Swallow Falls - Rhaeadr Ewynnol

Tourist Information

Spectacular & Dramatic

While its principal viewpoints are situated on the south bank of the Llugwy with the convenience of ample parking along the A5 it is observed far more dramatically if approached on foot along the northern bank.
Although it does mean you follow a narrow, tortuous path - partly hewed out of the rock face up through the vertigous gorge to the viewpoint.

The cascade's name was recorded in 1773 as Rhaiadr y wenol or the Waterfall of the Swallow. This is thought to refer to the way the water resembles the tail of a swallow where a large rock divides the flow into two streams.

The accepted Welsh name today is Rhaeadr Ewynnol. Ewynnol is a relatively recent Welsh word (first recorded in 1795), meaning “foaming”. It was applied to the falls in Victorian times, apparently by Welsh speakers who reinterpreted y wennol (“the swallow”) as what they considered to be a more “correct” Ewynnol (“foaming”).

The falls were given to the local council in 1913 by Lord Ancaster. Wher a small charge for visitors was introduced, to help pay for the council’s outlay on Betws-y-Coed’s new water and electricity utilities.
The parish retained the waterfall as a source of income until 1974 when Local Government Reorganisation reduced the status of the parish council & it became the responsibility of the council to maintain the entranceway & viewing platform.

Today there's a charge of £2 to enter via a turnstile that's open 24hours a day. Card or cash payments.

We recommend visiting in late autumn after a heavy rainfall to feel the utmost force of natures power as the water cascades & tumbles over the five tiered ledges into the gorge below. The surrounding forest adds spectacular colour to the views back up the valley towards Moel Siabod.

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