Swallow Falls Walk
This walk follows the Afon Llugwy from Betws-y-Coed to the beautiful Swallow Falls in the Snowdonia National Park. This is a popular riverside walk, passing along woodland trails with a series of waterfalls to enjoy.
The walk starts in the delightful village of Betws-y-Coed in the Conwy valley. The area is popular with walkers as it is surrounded by some wonderful woodland trails, the Clogwyn Cyrrau Nature Reserve, the Llyn Elsi, and the rivers Conwy, Llugwy and Lledr. This walk takes you along the Llugwy passing the wooden Miners Bridge and several smaller waterfalls before coming to Swallow Falls. The falls are charming and are best enjoyed after wet weather. You can enjoy refreshments at the nearby Swallow Falls Hotel.
If you enjoy this walk then you could head to the nearby Conwy Falls. Here you will find a short circular trail through the Conwy Forest Park. This takes you to the River Conwy where you will find the lovely 50 ft waterfall.
Also nearby is the delightful Fairy Glen where you can enjoy little waterfalls, rapids and cascades in a magical wooded gorge on the River Conwy.
Postcode
LL24 0DW - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsSwallow Falls Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Swallow Falls Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Swallow Falls OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Swallow Falls Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Head to the Swallow Falls Hotel for some post walk food and drink. It's conveniently located just opposite the falls and includes a cosy pub with a good menu. Outside there's pretty landscaped gardens and a nice patio area to relax in on warmer days.
At the western end of the walk there's also the noteworthy Ugly House. This quaint old cottage has an interesting history and a pleasant little cafe. There's also some lovely gardens with a bird-feeder, wildlife pond and white cliffs. The site is something of a hidden gem and well worth exploring if you have time. You can find them just west of the falls at postcode LL24 0DS for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The falls a are a popular place for a dog walk and you'll probably see plenty of other owners during the warmer months. It's best to keep them on leads though, because of the fast flowing river. The adjacent hotel mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Fishermans Walk and Lledr Gorge Walk starts just to the south west of the settlement at Pont-y-Pant railway station on the Conwy Valley line. This takes you through the beautiful scenery of the Lledr Gorge with its picturesque waterfalls, stepping stones and Pont Gethin viaduct. There's also the option of trying the Victorian Fishermans Walk, a precarious route through the gorge on a rickety old walkway.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Swallow Falls Betws-y-Coed. A stunning series of waterfalls between Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig. This photo shows the falls in the autumn of 2008.
Ledge approaching the Falls. When walking upstream towards Swallow Falls on the north bank of the river you can keep quite close to the river on most occasions but as you near the falls the path rises and clings to the side of the gorge on a narrow ledge.
Lovely photo with the autumn tree flanking the falls
The Swallow Falls Hotel, situated on the opposite side of the road from the Falls. The low building on the left is a youth hostel providing cheap accommodation.
Woodland footpath through Cwm Llugwy
View westwards from the riverside path below the Ugly House
Afon Llugwy
Tŷ Hyll -The Ugly House. Located near the end of the walk this little cottage is a nice place for afternoon tea.