Conwy Falls is a beautiful cascading waterfall located in the Conwy Falls Forest Park in the deep gorge of Fairy Glen. When I first researched the falls, I was already captivated by how everything looked and sounded.
There are 10 acres of SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) native ancient woodland, stunning viewpoints and glades around the waterfall, and an overall beautiful backdrop – perfect even for wedding photos and the like. It’s a true, unassuming hidden gem that is great for a half-day trip.
Conwy Falls Walk
The loop trail is a short 600m long – an easy route that takes just under 15 minutes to complete. While you can get some exercise in, you can also indulge in the peace and quiet outside of peak hours.
I visited right when the park opened in the morning at 9 (note that winter hours are different), and it was quiet as people were likely still making their way there. I was able to whip out my camera and take a few photos of the surrounding nature, and then stop by the Conwy Falls Cafe for a full English breakfast.
Although the walk is short, the pathways aren’t really suitable for those who have trouble getting around on foot or strollers. However, dogs are welcome!
Can You Swim in Conwy Falls?
Swimming isn’t recommended directly at Conwy Falls, as the water can be forceful and the canyon walls are narrow, making it dangerous.
However, some more adventurous people like to head to the deeper sections of the River Conwy for a dip. I recommend checking out the conditions before considering a swim on the day of your visit.
How Much Does It Cost?
The beauty of visiting Conwy Falls is that it costs almost nothing at all to spend some quality time there. At £2 per person, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. You can pay with coins or a contactless card at a turnstile by the wooden kiosk.
A worthwhile tip to keep in mind is to push the turnstile as quickly as possible, you won’t want the gate to time out and your money to go to waste.
The money collected from visitors goes to maintaining the paths in the area, as well as the surrounding woodland.
Is Conwy Falls Better Than Swallow Falls?
As someone who has visited both waterfall locations, I can safely say both are worth the trip. I’d say Conwy Falls has a more classic waterfall environment with mossy cliffs, and the waterfall itself is narrow and tucked away.
On the other hand, Swallow Falls is surrounded by green, yellow, and orange foliage (in the autumn anyway), and is set in a more open space. The Swallow Falls are also wider and more flat and shallow, with rocks and boulders that break the water apart.
If you’re not looking to do any walking either and just want a calm spot to take a break, Swallow Falls has a place above the river that is ideal for this.
Top Tips for Your Visit
As the journey to Conwy Falls isn’t strenuous and is generally quite leisurely, you won’t need to dress or bring anything out of the ordinary.
As it was quite warm during my visit, I wore a short sleeve shirt with a light waterproof jacket, active leggings, and running shoes with plenty of traction. I’d also recommend a small backpack that you can bring a bottle of water, some sunscreen, and bug repellent. If you’re planning to swim, bring along a towel and your swimsuit!
The falls are also known for salmon jumping, where you can see the fascinating sight of salmon making their way up the river. If you’re interested in seeing this, be sure to head to Conwy Falls around August in the summer.
Facilities
There are limited but ample facilities at Conwy Falls.
You’ll find clean public toilets at the cafe and free parking. While as mentioned, there are a variety of English breakfasts (even scrumptious vegan options as well), they also serve sandwiches, paninis, homemade soups, jacket potatoes, cake, and a children’s menu if you’re visiting with the little ones.
There is plenty of seating at the Meadow if you want to relax and eat while checking out the panoramic views.