Waterfalls in Wales never cease to inspire! Using our guide, you can explore a country carved by glaciers and discover waterfalls among the most beautiful in the world!
Nestled amidst the towering mountains of Snowdonia and the shimmering rivers of the Brecon Beacons are the most spectacular waterfalls. Wreathed in myth and legend, waterfalls in Wales draw visitors from all over, and it is little wonder why!
So, whether you fancy a picturesque stroll or a cooling dip during a challenging hike, these waterfalls in Wales are sure to impress.
Continue reading to find the best waterfalls in Wales…
Skip Ahead to:
• North Wales Waterfalls
• South Wales Waterfalls
North Wales Waterfalls
1. Pistyll Rhaeadr | Spring of the Waterfall, Powys
Resting in the enchanting Berwyn Mountains is one of the finest waterfalls in Wales. Pistyll Rhaedr is in fact the tallest single-drop waterfall in the UK, promising an impressive scene. What is more, this waterfall is often referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales!
Visitors can head to the small pay and display car park, located at the foot of the cascade. Here, you will also find Tan-y-Pistyll, (meaning: a little house under the waterfall), where you admire the veil of water with a tea in hand or refuel after a long walk in the mountains.
Soak up the unique spirit and presence that this waterfall in Wales offers before enjoying one of the many walks that surround it.
Choose to walk to the top of the waterfall, a short but steep walk with rough steps to navigate. Alternatively, take on the challenge of the Berwyn Ridge walk. This seven-mile route begins at the base of the waterfall and follows the ridge onto Cadair Berwyn (an 827m peak).
Parking: Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Powys, SY10 0BZ
Parking Charge: All vehicles £5 weekdays; £10 weekends
Contact details: 01691 780392
2. Rhaeadr Fawr | Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn
Located a short distance from the small village of Abergwyngregyn in Gwynedd is the breath-taking waterfall of Aber Falls. This waterfall in Wales is a must for anyone staying in Conwy, promising a leisurely stroll amidst the Carneddau mountains.
Aber Falls is arguably Snowdonia’s most dramatic waterfall, with the cascade plummeting dramatically from a height of 120 feet. The water then plunges into the pool, which is ideal for a spot of wild swimming in Wales.
From the car park, follow the main footpath, where you can spot a number of Bronze Age settlements. These include an excavated roundhouse and a smithy! Afterwards, walk through the woodland setting, where wildlife can be spotted before the thunderous roar of the waterfall is revealed.
Find several benches and picnic areas within the area to soak up the tranquillity of the waterfall. Alternatively, find a number of hikes to enjoy the cascade further, as well as the impressive setting of the Snowdonia National Park.
Parking: Abergwyngregyn, Llanfairfechan, LL33 0LP
Parking Charge: £5
3. Rhiwargor Waterfall, Lake Vyrnwy
Our next waterfall in Wales is located near Lake Vyrnwy and is considered to be a local hidden gem! Rhiwargor Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls surrounding the lake and is found at the northern end of the lake.
Admire the gushing water falling down the heather-clad slopes of the Afon Eiddew valley. On our guide to waterfalls in Wales, Rhiwargor is perhaps one of the easiest to reach. From the car park, it is a two-mile walk, following the course of the stream and crossing a wooden bridge.
There are no major climbs to this Welsh waterfall, so you can enjoy a serene and picturesque stroll here.
Parking: Rhiwargor Waterfall car park, Oswestry, SY10 0NE
Parking Charge: Free
4. Watkin Path Waterfalls, Snowdonia National Park
Climbing Snowdon is one of the top things to do in the Snowdonia National Park, with the Watkin Path being one of the hardest routes up.
Despite being one of the hardest climbs, the Watkin Path is certainly one of the most picturesque. However, if you’re not ready for the challenge, this Welsh waterfall can be found approximately a third of the way up the peak, taking about an hour to reach.
Discover a sequence of crystal-clear falls and deep pools for a wild swim. The waterfall is a spectacular sight, as is the far-reaching view across the valley and mountains beyond!
After a dip in the water, choose to return to the car or take the path to the peak, where Hafod Eryri awaits.
Parking: near Pont Bethania, Caernarfon, LL55 4NQ
Parking charge: Daily rate £6; four hours £3
5. Rhaeadr Ewynnol | Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed
Next on our guide to waterfalls in Wales is the majestic Swallow Falls, located on the Afon Llugwy. Perched in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this waterfall in Wales has become a local celebrity, with cameos in films, and postcard canvas.
Visitors can admire the dramatic cascade from the principal viewing point on the south bank of the river, with no strenuous walking required. While those feeling more energetic can take the steps leading down to the platform closer to the river edge.
Waterfall admission charges: Adults £2; 14 and under £1
Parking: Roadside parking on the A5, Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed LL24 ODW
Parking charge: Free
6. Plas Power Waterfall, Wrexham
One of the most popular waterfalls in Wales on our guide is the spectacular Nant Mill waterfall, located in the Plas Power woods. This spot is a haven for walkers, with a section of the King Offa’s Path to explore, as well as for botanists, wildlife lovers, history buffs and those alike.
Before reaching the waterfall, park up at the visitor centre at Nant Mill, before taking to the waymarked footpath heading east. Along the way, spot a diverse collection of flora and fauna, in addition to wildlife, including the kingfishers and polecats! After approximately 15 minutes, the notorious waterfall is revealed.
Families will love the peace and tranquillity that this space provides, with plenty of easy trails that can be followed. At the visitor centre, a formerly used corn mill, you can learn about the history of Clywedog Valley and enjoy refreshments and children’s activities.
Be sure to add this waterfall in Wales to your things to do in North Wales itinerary!
Parking: Rhos Berse Rd, Coedpoeth, Wrexham LL11 3BT
Parking charge: £1
7. Rhaeadr Dyserth | Dyserth Waterfall, Dyserth
This waterfall in Wales is unspoilt nature at its best!
Dyserth waterfall is located in a town centre, unlike any other waterfall on our guide. Here, admire the cascading water, which plummets into the basin below from over 70ft. To the left of the waterfall, find a pair of walls, which were built to support a water wheel, driven by water diverted from the above waterfall.
Afterwards, follow the trail leading around and above the waterfall. Climb the stairway between the walls to reach the top, where views of the Clwydian range are revealed. Walk the public footpath to the upper village or alternatively, join the Dyserth circular walk.
Waterfall admission charges: 50p
Parking: Waterfall Road, Dyserth, Denbighshire, LL18 6ET
South Wales Waterfalls
8. Sgwd Henrhyd | Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons National Park
This Brecon Beacon waterfall rests on the western edge of the national park, surrounded by a haven of wildlife. Boasting a Welsh-style tropical scene, it’s certainly a place that you wouldn’t believe is in the UK!
The waterfall in Wales is in fact the tallest waterfall in South Wales and has played a starring role in Batman: The Dark Knight Rises!
Visitors of this cascade should park up in the National Trust car park before taking on the moderate walk. Take a sloped path down and cross a wooden bridge, where your efforts will be rewarded by the thunderous roar of this Welsh waterfall.
Once you’ve taken the time to enjoy this photogenic scene, be sure to continue on the walk. The recommended route takes you down to the Nant Llech valley, the Melin Llech (a disused mine) and the Afon Tawe. This river flows all the way to Swansea and into the Bristol Channel.
It’s best to see this waterfall after a heavy downpour, however, please take care as paths can become slippery.
Car park: National Trust Car Park near Coelbren, SA10 9PH
Parking charge: Free
9. Cenarth Falls, Cenarth
Positioned where the borders of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire meet is our next waterfall in Wales.
Cenarth Falls is a series of small waterfalls and pools on the Afon Teifi and is the focus of the small village. The river is a well-known salmon leap and its attractive setting, within a natural wooded valley, makes this a popular visitor attraction.
After parking up next to the 18th-century bridge, the falls themselves are easy to walk to. Enjoy the tranquil and peaceful setting with a good book in hand or catch glimpses of fish leaping up the falls in autumn!
Car park: SA38 9JP (next to the bridge)
Parking charge: £2.50 (honesty box)
10. Aberdulais Falls, near Neath
Next on our guide to waterfalls in Wales is Aberdulais Falls, a torrent of water running through the Dulais Valley.
The gorge in which the waterfalls now lie was formed about 20,000 years ago as the result of a glacier melting further up the valley. Today, the site is home to the UK’s largest electricity-generating water wheel and has the raw machines of the early industry on show.
Discover how the small village in the valleys used cutting-edge technologies to harness the ice-age landscape to shape an industrial revolution, here! You will also find a plethora of family activities to keep everyone entertained. Pick up a tin-detective pack and be transported back in time to the Victorian era!
The sensory walk is a great way to envision what the town would have looked like over 100 years ago. Alternatively, children can dress up as Victoria Tinplate workers and explore the Old School House Tea room to see what school used to be like!
Car park: National Trust’s Aberdulais, Neath, Port Talbot
Parking charge: Free
11. Sgwd Yr Eira | Fall of the Snow Waterfall, Brecon Beacons National Park
Sgwd yr Eira is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons with an official footpath positioned behind the veil of water that tumbles down over 50 feet!
Find the waterfall nestled on the Afon Hepste, situated between the villages of Ystradfellte and Pontneddfechan. Park up in the Cwn Porth car park and follow a few rocky paths before ascending the steps to the falls.
Here, you’ll hear the gushing waters of Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn before you walk along the sign-posted path to the star attraction.
Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of Sgwd yr Eira or if you’re feeling brave take the path behind the waterfall. This promises to be a surreal experience and with the white water falling constantly, it is easy to see why it’s called the Fall of the Snow!
The waterfall in Wales forms part of the Four Falls walk, a favourite amongst the collection of superb Brecon Beacon walks.
Car park: Cwm Porth Car Park, SA11 5UT
Parking charge: £4
12. Sgwd Rhyd Yr Hesg | Melincourt Falls, Brecon Beacons National Park
Concluding our list to the best waterfalls in Wales and a seemingly unsung waterfall in South Wales is Melincourt Falls.
Melincourt Falls is an easily accessible, yet majestic waterfall located within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The waterfall is located within the Melincourt Nature Reserve, which is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.
Within the 13-acre nature reserve, you will find a woodland of sessile oak, home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors can also catch glimpses of nervous bird species, including woodpeckers, jays and buzzards.
The walk from the car park to the falls takes approximately 15-minutes and promises to be a quiet experience overall. Take the time to marvel at the water that plunges 24 metres over a resistant band of Pennant Measures sandstone onto the multitude of boulders.
Car park: Melincourt Falls, Neath, SA11 4AP
Parking charge: Free
Waterfalls in Wales Map
If you enjoyed our collection of waterfalls in Wales, take a look at our guide to wild swimming in the UK and find some Welsh water gems there too! Alternatively, use our Wales travel guide to help you plan your next holiday in Wales.
Image Credits: Geraint Roberts – (CC BY-SA 2.0)