Swallow falls

(Rhaeadr Ewynnol)

Swallow falls (or Rhaeadr Ewynnol in Welsh) is a spectacular waterfall west of Betws-y-Coed in Wales, United Kingdom.

From Betws-y-Coed drive west on road A4 for 4 kilometer until you see a parking at the right side of the road opposite of Swallow fall hotel. It is a small parking for approximately 10 cars. Already from the parking you can hear the roaring water of Swallow falls thundering down. Especially after a rainy period Swallow falls can become a very powerful waterfall. When we visited Swallow falls, end of July 2023, it had rained a lot and the waterfall was massive. So much power, so impressive that I think it belongs to the most powerful waterfall in the UK. I have also seen pictures that Swallow falls is reduces to a tiny stream (June 2023), so it isn’y always an impressive waterfall.

From the parking you are standing at the entrance of the path to the waterfall (100 meter). Unfortunately you have to pay admission to see the waterfall (£2 p/p in 2023). You can pay with a card or with coins. I don’t think there are opening hours and that you can visit Swallow falls 24/7.

After getting through the gate there are two or three good viewpoints but don’t expect a trail or hike. You only pay to see the waterfall, there is no trail.

There is another (free) viewpoint on Swallow falls on the other side of the river. You have to drive further west for 1,5 kilometer until you reach the bridge at Ty Hyll (ugly house). From here a trail at the north side of the river leads to another viewpoint on Swallow falls. I think this trail still exists but I am not sure.

Swallow falls drops down over only 9 meter but is quit impressive because of its shape and most of the time a respectable volume.

There are many great waterfalls in northern Wales and I like all of them. The absolute highlight was Aber falls, a majestic waterfall with great power.

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About Swallow falls

CountryWaterfalls in United Kingdom
RegionWales
LocationBetws-y-Coed
RiverAfon Llugwy
Height9m
Latitude53.102370
Longitude-3.846749
Best visitLate spring, after rainfall
Rating

Most nearby waterfalls

WaterfallDistance (linear)Rating
Cyfyng falls 5 km
Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd 9 km
Arfon Maesgwm waterfall 10 km
Rhaedr Ogwen 19 km
Aber falls 20 km