Your Ultimate Guide to exploring off-the-beaten track waterfalls scattered across Wales.
Wales is known for its breath-taking landscapes and is now a well-liked location for outdoor activities like zip lining and hiking. Many waterfalls can be found there as well, some of which you can walk behind.
Wales has become a popular destination for waterfall hunters looking to find these natural wonders. This helpful guide has everything you need to see the best falls in the nation, which is why we put it together.
So if you’re a keen waterfall lover, then sit back and write down some of these amazing hidden waterfalls for your next adventure in Wales!
1) Henrhyd Falls
Henrhyd Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Wales, dropping 27 meters. But this isn't what it's famous for; rather, it's for serving as The Dark Knight Rises' Batcave entrance in the Batman films.
The national trust, who own the waterfall, improved visitor access by adding new steps and a pathway that allows you to walk behind the waterfall after the waterfall made an appearance in the 2012 movie. It's a lot of fun to walk behind the waterfall, especially when there's a strong current, but it's very slippery, so use extreme caution.
2) Swallow Falls
Swallow Falls is located close to Betws y Coed in the Snowdonia National Park. The river Llugwy is flowing through a steep rift in the earth, not like a typical waterfall with a single drop but rather like a series of steep rapids.
The closest postcode is LL24 0DW, but you'll need to keep an eye out for the Swallow Falls Hotel to find the parking lot.
A £1.50 entrance fee is required to access the viewing platform and view the falls. The waterfall can also be seen much more clearly and without paying the £1.50 entry fee if you take the moderate 1-hour walking route through Gwydyr Forest and along the opposite bank of the river.
3) Aber Falls
This beautiful waterfall in North Wales is called Aber Falls. It requires a bit of walking to get to, unlike many of the other waterfalls on this list. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the waterfall from the parking lot near the village of Abergwyngregyn, which the postcode is LL33 0LP (£2 for the day), you can return along the same route.
As part of the Wales Coastal Path, there is a longer, three-hour circular trail. This path will lead you to a breath-taking vantage point from which you can see the isle of Anglesey across the strait.
4) Dolgoch Falls
Dolgoch Falls is a group of three waterfalls in the Snowdonia National Park, not far from Aberystwyth. Dolgoch Falls Hotel, LL36 9UW, has parking available for visitors to the waterfalls.
Within 10 minutes, a good path leads to the first waterfall, which is not difficult to reach. Don't be misled by the path's unmarked fork; continue straight to reach the lower falls. The hour-long round trip circular walk up to the other waterfalls is accessible from here.
Along the way, there are numerous caves, tunnels, and abandoned mines to explore. Even though some of the stairs are steep and slick, it is best to view these falls after a significant downpour.
5) Melincourt Falls
This 24-meter-high waterfall is located close to the South Wales village of Resolven and is a part of Wales' Waterfall Country.
According to some ancient paintings that were discovered, the water cascades over a sturdy piece of sandstone rock and down a significant drop, attracting tourists ever since the beginning of time.
A quick stroll down Melincourt Brook is necessary to reach the waterfall. While not difficult, this requires traveling along a muddy trail for about 15 minutes in each direction.
6) Dyserth Waterfall
The Dyserth waterfall, where the water drops 21 meters, is located in North Wales south of Prestatyn and close to the village of Dyserth.
There is a small free parking area right by the waterfall, and while there is no set price, a suggested donation of 50p is in effect, which is well worth the money.
Although it only takes a few minutes, there are a few steps that must be taken to reach the top of the waterfall. Bring dependable walking shoes or trainers that are suitable for wet terrain if you intend to walk the entire way to the top. You'll have a fantastic view of the surroundings once you reach the top.
7) Tresaith Beach Waterfall
South Wales' Tresaith beach is home to the Tresaith waterfall, which is close to Ceredigion. The lifeguards are present and the beach is immaculate, but it gets very crowded in the summer when it can be challenging to navigate the congested roads.
The car park has a £3 fee, which is paid in an honesty box. On the beach, the waterfall isn't particularly visible unless you climb over the rocks to the right to find it. Be careful—these rocks can be very slick.
The beach is a section of the Wales Coastal Path, which circles Wales' entire coastline. If you feel like going for a walk, you are welcome to do so for as long as you like. A popular route is the 20-minute, one-mile walk to the nearby town of Aberporth.
8) Penllergare Valley Woods
About a ten minutes' drive north of Swansea in the Penllergare Valley Woods is where you'll find this hidden gem. The waterfall was actually restored in 2014 after being in much worse condition than what you can see here, and it is now a famous feature of the woods.
There is a parking lot at SA4 9GS that is open from 9 am to 5 pm and charges £1 for an hour or £2 for the entire day. From the parking lot, a very accessible path leads to the waterfall in about 5 minutes.
Penllergare Valley Woods offers more than just the waterfall; it's worth spending more time there because there are over 12 km of walking trails there that pass through forest, along a lake, and over bridges that cross smaller waterfalls.
9) Devils Bridge Falls
The Devil Bridge Falls is located near to Devils Bridge in Aberystwyth. The bridge itself casts a shadow over the waterfall because it has been a well-liked tourist destination for more than a century. Three bridges are constructed on top of one another, which is unusual.
It takes approximately 10 minutes to get to the viewing platform, which offers the best chance to see the waterfall from all angles, after you cross the bridges that lead down into the gorge.
The entire trail, however, takes about 45 minutes to travel round trip and is well worth it. This trail, however, is not for everyone because it is steep, has numerous steps, and can become slick. Those who do put forth the effort will be amply compensated.
10) Aberdulais Falls
The 10m tall Aberdulais Falls, where the river Dulais empties into a gorge, can be found at the southernmost point of the Brecon Beacons. The largest electricity-producing water wheel in Europe is powered by the water fall. Over 400 years ago, the waterfall began producing electricity.
With its history as a center for corn milling, ironworking, and copper smelting, Aberdulais has played a significant industrial role in the region. The old tin works, which produced tin using the waterfall's power and exported it around the world, are the only remnants left today. A free national trust parking lot is located at postcode SA10 8EY.
We hoped you enjoyed discovering the less known waterfalls which are scattered around Wales. We are confident that visiting some of these hidden gems will make your Wales trip even more memorable!
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