So, I’ve covered the best waterfalls in Wales. But what about the best Snowdonia waterfalls to visit? Snowdonia might be primarily known for Mt Snowdon and its mountain climbing opportunities. However, the national park is also blessed with lots (and lots) of stunning waterfalls – including the tallest single-drop waterfall in Wales.
If you are short on time or have only planned a trip to Snowdonia National Park, you hardly want to go travelling across the whole of Wales to find one specific waterfall! Especially if there are beautiful Snowdonia waterfalls to visit on your doorstep.
Get ready to be impressed! Here are the top six waterfalls in Snowdonia.
Llanberis Waterfalls
Height: Approx. 30.5 metres
Access: Accessible via a 1.5-mile walk from Llanberis
Address: 2 Waterfall Vw, Llanberis, Caernarfon, LL55 4TH
Llanberis Waterfalls are stunning. If you want to admire a powerful waterfall and pristine plunge pool while keeping your feet dry, Llanberis is a great option.
The waterfall drops in two stages and is surrounded by woodland that you can explore afterwards via quiet footpaths.
Llanberis is located in Northwest Snowdonia, just a 20-minute drive from Caernarfon. From popular North Welsh holiday destinations like Pwllheli, Port Meirion, Porthmadog, and Criccieth, you can reach Llanberis Waterfalls by car in under an hour.
As stated above, Llanberis is best for keeping your feet dry, and I’d dissuade anyone from swimming in the pools. There have been a number of fatalities and injuries in the water, so avoid swimming and remain cautious around the water’s edge. Keep a respectful distance, and you’ll have a wonderful trip!
Swallow Falls
Height: Approx. 42 metres
Access: Accessible via a 2.5-mile walk from Swallow Falls Hotel
Address: Snowdonia National Park, Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0DW
Rather than having an impressive single drop, Swallow Falls spills prettily over rocks in a constant, rushing pattern. The falls have multiple layers, diversions, and drops, and it is rumoured to be the highest continuous waterfall in Wales.
You’ll have to pay £2 per person to see Swallow Falls. However, I believe that it is definitely worthwhile. Payment is straightforward too, as you can pay by card in a contactless payment or through your phone using an app like Google Pay.
The walk itself is well-marked, although a little slippery underfoot and narrow in sections. Be prepared to climb some stairs on the route.
Swallow Falls is located in Northeast Snowdonia, approximately a 30-minute drive from Conwy. It is well combined with a trip to the nearby Zip World Fforest, Conwy Valley Railway Museum, or Gwydir Forest Park.
Aber Falls
Height: 37 metres
Access: Accessible via a 2.25-mile walk from Abergwyngregn
Address: Abergwyngregn, Llanfairfechan, LL33 0LP
Aber Falls actually made our previous list of the best waterfalls to visit in Wales. However, it is also one of the best Snowdonia waterfalls to visit.
Aber Falls is a prime candidate amongst Snowdonia waterfalls if you want a dramatic waterfall shot. The waterfall drops 37 metres from Carneddau Mountain, falling into the plunge pool and river below.
The walk itself is incredibly scenic, including a mixture of grassy tracks, rough flagged paths, stone steps, and a wooden footbridge that crosses the river.
There is also a track meant to be buggy and wheelchair accessible, although it could still be quite challenging. It is worth enquiring at the Snowdonia Visitor Centre before tackling an ‘accessible’ waterfall trail in Snowdonia. You should receive professional advice and up-to-date information on any changes to the track, its terrain, and its condition.
Aber Falls is located in North Snowdonia, just half an hour’s drive from both Bangor and Conwy. It is well-combined with a trip to the Druid’s Circle, Penrhyn Castle, or even Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.
Unlike Llanberis Falls, you can also swim at Aber Falls! Just be mindful of slippery sections and the return walk. You’ll want to bring a warm drink, clean clothes, and a towel to warm up after, even in the supposedly warmer summer months.
Conwy Falls
Height: 15 metres
Access: Accessible via a circular 4.3-mile track
Address: A5, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0PN
Are you a wildlife lover and waterfall fan? Conwy Falls is famous for its salmon jumping phenomenon and a gorgeous waterfall.
Every August, salmon travel upstream to lay their eggs in the same place where they were born. These fish jump rocks and often small waterfalls in their path – which is obviously pretty amazing.
The Conwy waterfall is sat in the centre of a forest, so you naturally incorporate a woodland walk alongside the river when visiting the waterfall. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you witness some salmon jumping along the way! The falls are in a narrow gorge and drop prettily into the plunge pool below. While not Snowdonia’s tallest waterfall, Conwy Falls’ setting makes it one of the best Snowdonia waterfalls to visit.
Entrance to the waterfall costs £1.50 per adult. However, you can easily spend 2.5 hours exploring the forest and viewing the falls, which is a worthwhile investment. Keep in mind that Conwy Falls isn’t actually located in Conwy and is actually half an hour’s drive south in Betws-y-Coed. You could easily combine it with a trip to Swallow Falls, Zip World Fforest, or Gwydir Forest Park.
Afon Cwm Llan Waterfalls (aka Waktin Path Waterfalls)
Height: Unknown
Access: Accessible as a diversion from the 8 mile Watkin Path
Address: Plas Gwynant car park, LL55 4NR
If you are climbing Mount Snowdon but are interested in a waterfall detour, consider the Afon Cwm Llan Waterfalls. This is one of the quietest Snowdonia waterfalls on our list simply because of the extra effort it takes to reach it. But I can promise that your effort will be worthwhile. If you want one of the most challenging Snowdonia waterfall walks, this is one of them.
Most of the other visitors will be passers-by, keen to keep moving to reach the Snowdon summit. And, amongst those that do stop for a swim, you’ll experience a wonderful celebratory atmosphere. The crowds will be quieter out of peak climbing season, but keep in mind that the water is always extremely cold – so pack warm clothes, a towel, and a warm drink.
The track itself is mildly challenging, although it should only take around half an hour to reach the waterfalls. Pack some sturdy shoes and some snacks to keep you going.
After your swim, you could walk or catch the train up Mount Snowdon. There is also Snowdonia’s secret infinity pool that you can visit, and I’ve attached a quick guide at the bottom of this article.
The Devil’s Appendix
Height: 93 metres
Access: A 3-mile circular trail from Pont Pen-y-Benglog car park.
Address: Bangor, LL57 3LZ
Finally, the beast of all the waterfalls in Snowdonia, The Devil’s Appendix, is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Wales.
With a drop of 93 metres, the height of the waterfall is dizzying. The waterfall drops from the Clogwyn y Geifr cliffs, and, often, the top of the waterfall is obscured by passing clouds. I’d highly recommend visiting The Devil’s Appendix for a dramatic, isolated, and rugged atmosphere.
Like all good things in life, seeing the waterfall in real life is a privilege that is earned with a bit of extra effort. You’ll have to embark on a 2-3 hour circular hike to Llyn Idwal, a glacial lake with fantastic waterfall views.
I will say that you should consider the rainfall around when you visit. The Devil’s Appendix is best seen after a period of heavy rainfall if you want to see it in full power and glory. Also, in winter, it isn’t unheard of for the waterfall to freeze.
The Devil’s Appendix is located in Pont Pen-y-Benglog, near Llanberis. It is easily combined with a trip to Dolbadarn Castle, the National Slate Museum, or Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.
So, there we have it – the top seven top Snowdonia waterfalls for you to visit. Have you visited one of these waterfalls before? Or have I missed your favourite from this list? Add any recommendations in the comments below.
You can balance visiting Snowdonia National Park with a city break in Cardiff or head further down Wales to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Wales is full of adventurous and beautiful travel opportunities.