If you’re searching for a straightforward waterfall stroll in North Wales then Conwy Falls is the stroll for you!
The Conwy Falls stroll compromises of a brief, one-way round strolling route. It begins simply behind the Conwy Falls Cafe and results in the waterfall and again up via the woodland. It’s a brief stroll to the falls so it’s a fantastic one for the household.
The paths to the waterfall are pure, forest footpaths so that they’re uneven and rocky, however that’s all a part of the journey!
The highly effective falls are spellbinding and also you’ll be completely mesmerised once they come into sight. You’ll hear the roar and possibly even really feel the spray from the waterfall earlier than you attain it. There’s one thing so hypnotising about watching the water tumble down via the rocks and crash to the river under. Take some pictures however be sure you simply cease and respect the unimaginable energy of Mother Nature for a second too!
A pure, rocky viewing platform is ready so that you can stand and benefit from the waterfalls because the water cascades into the magical glen and the deep gorge under.
We visited Conwy Falls not too long ago (March 2022) with our three kids. Before we even arrived the children had been complaining about going for ‘another boring walk’ however the second we arrived they had been captivated. It was a sunny spring morning and the solar’s rays had been streaming via the bushes, giving all the things this lovely glow.
Our older boys (ages 5 and 6) sprinted off via the forest, leaping off rocks, hiding behind bushes and customarily working again and to love excitable puppies. The pleasure intensified once they may hear the waterfall and knew what was ready!
Waterfalls like this have an infectious power and all of us felt the unimaginable energy of it. We scrambled over some rocks earlier than working again up via the forest the place the cafe was ready with tea and cake!
It was a brief expertise and it took us about half an hour to go to the falls after which stroll again up.
If you’re driving previous Conwy Falls otherwise you’re within the space then I 100% advocate stopping by for a go to, however it in all probability isn’t the type of expertise you’d go far out of your option to go to.
Can you swim in Conwy Falls?
No, completely not. It isn’t secure to swim close to the falls as a result of forceful water and the slim canyon partitions. It could be very harmful and swimming is prohibited.
There are nonetheless some beautiful locations the place you might swim close to Conwy Falls….
Where are you able to swim close to Conwy Falls?
A brief drive from Conwy Falls is Betws-y-Coed which might be a beautiful place for a dip. The river runs via the village after which on the far finish there are some rocks and mini falls. Depending on the extent of the water, it will not be secure to enter right here however if you happen to stroll via the alpine forest you’ll come to a beautiful part of the river the place it’s a lot calmer and could be nice for assured swimmers.
There is a present and you will have to be a robust swimmer. Alternatively, you might safely paddle on the sting of the stony shore.
What is Conwy Falls Forest Park?
The Conwy Falls Forest Park is the protected land surrounding the waterfalls. The 10 acre park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the plentiful woodland it occupies.
Did you recognize Conwy Falls Forest Park gained Countryfile journal’s panorama of the yr in 2017!? OK, it was a couple of years in the past now however it reveals what a stunningly lovely a part of the UK that is.
Do you need to pay to go to Conwy Falls?
Yes. It at the moment prices:
- £1.50 per grownup
- £1.00 per little one over the age of three
There was an honesty field for funds once we visited so remember to take some change.
There was additionally a cashier desk which was closed once we visited in March however it seems to be prefer it should be open throughout busier instances.
These funds assist to take care of the paths, fencing, security constructions and seating areas.
Local residents can go to totally free and may decide up a loyalty card contained in the cafe.
Are there public bathrooms earlier than/after the stroll?
Yes, there are bathrooms simply outdoors the Conwy Falls Cafe. They are clear and heat and open to the general public. There can be a child altering facility.
The bathrooms are outdoors the cafe so that you don’t must enter the cafe or be a paying buyer to make use of them.
What’s the Conwy Falls Cafe like?
The Conwy Falls Cafe is gorgeous. It has a bustling, rustic, family-friendly vibe and is commonly full of walkers, cyclists, bikers, households and folks breaking apart an extended automotive journey.
The cafe can be used as a gathering level for exercise teams or pals. It’s a straightforward place to satisfy because of the big automotive park and accessible bathrooms. The cafe is canine pleasant and there’s additionally free wifi to make issues even simpler.
The cafe constructing was designed by Sir William Clough Ellis and makes use of the identical attractive turquoise color as lots of his different buildings within the space. This color ties all of them collectively so look out for different buildings within the space with turquoise home windows, gates and doorways and also you’ll know they had been designed by Sir William Clough Ellis.
They serve all day breakfasts, lunches, teas and coffees, desserts and snacks.
I’ve eaten there 3 times and it’s at all times been beautiful. They may also do takeaway meals and there’s a pleasant outside seating space.
If you’re strolling to Conwy Falls and will likely be parking within the cafe automotive park then I extremely advocate popping in for a cuppa or a chunk to eat.
What ought to I put on to go to Conwy Falls?
The strolling path to the waterfall is uneven with a lot of tree roots, steps and rocks. Depending on the current climate, it should in all probability even be muddy.
You stroll down a reasonably steep slope to get right down to the falls. It’s a round route and it’s smoother on the best way again up however it’s clearly simply as steep!
With this in thoughts I’d extremely advocate carrying a sturdy pair of strolling boots that you simply don’t thoughts getting muddy and have good grips.
If you’re secure in your ft and don’t really feel the necessity for ankle help you then’d even be OK in wellies or trainers.
I’d keep away from sandals, even on scorching days, as a result of uneven floor.
Other than that, it’s a brief stroll so you possibly can just about put on no matter you’re feeling snug in.
I’d take a small backpack or day bag to your private gadgets, a digital camera/cellphone, a bottle of water, possibly a flask of tea, a snack, a jumper and possibly an umbrella. You’ll want each of your fingers to regular your self throughout some locations on the stroll so I extremely advocate a backpack over a shoulder bag.
The Travel Hack Backpack was good as at all times.
Fairy Glen
Not removed from Conwy Falls is one other magical forestry stroll referred to as Fairy Glen, or Ffos Anoddun to offer it its Welsh identify.
You can stroll from the Conwy Falls Cafe automotive park which takes about 40 minutes and is a beautiful stroll alongside the river.
If this stroll is just too far then you possibly can park close by too. Use the postcode LL24 0SL to succeed in Fairy Glen automotive park.
It is accessed through non-public land (you pay through an honesty field) and it’s a pretty rocky and uneven stroll right down to an attractive, secluded gorge.
You do should be regular in your ft for this stroll however it’s properly value it.
Is Conwy Falls stroll appropriate for seniors?
It actually relies upon how regular you might be in your ft. It isn’t a very lengthy stroll however components of the stroll are steep and uneven. There are steps within the rocks and it may be muddy and slippery.
I’d say that the stroll isn’t appropriate for a lot of seniors, significantly in case you have mobility points.
But it’s nonetheless beautiful for a day trip. The Meadow hooked up to the cafe is on the market and there are giant picnic benches firstly of the stroll. The begin of the stroll can be pretty simple; about 500 metres into the forest there’s a picnic bench and a viewing platform which might be a beautiful place to have a cuppa and look ahead to the remainder of the household whereas they do the stroll.
Can you’re taking infants to Conwy Falls?
Yes you possibly can however you undoubtedly couldn’t take a buggy.
Babies will should be in a provider and toddlers will should be helped or carried for sections of the stroll.
We visited not too long ago with our two yr previous daughter. She’s a wobbly toddler who sprints off in any route so we needed to maintain a detailed eye on her and maintain her fingers.
My favorite child provider is the Izmi Baby Carrier and my favorite provider for larger infants and toddlers is the LittleLife All Terrain Carrier.
Just remember to go gradual if you happen to’ve acquired a child in a provider. Take your time on the steep bits and maintain onto rocks and bushes the place you possibly can. And don’t get too near the sting!
Can you’re taking canine to Conwy Falls?
Yes! Dogs are greater than welcome.
They must be saved on a lead and keep in mind your poo luggage!
Are there any close by sights?
Yes, so many!
The village of Betws-y-Coed is close by and this beautiful little village is properly value a wander. There are a lot of outside outlets, pubs, cafes and one other beautiful riverside stroll in Betws-y-Coed which I extremely advocate.
You’re additionally not removed from the historic city of Llanrwst. Llanrwst is a fairly market city however the actual attraction is the three-arched bridge throughout the River Conwy. On the opposite aspect of the bridge is the Insta-famous Tu Hwnt i’r Bont Tearoom which could simply the the prettiest tea room in all of Wales with it’s attractive, ivy-clad exterior.
Are there every other waterfalls close to Betws-y-Coed?
Yes, one other in style choice is Swallow Falls and there’s additionally Aber Falls.
Aber Falls is a one-hour drive in the direction of the coast.
If you possibly can solely select one waterfall stroll within the space then I’d select Aber Falls because it’s extra spectacular and the stroll is simple however longer.
Read extra: 10 issues you have to find out about visiting Aber Falls in North Wales
Is it value visiting the close by Portmeirion Village too?
Absolutely!
It’s a few 45 minute drive from Conwy Falls to Portmeirion Village and I extremely advocate visiting.
Portmeirion is a unusual, eccentric village tucked away not removed from Porthmadog. It was constructed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 and appears like a vibrant, Italian village.
Our household love Portmeirion a lot we even have an annual household cross. We go to on a regular basis for a wander across the gardens and woodland, to have a run alongside the seaside, lunch on the cafe and an ice cream.
Read extra: Visiting Portmeirion: The Italian-style village in North Wales
What else is there to do in Snowdonia National Park?
There’s a lot to do in Snowdonia.
Here are 10 of my favorite journey actions in Snowdonia.
You may also hike up Snowdon or take the practice up there!