Often described as one of the most enchanting places in the world, Fairy Glen is a hidden gorge near Betws y coed in North Wales. The Fairy Glen, or Ffos Anoddu in Welsh — meaning deep ditch — is full of surprises. But it’s a far cry from a deep ditch, that’s for sure.
Think less ditch, and more fairytale: a mystic place where fairies are found amongst toadstools and only appear at twilight. They say seeing is believing, but to see the magical Fairy Glen you’ll need to tackle the mighty trail to the gorge. Steep, and slippy, but worth every second when you arrive.
Here’s our definitive guide for visiting the Fairy Glen Gorge.
What Is the Fairy Glen?
The Fairy Glen is a secluded gorge that lies on the Conwy River. It’s located just two miles from the bustling village of Betws-y-Coed and can only be accessed by walking on private land (with permission, of course). Geographically speaking it’s a narrow ravine framed by trees through which the River Conwy flows.
But the Fairy Glen is more than just a narrow ravine. Steeped in folklore, the Fairy Glen has been the subject of many a poem telling of faeries and sprites, concealed behind magic and toadstools under moonlight. “On mossy mound where toadstools grow, They dance in moonlight, row on row, To music from the purling brook, Where Conwy dreams in secret nook.”
It’s dramatic and serene and sensationally atmospheric all at the same time: think of babbling cascades and river rapids flowing through a narrow emerald cavern that’s framed by trees of the forest.
Magical? Some say.
History of the Fairy Glen
The Fairy Glen — then known as the Y Nant — was mentioned by the traveller Edward Llwyd way back in 1699. Yes, 1699, you read that right. He described the area as having seven wells and being completely wooded, so not quite fairies and nymphs, but ancient — that’s for sure.
In 1903 Fairy Glen was gifted to the Council by the Cefn Meriadog Estate and became popular with both the locals and tourists from further afield. It was restored in 1998 and was designated a Local Nature Reserve. More recently, it has undergone regeneration with funding from the local council and it is now possible to walk through it easily.
Fairy Glen Walk
Nothing worth having comes easy, and that’s no truer than at the Fairy Glen. In order to reach the gorge, you first need to tackle the journey. It’s short, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park.
The Trail Down
Talk about a false sense of security, the start to the Betws-y-Coed Fairy Glen walk begins as an easy stroll through woodland and farmland. After your easy stroll, things get a little bit trickier.
The path drops down the gorge and brings you to the river’s edge. This descent is the hardest part of the route. It’s basically composed of uneven rock slabs which can be loose, and steep in parts. It’s even worse in wet weather when the ‘steps’ also get slippy.
What to Expect When You Get There
Make the descent, and you’ll have plenty to see. Here is where the River Conwy drops into the narrow banks of the gorge. There are little rapids, cascades, and waterfalls swirling around the area.
Mosses carpet the riverside boulders, and verdant woods reach up on either side. It can be pretty enchanting on the right day. Look hard enough and you may spot a fairy or sprite said to live under the toadstools…
The path then continues along the river. Keep following the path as it rises away from the riverside, where it will then circle around and meet the track you came in on. Then it’s a stroll to the car park.
Visiting the Fairly Glen
Opening Times
There are no specific times to visit the Fairy Glen. But it goes without saying, it really isn’t somewhere you want to be visiting in rainy weather, or when it’s dark (even if that is when the fairies do come out).
How Much Does it Cost to Visit?
Entrance to the Fairy Glen is £1 per adult and 50p per child.
There is no cash collector or visitor desk. Your ‘entrance fee’ is paid via an honesty box at the access gate. It’s cash only, so come prepared with change, and don’t skip it. It’s good karma.
How To Get There
You’ll find the Fairy Glen two miles (or so) from the village of Betws-y-Coed. If you’re travelling from that direction, you’ll turn off the A5 onto the A470 road.
Then you’ll just need to take the side road next to the Fairy Glen Hotel. There is a small signpost, but it’s easily missed. Pop it in your satnav and keep your wits about you as you get close — the postcode for your sat nav is LL24 0SL.
Where to Park
From the small lane next to the Fairy Glen Hotel you’ll find a small car park on private land. It’s £1 per vehicle, so not expensive at all. If you don’t want to part with the cash, both the lay-by opposite and the car park at Conwy Falls are free.
From Conwy Falls it’ll be a longer walk, but it has a much bigger car park and makes for a peaceful start to your tranquil day at the Glen.
How Far From the Trail is the Car Park?
The trail starts from the car park, so it’s safe to say it’s not far at all!
Top Tips for Your Visit
The Fairy Glen is one of the most visited attractions in North Wales, and it’s worth doing your research before you go to make sure you make the most of your trip.
Insider tip that we’ve already alluded to: wear hiking boots or stable shoes to avoid slipping on the way down. Although the initial path to the gorge is easy to walk, it becomes less so as you get closer. Learn from our mistakes (and bruised behinds) — the rocks become unstable.
Insider tip number two, there are no public toilets. Probably easily overlooked, but you are quite literally in the middle of woodlands. And on private land, so don’t go behind the trees. Make sure you go to the toilet before you visit the glen.
Bring a picnic with you if it’s a nice day. There are a few picnic benches along the river walk if you want a pit stop, and the scenery is incredible. If you’d rather go for food afterwards, try the pizzeria in Betws y Coed. But, as expected, it’s incredibly popular and there may be a wait in the peak summer months.
Less busy, but just as good, is local chippie Nemo Fish & Chips. They do a mean haddock, and it’s just what the doctor ordered after a long day outdoors.
Back to insider tips for the Glen — allow about an hour to fully take in everything at Fairy Glen. If you’d like to spend a bit more time, do the river walk afterwards. It’s a full loop, so it will take you right back to where you started. There are a number of walks in Betws-y-Coed.
Head to the famous Pont-y-pair bridge in the village — just a short walk from the Fairy Glen — and you’ll find a wealth of walks that start from the other side of the bridge. Long, short and everything in between.