Panoramic view of Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia, Wales
Panoramic view of Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia, Wales

Swallow Falls hike

Snowdonia
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Afon Llugwy on Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia, WalesView of Afon Llugwy on Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia, WalesBanks of Afon Llugwy on Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia, Wales, United KingdomFootpath following shoreline on Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia, WalesSwallow Falls hike in Snowdonia has beautiful scenery of the lakeViewpoint of Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia National ParkClifftop path high above Afon Llugwy on Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia, WalesWoodland track on Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia leads to Ugly HouseForest track of Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia, WalesTy Hyll Tearoom at the Ugly House on Swallow Falls hike in Snowdonia, Wales

Swallow Falls hike

Distance: 2.2mi
Elevation: 417ft
Time: 1-1.5h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.9 Overall Rating
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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.

Swallow Falls Walk Map

Getting there

From Betws-y-Coed follow the A5 east.After 2.5mi 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.

I’ve done this 5 people have done this
I want to do this 55 want to do this route

About

When to do

Year round

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

Ty Hyll Tearoom at the Ugly House

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Loop


Swallow Falls
Elevation Graph


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

  • 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!

Comments

Erez Frew 4 years ago

Gorgeous views. Even the Ugly House was quite impressive as well. A very short yet rewarding hike you shouldn't miss.

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Alex Stark 4 years ago

the route was easy to follow and the scenery was rewarding. great experience. highly recommended.

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Tom Nahl 4 years ago

Great hike. It was very convenient and a great opportunity to see and explore nature. It was so beautiful!

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colormylife 5 years ago

Phenomenal views of Swallow Falls! The surroundings were equally as beautiful.

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Danielle v. 5 years ago

Such an amazing hike with alluring scenery. Was able to take tons of great pictures and priceless memories with my friends.

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Queen Coleman 5 years ago

Fantastic hiking trail. Swallow Falls looks exceptional. I'm so glad we did this hike, and it's not as busy as others.

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Sammy89 6 years ago

Swallow falls is a great hike. The tearoom was really interesting as well. I did not eat here but the coffee was lovely.

9.0 Overall Rating
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7 Comments

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