rain you’ll get wetter than an otters pocket.
2 - Watkin Pools, Snowdonia
Waterfall height: 10-15ft
Distance to Waterfall: 2km one way
Accessibility: moderate
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 narrow bridge which crosses the most elegant part of the pool.
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.
3 - Sgwd Einion Gam, Brecon Beacons
Waterfall height: 70ft
Distance to Waterfall: 3km one way
Accessibility: Difficult
The 70ft Sgwd Einion Gam, aka ‘the fall of the crooked anvil’, is the second-highest waterfall in South Wales and is located deep in the heart of Waterfall Country.
Its imposing and encircling cliffs and lower set of falls make this waterfall one of the most impressive and mysterious within the Brecon Beacons.
Many don’t know where this waterfall is actually located, despite it being only half a mile upstream from the extremely popular Sgwd Gwaldus.
In fact, the first time I attempted to find it I turned around as I wasn’t even sure this place actually existed.
Sgwd Einon Gam is also part of the Elidir trail, a majestical woodland walk in the heart of waterfall country.
I have written a detailed blog post below outlining the walk and how to reach the elusive falls.
4 - Aber Falls, Snowdonia
Waterfall height: 120ft
Distance to Waterfall: 2km one way
Accessibility: Easy
A side view of Aber falls - I actually took this using a 10 second self timer
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.
Parking is available outside the village of Abergwyngregyn. It costs £5 per day and there are toilets on site. Parking is limited and access is via a very narrow road which can become a bit of an issue when the waterfall gets busy.
Aber falls
5 - Sgwd yr Eira, Brecon Beacons
Waterfall height: 30ft
Distance to Waterfall: 2.4km One way
Accessibility: Moderate
Sgwd yr Eira, or ‘Waterfall of Snow’ is a broad, 50ft waterfall which can resemble a curtain of water after a heavy period of rain. What makes the waterfall so special is the path which allows you to walk directly behind the waterfall.
Again, If the rainfall has been heavy I would recommend packing a decent waterproof jacket and some grippy shoes as you will get rather moist
The waterfall is part of part of the magical Four falls trail in the heart of Waterfall country in the Brecon Beacons.
This 6.5km circular loop cuts through some the ancient woodland of the Brecon Beacons and stops by four spectacular waterfalls: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Y Pannwr and the magnificent Sgwd yr Eira.
The route is well maintained, well signposted and not at all difficult making it suitable for even young children.
I have written a dedicated blog post on the Four Waterfalls walk route below, including the best place to park and a more adventurous and alternative route to get back to the start point.
6 - Pistyll Rhaeadr, Mid Wales
Waterfall height: 240ft
Distance to Waterfall: 200 m One way
Accessibility: easy
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 Owestry.
The gem of a waterfall cascades 73 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.
7 - Hidden Waterfall, Snowdonia
Waterfall height: 80ft
Distance to Waterfall: N/A
Accessibility: Hard
Nested away in the southern boundaries of the national park lies one of Snowdonia’s most coveted and guarded locations.
The secret waterfall.
The waterfalls impressive stature and its Batman-esq surrounding is what makes this location so sought after.
Set deep within a secluded forest, the single drop fall cascades down into the cavernous remains of a once mined quarry.
You can find more information in my blog post below.
Unfortunately I dont share the exact location of the waterfall in order to preserve its unspoilt and secluded charm, however there are plenty of clues to help you on your way.
8 - Sgwd Gwladus, Brecon Beacons
Waterfall height: 30ft
Distance to Waterfall: 2km one way
Accessibility: Easy
The white lady falls is a spectacular cascade of water which flows 10m over a lip of sandstone.
As well as being able to peer over the edge of the sandstone lip, you are able to walk behind the waterfall, but you do run the risk of slipping and falling in (which may actually add to the enjoyment of other people’s walks).
You can also go swimming beneath the falls, however, whatever you don’t jump off the lip into the water. The water depth, and what's lurks beneath the murky water is constantly changing, with all the fallen trees and deforestation in the area there could easily be a large branch beneath the water.
For a detailed guide to Elidir Trail including where to park check out my blog post below.
9 - Melincourt Waterfall, Brecon Beacons
Waterfall height: 80ft
Distance to Waterfall: 500m one way
Accessibility: Very easy
A lesser known, 80ft high waterfall located just outside of the Brecon Beacons national park boundary near the town of Resolven.
Under-appreciated and under-visited, It’s a beautiful set of waterfalls (there is a smaller waterfall to the right if the main falls) which shares a resemblance to the mighty Henrhyd falls. Unfortunately, you cannot walk behind this waterfall, but its secluded location and lack of visitors certainly make up for this.
The waterfalls are extremely easy to access from the free car park. Simply cross the main road and follow the path alongside the eastern bank (right-hand side) of the river upstream for 500m.
To find out where to park check out my guide below.
10 - Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Brecon Beacons
Waterfall height: 5-15ft
Distance to Waterfall: 1.6km one way
Accessibility: Moderate
Another Beauty of a waterfall located on the Four Falls trail in the Brecon Beacons.
In fact this one slightly pips Sgwd yr Eiria as my favourite waterfall on the walk.
Translated to the ‘lower fall of the white meadows’ this is actually a sequence of waterfalls, separated by several ledges and deep pools which you can actually swim in.
You can view the falls from below, from above, and if you read my guide below from the other side of the river.
11 - Sychryd Falls, Brecon Beacons
Waterfall height: 10ft
Distance to Waterfall: 870m one way
Accessibility: moderate
A stones throw from the main visitor centre in the Brecon Beacons Waterfall Country lies Sychryd gorge, a small secluded set of falls traversed by a wooden footbridge.
This isn’t the biggest or most impressive set of falls in the Beacons but its secluded nature, fairytale-esq surroundings, and lack of other visitors make it a perfect waterfall to visit if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
For the adventurous amongst you, Theres also two abandoned silica mines which you can explore, so pack a head torch and let your inner child run wild.
12 - Rhaeadr Eynnol aka Swallow Falls, Snowdonia
Waterfall height: 30ft
Distance to Waterfall: 200m one way
Accessibility: Easy
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 2 miles outside of Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia National Park.
Parking is available in a large car park at the Swallow Falls Hotel and the waterfall is situated on the other side of the A5. Access to the two purpose built platforms is a via a secure and prison like turnstile which costs £2.
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.
There we have it, 12 of the best waterfalls in Wales which you must visit.
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.