There’s no denying that the south of the country is blessed when it comes to waterfalls, however, there are still several waterfalls in North Wales that are worth visiting.
As a Welshman born and bred, I have visited most of the waterfalls in Wales at this point and in this guide, I’m going to share my top picks in North Wales.
Map
Here's an interactive map of the best waterfalls in North Wales.
Best Waterfalls in North Wales
1. Aber Falls
Aber Falls in North Wales
Aber Falls in North Wales
Easily my favourite waterfall in North Wales is Aber Falls, a 37m (120 ft) high waterfall on the Afon Goch 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 the 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’s managed by National Trust with a small visitor centre en route that shares some information about the waterfall. The walk 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.
I recommend combining your visit with a trip to Aber Falls Distillery which is located nearby. You can sample their whisky and gin at the visitor centre and book a distillery tour to see how it’s made.
Also Read: Visiting Aber Falls
2. Swallow Falls
In Snowdonia, not far from the small village of Betws-Y-Coed, you’ll find Rhaeadr Eynnol, better known by its 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 route since it’s been built for tourists and has lost the natural feel due to concrete viewing platforms and pathways.
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.
Regardless of which route you take, it’s not possible to swim in this waterfall.
Also Read: Visiting Swallow Falls
3. Conwy Falls
Conwy Falls in Snowdonia
Also near Betws-Y-Coed, you’ll find Conwy Falls where the Afon Conwy splits into two, with the right-hand side plummeting over a 15m drop into the splash pool at the bottom and the left side trickling 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.
Although Conwy Falls itself is less impressive than Swallow Falls, I still enjoy it as an overall experience since there’s a pleasant 10-minute walking trail to reach the waterfall and it feels a little less of a tourist attraction.
It’s possible to make your way down to the river and have a dip at Conwy Falls (calling it a ‘swim’ might be a stretch though). The current can be strong right near the foot of the waterfall so it’s advisable to move downstream a little. There are signs nearby warning that the current is too strong for children.
Also Read: Visiting Conwy Falls
4. Dyserth Waterfall
Dyserth Falls
Near the North Wales coast, just south of Rhyl, you’ll find Dyserth Waterfall. Here, the Afon Ffyddion falls over a 21m (70ft) drop creating the waterfall.
The waterfall is found right in the heart of the village of Dyserth. Whilst it might not be worth going out of your way for, certainly stop by if you’re already in the area.
There’s a 50p entrance fee (via a cash-only honesty box) and a short walk will take you around to the top of the cascade. This is one of the few waterfalls that I haven’t actually visited yet so I can’t give many more details, but I’ll update this article once I have.
5. Plas Power Waterfall
Plas Power Waterfall in North Wales
Plas Power Waterfall is a curtain waterfall in Plas Power Woods near Wrexham in North Wales.
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.
6. Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
Ceunant Mawr is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s very easy to reach on foot from the centre of Llanberis in Snowdonia (which is why it’s sometimes called Llanberis Falls) so I’m surprised more people don’t know about it.
The walk to the waterfall takes just 15 minutes and is along a lovely riverside path.
There are two parts of the waterfall, lower falls which you’ll see first and upper falls which is the more impressive cascade.
Although there is a lovely splash pool beneath the waterfall, you are advised not to swim here as some people have previously been injured.
The waterfall itself is free but be prepared for parking charges as you’ll need to park at one of the pay-and-display car parks in Llanberis. Some people have said there is a car park that offers 30 minutes free although I have never seen this and either way it would be a rush to get to the waterfall and back in this time.
7. Cwmorthin Waterfall
Cwmorthin Waterfall
Cwmorthin is a stunning waterfall in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park.
It's not just a single stream, but a series of cascading drops that tumble down a slate ravine. After heavy rainfall, it looks particularly impressive, especially the main section pictured above.
There’s no charge to visit Cwmorthin Waterfall. You’ll find a small free parking area near the entrance which is just a few minutes from the actual waterfall.
Afterwards, I recommend that you walk (10 minutes) or drive down to the lake where you can grab a drink at the scenic Lakeside Café.
For those seeking a bit of adventure, there's a more challenging hike to a disused quarry at the top of the falls that offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.
8. Afon Cwm Llan Waterfalls (a.k.a the Watkin Path Pools)
Afon Cwm Llan Waterfalls are found along the Watkin Path which is one of the more difficult routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The waterfalls are often referred to as the Watkin Path Pools.
The highlight of the waterfalls is the large splash pool below with crystal clear water that’s great for swimming in. You can see the waterfalls from the path itself, although you’ll have to take a slight detour to reach them.
The waterfalls are located around 30 minutes into the hike which continues to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. Whilst it used to be just hikers that stumbled upon these gems, they are far more popular now with people walking to them and then returning back to Beddgelert.
9. Merlin’s Pool (on the Dinas Emrys Trail)
Merlins Pool
The Dinas Emrys Trail is a legendary walk in North Wales that combines legends about dragons with breathtaking views, plus there are two waterfalls on the route too.
The first waterfall isn’t anything more than a small stream trickling over a rock, however, the second one sees water crashing down a small rock face before the river continues under a stone bridge.
The waterfall is known as Merlin’s Pool after the famous magician who featured in the Dinas Emrys tale (read up on it here).
Merlin’s Pool can be found just over 20 minutes into the hike, a little under halfway. After seeing it, you could turn around and head back to the free car park. However, I would recommend completing the entire route if you have time. It took me about 40 minutes from the car park to the summit and 25 minutes to return.
Also Read: Hiking the Dinas Emrys Trail
10. 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.
11. Pistyll Rhaeadr
Okay, technically this one is located in Mid-Wales, but it’s very close to North Wales so I’m including it for good measure. Pistyll Rhayadr stands at 73m (240ft) tall and is often claimed to be the tallest waterfall in Wales.
This isn’t completely 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 in Powys, where the Afon Rhaeadr crashes over the cliff face.
There’s a single-path lane which leads 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. You can admire it from the bottom or follow the trail around to the top.
Published: 20 July 2022 · Last updated: 29 January 2024