Swallow Falls

What is it? 

Swallow Falls is a 42-metre cascade on the Afon Llugwy just a few miles from Betws-y-Coed village. 

Where is it? 

Snowdonia National Park, Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0DW 

What’s there? 

The waterfall is accessible by different hiking trails ranging in difficulty. There is a viewing platform close to the Falls. Swallow Falls is a popular tourist destination, and not far from Betws-Y-Coed. 

Facts - 

▪ The cascade's name was recorded in 1773 as Rhaiadr y wenol or the Waterfall of the Swallow. This is thought to refer to the way the water resembles the tail of a swallow where a large rock divides the flow into two streams. 

▪ The falls were given to the local council in 1913 by Lord Ancaster. A small charge for visitors was introduced, to help pay for the council’s outlay on Betws-y-Coed's new water and electricity utilities. 

▪ It’s been a traveller favourite for centuries and has made appearances in poems, film, paintings, and countless postcards through the ages 

▪ The waterfall is a multiple waterfall system – meaning that it has several drops over boulders to make before it reaches the bottom of the gorge.