🗺️ The route
Free to viewThis Swallow Falls circular walk from Betws Y Coed has to be one of the best low level walks in North Wales. With its picturesque village and tranquil riverside paths it can definitely rival some of the mountainous hikes in the area. Sticking to the right hand side of the river like we do in this route means you will avoid the crowds and also the £2 per person viewing platform cost too.
What to expect
Expect riverside paths which can get muddy, a forest boardwalk and narrow paths up high. As with most waterfalls, you will hear Swallow Falls way before you see it.
Getting to the tea room halfway is a lovely touch to the route and gives you the boost of energy you need to head back through the forest.
Getting there & parking
Park in Betws Y Coed and use postcode LL24 0AE to get there. There are a number of pay and display car parks in the village but it is a busy little place so they do fill up quite quickly.
Good to know
Yes, at the start of the walk.
On lead only.
Expect woodland and riverside paths underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 6.2 Miles
- 3-4 Hours
- Easy–Moderate
From Betws Y Coed, head across the bridge to walk along the riverside path to the right of the river. Follow this path all the way, you’ll pass the Miner’s bridge before reaching the viewing platform to Swallow Falls and then onto the Ugly House. On leaving here, turn slightly left before heading back down the forest track to return to the start in Betws Y Coed.
- Ugly House tea room
- Miners' bridge
- Swallow Falls
Step-by-step
- From the car park, head across the park and into the centre of Betws Y Coed.
- Cross the bridge over the river and head left to follow the riverside path.
- Follow this for a mile or so and you'll come across the 'miners bridge',
- After checking out the bridge, return to the top and head up the footpath on your left. It might be slightly overgrown, but it gets better.
- A few miles later you'll come across a viewing platform for Swallow Falls, enjoy a little time here.
- When you're ready, continue along the same path, it'll take you to the top of the falls and eventually to the Ugly House tea room (Ty Hyll)
- After stopping for refreshments, turn slightly left on leaving and this will bring you onto a woodland track.
- Follow this all the way back into Betws Y Coed and back to the car.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
Good footwear and money for refreshments along the route and afterwards in Betws Y Coed.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Our everyday pick We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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Always in the pack Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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Room for water & snacks Char usesDeuter Speed Lite 23
Lightweight, low-bulk pack for fast, lighter days.
