Swallow Falls
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Swallow Falls is a short but sweet hike that walks you along the Llugwy River, to Swallow Falls, and onwards to a spectacular viewpoint. The Ty Hyll Tearoom at the Ugly House, which is actually in no way ugly, is a remarkable find, and it makes this short hike that much more distinct.
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Route Description for Swallow Falls
Cross the Ugly House car park towards the river, take the footpath (signposted) down some steep steps beside the bridge. Follow the waymarked route that tracks the river downstream. Keep to field edge closest to the river before crossing a wooden stile to follow the path along the riverbank.
This path will lead you to the top of Swallow Falls- here you will have a peak at the falls but there are better views to come! Continue slightly up hill to the left and turn on to an obvious path that drops down to the right to a superb viewing point back towards Swallow Falls. Take time here, it is sensational!
When you have had your fill of the falls, come back up the steps to the path you dropped off of to reach the viewing point. Rather than retrace your steps turn right to continue along the river following the yellow arrows. The path leads you below cliffs and high above the river gorge. At the junction follow the yellow arrows uphill. This path winds through the forest and leads up to a broader track.
Upon reaching the track turn left and continue ahead. Ignore several incoming paths and follow the main track. Upon reaching a fork, take the lower left-hand fork and continue ahead. This track eventually meets a small tarmacked lane. Turn left and walk down the steep hill to find yourself at the Ty Hyll Tearoom at the Ugly House- do pop in, there is a great bee exhibition upstairs and the gardens are great.
Want to find more amazing walks in Snowdonia? Check out the Pyg Track to Snowdon, Llyn Ogwen or the Moel Siabod walks.
Insider Hints for Swallow Falls
- Allow plenty of time to enjoy the views and sounds of Swallow Falls- there is an excellent seated viewpoint at which to take it all in.
- Ty Hyll Tearoom at the Ugly House is also a highlight. Welsh classics like Bara Brith, also known as Speckled bread, are a definite must to try.
- An out and back route to Swallow Falls is also a quick option if you wish!
Getting to the Swallow Falls Trailhead
From Betws-y-Coed follow the A5 east.After 4.0 km the road crosses the river, immediately after you will see the Ugly House.Parking is available on the right-hand side just before the Tearoom. Parking here is for customers so if you are not intending to go into the Tearoom alternative parking can be found further up the A5.
Route Information
Swallow Falls Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd from Capel Curig
- Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant Circular Walk
- Llyn Parc Circular Walk
- Creigiau Gleision and Llyn Cowlyd
- Llyn Elsi Walk
- Marin Trail
- Llyn Crafnant from Capel Curig
- Llyn Crafnant from Trefriw
- Gwydir Forest Park Walk
- Llyn Geirionydd
- Fairy Glen Gorge
- Moel Siabod – A Stunning Walk in Snowdonia National Park