You may not have realised that Wales is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in the UK. Due to the mixture of mountainous regions, rolling hills and woodlands, Wales provides an exciting variety of both calm and rugged scenery to explore. You can therefore discover a great range of waterfalls in Wales via trails which spiral around high cliffs and peaks, winding right the way down to the sea.
So, whether you’re an experienced hiker, or more of a leisured nature walker, you will find the right trail for you, out of our top picks for the best waterfall trails in Wales.
Aber Falls
A great, easy walk for all the family, Aber Falls can be found in the North of Snowdonia National Park. To reach the falls, you can park for free just off the A55 (well signposted) and walk roughly two miles from Abergwyngregyn.
What’s great about this waterfall is, it’s possible to bathe in the plunge pool at the base of the falls. However, the water is cold even in the height of summer, so ensure you take extra precaution if you choose to swim or paddle.
Location: Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd
Distance: Approx. 5km
Completion time: Roughly 1.5 hours, at a leisurely pace.
Parking: £5 at Aber Falls Car Park | get directions
Sgwd Einion Gam
The Elidir Trail waterfall walk offers a rugged route with views of several waterfalls, including Sgwd Einion Gam, as well as ancient woodlands and abandoned silica mines – perfect for any cavers out there!
One of the most impressive falls on the trail, Sgwd Einion Gam is the second highest waterfall in Wales at just over 70 feet!
This trail is best left to more experienced walkers, and will require the odd scramble, so sensible, supportive footwear and temperate clothing is advisable.
Location: Elidir Trail waterfall walk, Ystradfellte
Distance: Approx. 8.5 km for the whole trail, 4.5km to the fall
Completion time: Around 2 hours (to Sgwd Einion Gam only)
Parking: Pont Melin Fach car park | get directions
Devil’s Bridge Falls
The Devil’s Bridge Falls offers a magnificent stone bridge viewpoint for the point at which the River Mynach drops 90 metres (300 ft) in five steps before it plunges into the River Rheidol, which is surrounded by a deep wooded gorge.
Both the bridge and the fall are a spectacle; the area has drawn visitors for centuries, the bridge being a culmination of three stacked bridges, the first being built in the Medieval era.
Other notable landmarks to see during your visit include Jacob’s Ladder, and the Robber’s Cave.
Location: Ceredigion
Distance: 1.6 km
Completion time: 45 minutes
Parking: Devils Bridge Car Park – get directions
Pistyll Rhaeadr
A good trail for all skills levels, this walk takes you past the falls and then along a footpath running next to the Afon/River Rhaeadr.
Pistyll Rhaeadr is the largest waterfall in wales, standing at an impressive 240 feet, and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. It is often referred to as one of the tallest single drop waterfalls in the UK, however it actually falls in three stages, with the tallest being 40 meters.
Nonetheless, as this impressive waterfall is free to visit, it definitely makes for a great family day out.
Location: Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant
Distance: 1.8 km
Completion time: 20 minutes
Parking: Pistyll Rhaeadr Car Park | get directions
Swallow Falls
This is a easy trail, however there are steps down that are a little narrow and often slippery. This is more of a pay to view waterfall rather than a day out walking.
The Welsh name for this site is Rhaeadr Ewynnol, with ‘ewynnol’ having derived from ‘y wennol’, the first meaning ‘the swallow’ and the second referring to the ‘foaming’ of the river on the falls. Both truly describe the nature of this fall.
Though the falls offer beautiful scenery all year round, they are most impressive during months of heaving rain, such as November or March.
Completion time: 5 minutes to the falls only, 20 minutes for the loop trail. £2 entry.
Location: Betws-y-Coed
Distance: About 1 km
Parking: Lay-by near the entrance | get directions
Sgwd yr Eira
A steady walk for all the family, the hike to Sgwd yr Eira provides a scenic route through woodlands from Pontneddfechan village, to a beautiful curtain of water. Some sections do require steeper stepping of roughly 1 foot in parts.
What’s exciting about this fall is the footpath continues running behind the falls, so you can get up close and personal with the water. We advise that you wear waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes for this.
This waterfall is definitely one of the highlights of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Part of the Four Falls Walk, you can opt to extend you on-site visit should you wish.
Completion time: Roughly 1 hour to the falls, 2 hours round trip including a walk behind the fall (see below).
Location: Ystradfellte
Distance: 4 km
Henrhyd Falls
One of the National Trust’s Top 10 Legendary Walks in Wales, Henrhyd Falls is South Wales’ tallest waterfall at 90 feet!
This impressive fall is not only legendary; it’s Hollywood famous! The falls doubled as the bat cave in the big hit film The Dark Knight Rises.
Whilst this fall is quite easy to walk down to, it can be a little challenging en route back up the ravine. Make sure you wear sensible footwear and take plenty of refreshments!
Location: Brecon Beacons
Distance: 5.6 km out and back
Completion time: Roughly 2.5 hours.
The Fairy Falls
These falls are abound in legend, having gained their name in the Victorian era following rumoured sightings of fairies in the area. One of our favourite Waterfalls in Wales.
Sat in the heart of Trefriw village, these enchanting falls are believed to have formed during the last Ice Age around 20,000 years ago. The largest falls are roughly 25 feet, and are most impressive following moderate rainfall.
The site is free to visit and offers an easy walkway along the river Crafnant, which is itself a tributary of the river Conwy.
You can park in the village, and wander back there for an evening bite at Chandlers Brasserie or The Old Ship pub.
Location: Trefriw village, near Llanrwst
Distance: 0.3 km
Completion time: 15-30 minutes
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