16 BEST Waterfalls in Wales To Visit [With Map]

Wales is scattered with mountains and has more than its fair share of rain, so you won’t be surprised to find out that there are lots of magical waterfalls waiting to be discovered.

In fact, we have an entire area known as Waterfall Country which is where you'll find the highest concentration of waterfalls in Wales.

Having spent most of my life living in Wales, I've visited most of the waterfalls across the country. In this guide, I've curated a list of my favourites along with some information on how to reach them.

Map of Waterfalls in Wales

Note: Most waterfalls have both an English and Welsh name. The words 'sgwd', 'pistyll' and 'ffrwd’ are all translations of ‘waterfall’, with ‘pistyll’ more common in the north and ‘sgwd’ in the south.

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Best Waterfalls in Wales

1. Henrhyd Falls

Henrhyd Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Wales and can be found in the part of the Brecon Beacons called Waterfall Country.

The waterfall is found where the Nant Llech river plunges 27m (90 ft) over the cliffside into a small lagoon. The gorge has its own microclimate that has allowed lots of moss and ferns to grow making it feel extra magical.

The waterfall shot to fame when it was used as a filming location in the Hollywood blockbuster, The Dark Knight Rises, starring Christian Bale. The waterfall was used as the entrance to the Batcave.

Whilst you can walk behind this waterfall and stand on the ledge, there isn't actually a cave, although I have seen people camping behind it before.

Unfortunately, on both occasions that I've visited this waterfall, it's been during sunny spells so it doesn't look as impressive in my photo. I recommend visiting after heavy rainfall to see it at its finest.

Henrhyd Falls is free to visit and can be accessed via a short 20-minute walk from the free National Trust car park. Whilst I found the walk relatively easy, it's steep in places so may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties.

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2. The Elidir Trail

The Elidir Trail isn't one waterfall, but a trail with four incredible waterfalls (plus a secret one if you can find it).

The four main waterfalls are Sgwd Gwladys, Sgwd-y-Bedol, Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf and Sgwd Ddwli Isaf.

My personal favourite waterfall from the trail is Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf, meaning Upper Gushing Falls. This is the last one you'll reach when walking the trail from Pontneddfechan.

Here, the Afon Nedd Fechan river plunges about 4.5m (15ft) over the edge of the rock in a long curtain-like shape. You can see the waterfall from the base (a good spot for a picnic) or walk around the trail to enjoy it from the top too.

At the other end of the trail is Sgwd Gwladys, an impressive 7m high waterfall that you can walk behind.

The secret waterfall on the Elidir Trail is called Sgwd Einion Gam. This isn't on the official route because it's difficult to reach so authorities don't want to encourage it. But if you're capable, it's a magnificent waterfall.

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3. Pistyll Rhaeadr

Pistyll Rhaeadr stands at 73m (240ft) tall and is often claimed to be the tallest waterfall in Wales.

This isn't totally accurate since Devil’s Appendix, Pistyll y Llyn, and others are taller, although they are very difficult to visit so I'll let Pistyll Rhayadr have its moment.

The three-stage waterfall is found just outside the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant near the English-Welsh border in Powys, where the Afon Rhaeadr crashes over the cliff face.

There's a single-path lane which leads all the way to the base of the waterfall so you can see it without any hiking. Keep in mind that this small lane can be difficult when there is traffic in both directions so I recommend visiting during quieter periods (such as weekdays) and avoid bringing large vehicles.

Although there is no entrance fee, there is a parking charge for the car park which is located right near the base of the waterfall.

During peak season, there’s a café at the car park and there are also several nearby walking trails with one that takes you to the top of the waterfall, see the sign in the car park for details.

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4. Swallow Falls

In Snowdonia, not far from the small village of Betws-Y-Coed, you’ll find Rhaeadr Eynnol, better known by it's Welsh name, Swallow Falls.

This is a multiple waterfall system with two main drops which are 42m high in total.

There are two ways to see this waterfall. The first is from the paid visitor centre which is just a 6-minute walk from the car park.

I'm not a huge fan of this method as it's been built for tourists and has lost the natural feel due to concrete viewing platforms and pathways (you cannot swim in the waterfall).

The better (but harder) way to see Swallow Falls is from the other side of the river via the Swallow Falls Trail. This is a 2hr30 strenuous hike so it's only for the fittest.

Interestingly, tourist revenue from this waterfall was once used to subsidise council tax in the local area. It also featured in DC-Comic’s Wonder Woman movie released in 2017.

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5. Aber Falls

Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr) is a 37m (120 ft) high waterfall on the Afon Goch in North Wales near the village of Abergwyngregyn. The waterfall has a different name in Welsh, it is known as Rhaeadr Fawr which translates to ‘large waterfall’.

From Bont Newydd car park, you’ll need to walk along the Aber Falls trail to reach the waterfall. The signage says the trail takes 1hr30 - 2hrs, although it only took me 1hr15 with plenty of time for stops.

It's a very easy trail that takes you through stunning meadows and past small Bronze Age settlements including a roundhouse. It's very family-friendly and I often see people taking prams along it.

The waterfall is free to visit although there is a £5 charge for parking.

Aber Falls is best known for the Aber Falls distillery which is located nearby. This is a gin and whiskey distillery housed in a former slate works building. If you’re visiting the waterfall, I highly recommend that you book a distillery tour at the same time.

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6. Mynach Falls a.k.a Devil's Bridge Falls

Mynach Falls is a series of waterfalls near Aberystwyth in Mid-Wales. The is located near the famous Devil's Bridge where three bridges are stacked on top of one another. This is why the waterfall is more commonly known as Devil’s Bridge Falls.

Devil's Bridge Falls isn’t one continuous drop but a series of 5 drops that see the Afon Mynach fall more than 90m in total. The pictures really don't do justice to its size.

There is a viewing platform where you can see the waterfall from a distance (see the above photo), however, I recommend taking the full walk which goes down into the gorge and up alongside the waterfall.

The walk took me less than 30 minutes from start to finish and is a circular route. Keep in mind that there are more than 600 steps in total.

Along the walk, you'll also see a cave where smugglers used to hide. You don't have to walk the full walk, there's a great viewpoint after just 6 minutes where you can see the waterfall and the surrounding scenery.

Whether you are just going to the platform or doing the walk, the cost is £4 per person.

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7. Melincourt Falls

Melincourt Falls (Sgwd Rhyd Yr Hesg) is a waterfall in the valleys of South Wales, just north of Neath. It is formed when Melincourt Brook, a tributary of the River Neath, plunges over the 24m (80 ft) drop.

The waterfall is just south of the Brecon Beacons which means that it’s much quieter than the waterfalls in the national park itself, although just as impressive.

Back in the 18^th century, the waterfall is said to have inspired both the renowned English painter JMW Turner and the poet William Sotherby who had both visited the area.

To reach Melincourt Falls, there is a 15-minute walk through a woodland. The walk is easy but can be muddy. There is a free public car park at the start of the path right next to the road.

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8. The Four Falls Trail

My next pick is yet another trail of four waterfalls in Waterfall Country, this time with the very original name, the Four Falls Trail.

The waterfalls along this route are Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd yr Eira.

There are two car parks, Cwm Porth and Gwaun Hepste, both of which are a similar distance from the trail and have similar pricing so it doesn’t matter which one you choose.

In total, the walk will take around 3-4 hours to complete back, starting and finishing in either car park. The trail is easy to follow with route maps in each of the public car parks as well as signs between each waterfall.

Three of the waterfalls are located on the Afon Mellte, with the final waterfall, Sgwd yr Eira, found on the Afon Hepste. This one is the most impressive as you can swim in the splash pool and walk behind it.

Both the Four Falls Trail and the Elidir Trail (mentioned earlier) are impressive routes and worth visiting. In my experience, the Elidir Trail tends to be quieter and more peaceful which is why I prefer that one.

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9. Plas Power Waterfall

Plas Power Waterfall is a curtain waterfall in Plas Power Woods near Wrexham.

The waterfall is about 15m (50ft) tall and cascades into a pool of clear water which is a popular swimming spot if you can handle the cold.

To reach the waterfall, park at Nant Mill Visitor Centre (£1 parking charge) and follow the walking trail which leads to the waterfall. There's no charge for the waterfall itself.

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Other Waterfalls in Wales

10. Tresaith Waterfall

Tresaith Waterfall is unique in that it’s the only waterfall in Wales that runs straight onto a beach. It’s found where the Afon Saith cascades over the cliff into the sea near the small village of Tresaith.

How impressive this waterfall is will entirely depend on the time of year and the amount of rainfall. Unfortunately, when I visited during the middle of summer it wasn't that astonishing.

Pictured above are photos of how it should look after heavy rainfall vs how it looked when I visited - you can see the difference! Make sure to visit this one during Autumn or Winter if you can.

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11. Gain Waterfall

Gain Waterfall (Pistyll Cain) is a hidden gem nestled within the stunning Coed y Brenin Forest Park in North Wales.

You get two waterfalls for the price of one as another smaller cascade, Rhaeadr Mawddach, is nearby.

Both waterfalls can be reached along the Waterfalls and Goldmines Trail, a 3.6km (2.25 mile) moderate route that runs through the forest. The trail also passes by the ruins of the Gwynfynydd Goldmine, reminding you of the area's industrial past.

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12. Aberdulais Falls

This waterfall on the Afon Dulais in the Brecon Beacons is known for having one of Britain’s largest electricity-producing waterwheels, which used to power Aberdulais tin works.

Aberdulais Falls itself is around 6m (20ft) tall where the River Neath cascades down a rugged, rocky terrain into a gorge that was carved by meltwater thousands of years ago.

The waterfall has been used to create power since 1584 and still does to this day. It originally powered a copper works which later became a corn mill and most recently Aberdulais Tinworks.

The waterfall, the water wheel, and the old tinworks are now under the care of the National Trust who have established a visitor centre at the site explaining the history of the region and why it was important in the area’s development.

*2024 Update: It appears that this waterfall is still closed for maintenance with no signs of a potential opening date - I'll keep this article updated.

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13. Dolgoch Falls

Dolgoch Falls is a series of three waterfalls in a mossy, forested ravine near Tywyn in North Wales.

The falls are found along a stream called Nant Dôl-goch, which flows into the Afon Fathew river.

To reach the waterfalls on foot, start at The Dolgoch B&B and follow the footpath for about 1 mile. You can also reach them on the Talyllyn Railway which stops right by them.

The tallest of the three waterfalls is about 21 metres (70 ft) tall as pictured above. There's no charge to visit but you can leave a donation to help maintain the path.

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14. Dyserth Waterfall

Dyserth Waterfall (Rhaeadr Dyserth) is a 21m (70ft) tall waterfall located in the village of Dyserth in North Wales.

The waterfall sits on the River Ffyddion and plunges over a moss-covered cliff into a pool below.

The waterfall is right in the heart of the village near the main car park so it's very easy to reach.

The waterfall was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, but it wasn't until the 18th century that it became a popular tourist attraction, mostly because of its ease of access.

For anyone a little more adventurous, I recommend attempting the Maes Hiraddug and Graig Fawr circular walk which begins and ends at the waterfall.

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15. Conwy Falls

Near Betws-Y-Coed, you’ll find Conwy Falls where the Afon Conwy splits into two. The right-hand side plummets over a 15m drop into the splash pool below while the left side trickles over a series of smaller drops.

The waterfall is easy to reach, park at the Conwy Falls Café and follow the forest path to the viewing area. There is an entrance fee of £1.50 for adults.

In English, Conwy Falls is named after the River Conwy upon which it lies. However, the Welsh name for Conwy Falls is Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd which translates into English as ‘waterfall of the grey rock’. It’s not known why the waterfall has a different name in Welsh than in English.

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16. Elan Valley Waterfalls

The Elan Valley is most famous for its reservoirs, but there are also two secret waterfalls that very few people know about.

They are such a well-kept secret, that they don’t even have names.

To find them, head to the Garreg Ddu dam and follow the path alongside the dam. It doesn’t take long to reach the first waterfall which you'll see after just 15 minutes of walking.

From here, you can head off a narrow path into he woods to find the second (and more impressive waterfall) just 4 minutes from the first. My step-by-step instructions linked below will provide more details.

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