There is something magnetic about a waterfall. It draws you in with a powerful force, inviting you to feel the spray on your skin and hear the thunder of nature at full volume. North Wales, with its mountain ranges, ancient valleys and abundant rainfall, is one of the finest waterfall destinations in the entire UK.
Whether you are planning a family day out from Caernarfon, a solo hiking adventure into the Snowdonia uplands, or simply want to know what is within easy reach of the Black Boy Inn, this guide covers the very best waterfalls North Wales has to offer. We have included walk times, parking details, difficulty ratings and distances from Caernarfon for every entry so you can plan your day before you leave.
Water Safety – Please Read Before You Go
Before reading ahead, we want to impress upon you the importance of water safety. No matter how tempting it may seem, you must not go swimming in any of these dangerous waterfalls as they can be unsuspecting hazards. Please be responsible, do ample research and do not attempt to swim in the plunge pools as they can have dangerous currents. Read water safety guidance from River and Sea Sense before visiting any waterfall.
Quick Reference: North Wales Waterfalls at a Glance
| Waterfall | Difficulty | Walk Time | From Caernarfon | Dog Friendly | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aber Falls | Easy | ~45 min return | ~30 min (23 miles) | Yes | Free (parking ~£3) |
| Swallow Falls | Very Easy | 5 min from car park | ~40 min (30 miles) | Check entry | £2 per person |
| Dolgoch Falls | Easy | ~1 hr circular | ~1 hr (47 miles) | Yes | Free (donation) |
| Conwy Falls | Moderate | ~30 min return | ~45 min (33 miles) | Cafe only | £1 per person |
| Rhaeadr Ceunant Mawr | Easy | ~15 min return | ~20 min (9 miles) | Yes | Free |
Distances and drive times are approximate from Caernarfon town centre. Always check current parking fees as these can change seasonally.
Why North Wales is One of the UK’s Best Waterfall Destinations
Waterfalls provide a feeling of calm, zen and wellbeing. This is theorised to be down to several reasons. As animals, we have a positive response with a connection to nature and waterfalls are about as natural as it gets. Others attribute it to the negative ions which are disseminated through the fresh air as the waterfall turns the water over and sends the vapour through the air.
Even the mere vision of the water falling to the plunge pool across the bare rock face and greenery is enough to make nearly anyone fall into a trancelike calm.
The Blue Mind theory is that humankind longs to be alongside bodies of water, be it moving rivers, tranquil oceans, or giant lakes. The water is an intrinsic part of life on earth and therefore magnetism to it is, of course, only natural.
North Wales is one of the best places in the UK to act on that pull. The mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) funnel rainfall into dozens of rivers and gorges, producing waterfalls of every type. Enormous cascades you can hear from a distance, quiet woodland drops hidden from the path, and multi-level series of falls connected by circular walks. Many of them are accessible within an hour’s drive of Caernarfon, making the Black Boy Inn an ideal base for a day or several days of waterfall hunting.
One of the best things about visiting in autumn and winter is that the falls are at their most dramatic after rain. In North Wales, the drizzle is not something to avoid. It is something to embrace, because it means the waterfalls are absolutely thundering.
With this in mind, we have put together our favourite waterfalls in the North Wales region.
1. Dolgoch Falls, Tywyn, Gwynedd
Difficulty: Easy | Walk: 1 mile circular | From Caernarfon: ~47 miles / 1 hour | Entry: Free (voluntary donation) | Dogs: Welcome
In the deep of the Talyllyn Valley lies the Nant Dolgoch gorge and its stream, a tributary of the Afon Fathew flows through it. This area is a mere four miles inland from the beaches of Tywyn and yet has a rugged, wooded inland feeling. Here you can find three waterfalls tumbling down the gorge’s edge into the pools below. A popular circular walk links all three of these waterfalls together. The walk here is very short, and only a 1-mile round trip which is well signposted. It’s an easy walk and you shouldn’t run into any problems so long as you are in good health and of reasonable mobility.
Each of the three levels has its own character. The lower falls are the most accessible, reachable in around ten minutes from the entrance and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The upper falls require more effort along steeper pathways with some loose stone steps, but reward you with a more dramatic and far less crowded view. The middle falls are the sweet spot for most visitors.
While the name implies a red meadow, it’s the emerald green moss that draws your attention. The exquisite moss carpets the woodland floor and spreads out across the rocks and up the tree trunks in a fabulous display of nature.
Though these waterfalls are just 4 miles from the beach it feels much more remote and peaceful. Perhaps consider bringing a picnic and don’t forget your camera and towel. There are many caves and tunnels to explore along the way but be aware of the slippery, mossy rocks.
Reach the falls from the nearby Dolgoch station on the Talyllyn Railway for the most enjoyable route. It is one of the world’s oldest preserved steam railways and the station sits immediately beside the falls entrance. Access into the falls is free, though the area is marked with voluntary donation boxes. The lower falls are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but the other 2 levels have steep pathways and some loose step stones likely to impede travel. This level can be reached in about a 10-minute walk.
Getting there: Dolgoch Station on the Talyllyn Railway, or by road near Tywyn, LL36 9AJ. From Caernarfon take the A487 south and allow approximately one hour.
2. Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr), Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd
Difficulty: Easy | Walk: ~4.5km circular | From Caernarfon: ~23 miles / 30 minutes | Entry: Free (parking ~£3, cash) | Dogs: Welcome
This famous waterfall is perhaps one of the easiest to navigate your way to. It has a little walk to get there but it is worth the trip and isn’t too challenging for anyone who can manage a medium length incline walk. After a hike through green fields alongside babbling brooks and streams, and through some light woodland, you will eventually find yourself at the foot of a mighty cascading waterfall with tonnes of water tumbling overhead. Get some snaps while here!
Aber Falls in Snowdonia National Park is actually two waterfalls located closely together, 2 miles south of Abergwyngregyn in Gwynedd. The larger of the falls located in this scenic woodland spot is Rhaeadr Fawr, which literally means “big waterfall”. The smaller is Rhaeadr Bach and appears to be taller but has a thinner water flow.
Standing at 37 metres, roughly 120 feet, Rhaeadr Fawr is one of the most impressive single-drop waterfalls in all of North Wales. The most common route is a family friendly circular walk from Abergwyngregyn. This walk isn’t very steep and is only about 4.5km round trip so most people, including children, should be able to make the trip without too much difficulty. The well-maintained gravel path with its gradual incline is suitable for pushchairs and all-terrain wheelchairs for most of the route.
For the slightly more adventurous, venture off the path to Rhaeadr Bach which is a narrower path and is less developed than the main trail. Small children especially may have trouble with this path and pushchairs and wheelchairs aren’t possible here.
By all accounts, the falls themselves are a spectacular sight and worth the relatively short walk. The larger fall is formed as the Afon Gogh river plunges 120 feet down to the rocks below. The water below is cold but wading and paddling are possible, for you and the pooch!
Visitors might also be interested in the Bronze Age settlements along the way, including an excavated roundhouse. Numerous historical standing stones and burial mounts can be spotted along the walk as well.
The car park is well signposted and has a fee of £3 (as of this writing) and is cash only. You can then proceed to the clearly marked path for the falls for a lovely walk and some excellent photo opportunities. Note that the access road is narrow and the car park fills quickly at weekends in summer, so an early start is advisable.
Getting there: Bont Newydd car park, Abergwyngregyn, LL33 0LP. From Caernarfon take the A55 eastbound, approximately 30 minutes.
3. Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol), Betws-y-Coed, Conwy
Difficulty: Very Easy | Walk: 5 minutes from car park | From Caernarfon: ~30 miles / 40 minutes | Entry: £2 per person | Dogs: Check on arrival
This is an area of outstanding natural beauty, a gorgeous waterfall where the Afon Llugwy streams through a tight and narrow chasm creating a fantastic display of water that attracts many people from all over to witness its splendour.
The Afon Llugwy river flowing through a narrow ravine creates the Rhaeadr Ewynnol, or Swallow Falls, one of the nation’s most spectacular waterfalls. The name means “foaming waterfall” and it doesn’t let you down. Swallow Falls is the tallest, continuous waterfall in Wales and is, by all accounts, a natural wonder of the world. This multiple waterfall system has been a hot spot for tourists and locals alike for generations.
The falls can be viewed from a spot above the river with no strenuous walking or the more venturesome folks can take the stairs on foot to the water below. These exquisite views are worth the more challenging approach and people without mobility issues should be able to make the descent.
Parking for the falls is along the A5 and in a neighbouring hotel. Entry to the viewing platform is £2 per person. The platform viewing is both wheelchair and pushchair friendly but there is a turnstile entrance with a larger gate that isn’t always open. This means that getting through the entrance may not be possible for those on wheels or four legs. Visitors may want to check before heading over if this could be an issue.
For those who want more of an adventure, there is an alternative approach along the north bank of the river. Park near the Ty Hyll cafe, the famous Ugly House, and walk approximately half a mile downstream to a viewpoint on the opposite bank. This gives a completely different perspective of the falls and avoids the entry fee entirely.
Getting there: Swallow Falls Hotel car park, A5, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0DW. From Caernarfon take the A4086 through Llanberis and Capel Curig, approximately 40 minutes.
4. Conwy Falls (Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd), Betws-y-Coed, Conwy
Difficulty: Moderate | Walk: ~30 minutes return | From Caernarfon: ~33 miles / 45 minutes | Entry: £1 per person | Dogs: Welcome at cafe
Conwy Falls forest park is home to its eponymous waterfall. The park is located on 10 acres of breathtaking area, all designated SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and filled with ancient woodland that is characteristic of the Snowdonia region in North Wales. You can access this by paying a reasonable £1 per person next to the Conwy Falls Cafe.
Conwy Falls, situated in the Conwy Falls Forest Park near Penmachno, is a magical spot, so its other name, “The Fairy Glen”, is quite fitting. One could expect to see tiny fairies or a gnome scramble along the brilliant green landscape. Given that this waterfall is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it is kept as minimally maintained as possible while still safe for walkers and climbers. People who are relatively steady will make the round trip to the waters edge without too much trouble. The walk is somewhat steep with loose stones and roots underfoot. It is also muddy and slippery at times so wear appropriate footwear.
One seasonal highlight worth timing your visit around: if you come in late summer or early autumn, keep an eye on the salmon ladder, a series of pools constructed to allow fish to migrate upstream. Watching salmon push against the current is a remarkable sight that most visitors never think to look for.
Conwy Falls claims to have wheelchair access but by all accounts, this is not a friendly place to bring wheelchairs or pushchairs. There is a cafe at the entrance that is lovely, The Conwy Falls Cafe, where you can grab a bite to eat, use the public toilets or soak up a few minutes of WiFi. Well behaved dogs are welcome at the cafe and there is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Getting there: Conwy Falls Cafe, A5, Penmachno, LL24 0PS. From Caernarfon take the A4086 toward Betws-y-Coed, approximately 45 minutes.
5. Rhaeadr Ceunant Mawr (Llanberis Falls), Llanberis, Gwynedd
Difficulty: Easy | Walk: ~15 minutes return | From Caernarfon: ~9 miles / 20 minutes | Entry: Free | Dogs: Welcome
Above Llanberis is the lesser-known Waterfall of Rhaeadr Ceunant Mawr. There are two parts to this: the upper and lower falls. You should be very careful here as the footing is not good in parts. The lower falls are easier to access, and you should keep a sensible distance from the waterfall’s plunge pool. It is very nice to look at but care should be taken.
The Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, also known as Llanberis Falls, is situated a few hundred metres upriver from the town centre of Llanberis in Gwynedd. The translation of the falls name means “waterfall of the great ravine” and it doesn’t disappoint. This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Wales with its 100+ foot, two-level plunge into the gorge below.
This is also the closest waterfall to Caernarfon on this list, just nine miles away and a twenty minute drive, which makes it an easy option if you are based at the Black Boy Inn and want a waterfall visit without a long journey.
Reach the falls by parking in the village and traveling the well sign-posted route. Beware that the locals aren’t happy with visitors parking at the gate, which is littered with many “No Parking” signs. The walk to the falls is an easy stroll and only takes a few minutes. Follow the footpath uphill reaching a turnstile entrance, which then filters to the viewing area for the falls.
This waterfall is not recommended for swimming or paddling but take as many photos as you like! Llanberis village itself is well worth time after your visit, with the Snowdon Mountain Railway, the National Slate Museum and the shores of Llyn Padarn all within easy reach.
Getting there: Park in Llanberis village centre, LL55 4EL. From Caernarfon take the A4086 east, approximately 20 minutes. The falls are signposted from the main street.
Planning Your Waterfall Day Out from Caernarfon
What to Wear and Bring
North Wales weather is famously changeable and waterfall environments are inherently damp. Even in dry weather the spray means you will get wet close up. A few essentials will make the difference between a great day and a miserable one:
- Waterproof jacket – non-negotiable regardless of the forecast
- Sturdy walking boots with grip, especially for Conwy Falls and Rhaeadr Ceunant Mawr
- Layers, as temperatures drop quickly in gorges and wooded valleys
- Water and snacks, as cafe facilities vary by location
- Camera or phone in a waterproof case, as spray reaches further than you expect
- Cash, as some car parks and entry points do not take cards
- Dog lead and towel if bringing a dog
Best Time of Year to Visit
The waterfalls are at their most dramatic during and immediately after periods of heavy rainfall. Autumn and early winter produce the most powerful flows. Summer brings the highest visitor numbers, particularly at Swallow Falls and Aber Falls, so an early start is advisable on weekends between June and August. Spring offers a good balance with decent water levels, fewer crowds and the woodland beginning to come back to life around the falls.
Combining Waterfalls into a Full Day
Several of these waterfalls can be combined into a single day. A natural pairing is Swallow Falls and Conwy Falls, which sit within fifteen minutes of each other near Betws-y-Coed. Aber Falls pairs well with a drive along the North Wales coast. Rhaeadr Ceunant Mawr in Llanberis is close enough to Caernarfon to work as an easy morning out without eating into a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in North Wales waterfalls?
We strongly advise against swimming in any of the waterfalls listed in this guide. Plunge pools beneath waterfalls can have powerful and unpredictable currents regardless of how calm they appear from the surface. Please read the water safety guidance linked at the top of this page before visiting.
Are North Wales waterfalls suitable for children?
Most of the waterfalls in this guide are family friendly, with Aber Falls and Dolgoch Falls being the most accessible for young children. Always keep children back from the water’s edge and be aware that paths near falls are often wet and slippery underfoot.
Which North Wales waterfall is closest to Caernarfon?
Rhaeadr Ceunant Mawr above Llanberis is the closest at approximately nine miles, around twenty minutes by car. It is free to visit, easy to reach on foot from Llanberis village, and impressive for the minimal effort involved.
Do I need to pay to see North Wales waterfalls?
Most of the waterfalls in this guide are free to visit. Car parking charges apply at Aber Falls (approx £3, cash). Swallow Falls charges £2 per person entry. Conwy Falls charges £1 per person. Dolgoch Falls is free with a voluntary donation box on site.
Are North Wales waterfalls accessible for wheelchairs?
Accessibility varies. Aber Falls has the best accessibility with a largely flat gravel path suitable for pushchairs and most wheelchairs. The lower level of Dolgoch Falls is accessible. The Swallow Falls viewing platform is accessible though the turnstile can cause issues, so call ahead to confirm. Conwy Falls is not practically accessible despite some claims to the contrary.
What is the best waterfall in North Wales?
It depends what you are looking for. Aber Falls offers the best combination of scale, accessibility and scenery. Swallow Falls offers the most drama for the least effort. Dolgoch Falls offers the most atmosphere. Rhaeadr Ceunant Mawr is the best option if you want something impressive close to Caernarfon.
Stay at the Black Boy Inn – Your Base for North Wales Adventures
The Black Boy Inn in Caernarfon puts you within easy reach of all five waterfalls in this guide, as well as the wider landscapes of Eryri National Park, the Llyn Peninsula and the North Wales coast. Whether you are planning a single day walk or a week of outdoor adventures, we have rooms and self-catering accommodation to suit.
Browse our accommodation options or explore more things to do near Caernarfon.