Wales’ Hidden Waterfalls
Wales has spectacular waterfalls—Pistyll Rhaeadr in Snowdonia, Swallow Falls in Betws-y-Coed, Devil’s Bridge in Ceredigion are all magnificent and deservedly famous. But Wales has hundreds of waterfalls, many hidden in remote valleys, accessible only by footpaths, and blessedly free of crowds. These hidden waterfalls offer a wilder, more authentic experience of Welsh landscape.
This guide reveals 10 Welsh waterfalls that most visitors miss, from dramatic plunging falls to gentle cascades, each with its own character and approach route.
1. Pistyll Y Gwyn (Snowdonia)
Pistyll Y Gwyn is a dramatic waterfall on the Afon Llugwy in Snowdonia, hidden in a steep-sided valley that most visitors never discover. The waterfall plunges over 30 metres in a single spectacular drop, surrounded by ancient oak woodland and dramatic cliffs.
What makes Pistyll Y Gwyn special is its wildness and relative obscurity. Unlike Pistyll Rhaeadr nearby (which sees coachloads of tourists), Pistyll Y Gwyn sees a fraction of the visitors yet offers equally spectacular scenery. The valley feels ancient and untouched.
Location: Near Bethesda, Snowdonia National Park, LL57 4HZ
Access: Park at Bethesda and walk up the valley (approximately 1 hour, moderate difficulty). Alternatively, park at the Cwm Idwal car park and approach from the north (shorter but steeper).
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Free (no facilities, no visitor centre)
Walking: Moderate to challenging. The path from Bethesda is approximately 3 miles round trip, with some steep sections. Allow 2-3 hours total.
Best time: Spring (higher water flow) or autumn (beautiful colours). Early morning offers solitude.
Safety: The valley can be slippery, especially after rain. Good footwear is essential.
2. Aber Falls (Gwynedd)
Aber Falls is a spectacular waterfall on the Afon Rhaeadr Fawr in North Wales. Unlike many Welsh waterfalls that are hidden in remote valleys, Aber Falls is remarkably accessible yet surprisingly quiet compared to other North Wales attractions.
What makes Aber Falls special is its accessibility combined with wild surroundings. The path to the falls is well-maintained and suitable for most walkers, yet the valley feels remote and atmospheric. The waterfall itself is a single dramatic drop into a deep pool, surrounded by ancient woodland.
Location: Near Abergwyngwyregyn, Gwynedd, LL57 3LH
Access: Car park at Aber Falls (small charge), then walk (approximately 30 minutes, easy-moderate).
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Car park charge (approximately £3), falls themselves free
Walking: Easy-moderate. The path is well-surfaced and clearly defined. Allow 1-1.5 hours total.
Best for: Families, photographers, and anyone wanting spectacular scenery without challenging walking.
Facilities: Car park has toilets. No other facilities.
3. Sgwd yr Eira (Brecon Beacons)
Sgwd yr Eira is one of Wales’ most dramatic and photogenic waterfalls, located on the Afon Mellte in the Brecon Beacons. The waterfall plunges in a series of dramatic drops, creating a spectacle of falling water that’s particularly spectacular after rain.
What makes Sgwd yr Eira special is its photogenic quality. The waterfall is arranged in a series of dramatic drops that look almost designed for photographs. The surrounding limestone scenery adds to the spectacle, creating one of Wales’ most photogenic waterfalls.
Location: Near Ystradfellte, Brecon Beacons National Park, NP8 1RY
Access: Park at Ystradfellte car park and walk (approximately 45 minutes, moderate). The path is clear but can be slippery.
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Free (car park at Ystradfellte is free)
Walking: Moderate. The path climbs steadily but is well-defined. Allow 1.5-2 hours total.
Best time: After rain (maximum water flow) or winter (spectacular ice formations).
Safety: The rocks around the falls can be slippery. Take care, especially with children.
4. Henrhyd Falls (Brecon Beacons)
Henrhyd Falls is a hidden gem of a waterfall, located on the Afon Llech near Llanthony in the Brecon Beacons. The waterfall cascades in a series of drops down a limestone gorge, creating a beautiful and surprisingly intimate experience.
What makes Henrhyd Falls special is its intimacy and comparative obscurity. While Sgwd yr Eira nearby sees more visitors, Henrhyd remains quieter, offering a more contemplative experience of waterfall scenery. The limestone gorge creates a sheltered, atmospheric setting.
Location: Near Llanthony, Brecon Beacons National Park, NP7 7EA
Access: Park on the road near Llanthony and walk (approximately 30 minutes, easy-moderate). The path follows the river gorge.
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Free (roadside parking, no facilities)
Walking: Easy-moderate. The path is relatively flat and follows the river gorge. Allow 1-1.5 hours total.
Best time: Spring (flowers in gorge) or autumn (colours). The falls flow well year-round.
Hidden gem status: Henrhyd is little-known compared to other Brecon Beacons waterfalls, yet rewards exploration with spectacular scenery.
5. Melincourt Waterfall (Neath Valley)
Melincourt Waterfall is one of the spectacular falls of the Neath Valley, hidden in a side valley that most visitors exploring the main valley miss. The waterfall plunges dramatically over 24 metres into a deep pool, surrounded by ancient woodland and industrial heritage.
What makes Melincourt special is its combination of natural beauty and industrial history. The waterfall area was once part of the Neath Valley’s industrial landscape, with tramroads and quarries. Now, nature has reclaimed the area, creating a fascinating juxtaposition of wild waterfall and industrial relics.
Location: Near Neath, Neath Port Talbot, SA10 9HA
Access: Park near Resolven and walk up the valley (approximately 45 minutes, moderate). The path passes industrial remains.
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Free (roadside parking, no facilities)
Walking: Moderate. The path climbs steadily but is well-defined. Allow 1.5-2 hours total.
Industrial heritage: Look for old tramway bridges and quarry workings on the approach. These tell the story of the Neath Valley’s industrial past.
6. Cwm Porth Falls (Pembrokeshire)
Cwm Porth Falls is a hidden waterfall on the Afon Porth in Pembrokeshire, located in a deep, wooded valley that feels like a different world from the nearby coast. The waterfall is a series of cascades and drops, creating a beautiful and intimate experience.
What makes Cwm Porth special is its coastal valley setting and intimacy. While most visitors to Pembrokeshire head for the beaches and coast, Cwm Porth offers a completely different landscape—a wild, wooded valley with a beautiful waterfall at its head.
Location: Near Solva, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6UA
Access: Park near Solva and walk up the valley (approximately 1 hour, moderate-challenging). The path can be indistinct in places.
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Free (roadside parking, no facilities)
Walking: Moderate to challenging. The path is sometimes indistinct and can be muddy after rain. Allow 2-3 hours total.
Wildlife: The valley is rich in birdlife, particularly woodland species. Bring binoculars if birdwatching.
7. Pistyll Rhaeadr (Ceredigion)
Not to be confused with the famous Pistyll Rhaeadr in Snowdonia, this is a completely different waterfall of the same name (Welsh for “waterfall of the rapids”) in Ceredigion. It’s hidden in a remote valley and offers a wild, atmospheric experience.
What makes this Pistyll Rhaeadr special is its complete obscurity and wildness. While the Snowdonia Pistyll Rhaeadr is famous and crowded, this Ceredigion version sees virtually no visitors, yet offers equally spectacular waterfall scenery in a genuinely wild setting.
Location: Near Devil’s Bridge, Ceredigion, SY22 5RJ
Access: Park near Devil’s Bridge and walk (approximately 1.5 hours, challenging). The path is remote and can be difficult to follow.
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Free (roadside parking, no facilities)
Walking: Challenging. The path is remote, indistinct in places, and requires good navigation skills. Allow 3-4 hours total.
For experienced walkers only: This waterfall is genuinely remote. Only attempt if you’re comfortable with difficult terrain and navigation.
8. Cwm Bychan Falls (Gwynedd)
Cwm Bychan Falls is a hidden waterfall in Snowdonia, located in a valley that most visitors heading for the main peaks never discover. The waterfall is a series of cascades and drops, creating a beautiful and atmospheric experience.
What makes Cwm Bychan special is its obscurity and the valley’s atmosphere. The valley feels ancient and untouched, with ancient oak woodland and a sense of solitude missing from Snowdonia’s more popular valleys.
Location: Near Bethesda, Gwynedd, LL57 4LJ
Access: Park near Bethesda and walk up the valley (approximately 2 hours, challenging). The path is indistinct in places.
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Free (roadside parking, no facilities)
Walking: Challenging. The path climbs steadily and can be difficult to follow. Allow 3-4 hours total.
Atmosphere: The valley has a genuine sense of wilderness rare in Snowdonia. Allow time to simply sit and experience it.
9. Rhaeadr Elenydd (Snowdonia)
Rhaeadr Elenydd is a beautiful waterfall on the Afon Lledr in Snowdonia, hidden in a side valley near the famous Llanberis Pass. The waterfall is a single dramatic drop into a beautiful pool, surrounded by ancient woodland and mountain scenery.
What makes Rhaeadr Elenydd special is its dramatic setting and comparative obscurity. While nearby valleys (like Llanberis Pass) see thousands of visitors, Rhaeadr Elenydd’s valley remains relatively quiet, offering a more contemplative experience.
Location: Near Llanberis, Gwynedd, LL55 4TN
Access: Park in Llanberis and walk up the valley (approximately 1 hour, moderate). The path is clear but climbs steadily.
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Free (pay car parks in Llanberis)
Walking: Moderate. The path climbs steadily but is well-defined. Allow 2-3 hours total.
Mountain backdrop: The waterfall has Mount Snowdon as a backdrop on clear days, creating spectacular scenery.
10. Pistyll Cwm Llan (Brecon Beacons)
Pistyll Cwm Llan is a hidden waterfall in the Brecon Beacons, located in a remote valley near the Usk Reservoir. The waterfall is a series of dramatic drops and cascades, creating a beautiful and wild experience.
What makes Pistyll Cwm Llan special is its genuine wilderness feel. The valley is remote, the waterfall dramatic, and the sense of solitude complete. This is waterfall scenery as it should be—wild, atmospheric, and untouched.
Location: Near Usk Reservoir, Brecon Beacons National Park, NP7 7EU
Access: Park near the reservoir and walk up the valley (approximately 2 hours, challenging). The path is remote and indistinct.
Opening: 24/7 access (natural site)
Cost: Free (roadside parking, no facilities)
Walking: Challenging. The path is remote and can be difficult to follow. Allow 3-4 hours total.
For experienced walkers only: Like Pistyll Rhaeadr in Ceredigion, this is genuinely remote. Only attempt if comfortable with difficult terrain.
Understanding Welsh Waterfalls
Welsh waterfalls fall into several types:
Plunge Waterfalls: Water drops vertically in a single or few dramatic drops. Pistyll Rhaeadr (Snowdonia) and Aber Falls are examples.
Cascade Waterfalls: Water descends in a series of smaller drops and steps. Henrhyd Falls and Cwm Porth are examples.
Tiered Waterfalls: Water drops in a series of horizontal tiers. Sgwd yr Eira and Pistyll Cwm Llan are examples.
Block Waterfalls: Water descends over a series of large rock blocks. Rhaeadr Elenydd shows some block characteristics.
Waterfall Safety
Slippery rocks: Rocks around waterfalls are slippery, especially after rain. Take care, especially with children.
Climbing: Never climb up or down waterfalls. People die every year doing this.
Water: Never swim in pools below waterfalls unless you know them. Currents can be stronger than they appear.
Weather: Check weather before remote waterfalls. Heavy rain can make paths dangerous and waterfalls spectacular but dangerous.
Equipment: Good walking boots are essential. Bring waterproofs—waterfalls create their own microclimate.
Best Times to Visit Waterfalls
After rain: Maximum water flow makes waterfalls most spectacular, but also most dangerous. Exercise caution.
Spring: Higher water flow, flowers in woodlands, good walking weather.
Summer: Reliable weather, but waterfalls may have reduced flow after dry spells.
Autumn: Beautiful autumn colours, good light for photography, water flow generally reliable.
Winter: Spectacular ice formations, but days are short and paths can be icy or snow-covered.
Waterfall Photography Tips
Shutter speed: Use fast shutter speeds (1/500s or faster) to freeze water movement. Slower speeds (1/30s-1/60s) create the silky water effect.
Polarising filter: Useful for reducing reflections on wet rocks and foliage.
Lighting: Overcast days are often better for waterfall photography—soft, even light reveals details.
Composition: Include foreground elements (rocks, foliage, bridges) to give scale and context.
Safety: Never take risks for a photograph. No photo is worth injury.
Welsh Waterfall Etiquette
Leave no trace: Take all rubbish with you. Remote waterfalls have no bins.
Respect wildlife: Disturbing wildlife near waterfalls affects breeding and feeding.
Keep noise down: Many people visit waterfalls for peace and solitude.
Don’t block paths: Waterfall paths are often narrow—don’t block others’ progress.
Planning Your Waterfall Visit
By region: Waterfalls are scattered across Wales. Plan by region to minimise driving:
- North Wales: Aber Falls, Pistyll Y Gwyn, Cwm Bychan, Rhaeadr Elenydd
- Mid Wales: Pistyll Rhaeadr (Ceredigion), Devil’s Bridge area
- South Wales: Sgwd yr Eira, Henrhyd, Melincourt
- West Wales: Cwm Porth
By difficulty: Be realistic about your fitness and navigation skills. Some waterfalls (Pistyll Rhaeadr Ceredigion, Pistyll Cwm Llan, Cwm Bychan) are genuinely remote.
A Final Thought
Wales’ waterfalls represent some of the most spectacular and atmospheric scenery in Britain. While the famous falls (Pistyll Rhaeadr, Swallow Falls, Devil’s Bridge) are deservedly celebrated, they’re just the beginning of Wales’ waterfall heritage.
The waterfalls in this guide offer wilder, more atmospheric experiences, often with genuine solitude. Some are accessible to most walkers (Aber Falls, Henrhyd), others require serious commitment (Pistyll Rhaeadr Ceredigion, Pistyll Cwm Llan). All reward exploration with spectacular scenery and a genuine sense of wildness.
The key to enjoying Welsh waterfalls is to explore beyond the obvious. Yes, visit the famous falls—they’re magnificent. But also seek out the hidden gems, the remote falls that require commitment, the intimate cascades in wooded valleys.
Waterfalls represent the raw power and beauty of Welsh landscape. Exploring them connects you to that landscape in a visceral way—hearing the roar of falling water, feeling the spray on your face, experiencing the ancient atmosphere of Welsh valleys.
So pack your walking boots, bring your camera, and discover Wales’ hidden waterfalls. The reward is some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery, experienced in solitude rather than crowds.
This guide reveals 10 hidden Welsh waterfalls, from dramatic Pistyll Y Gwyn to accessible Aber Falls, from atmospheric Henrhyd to remote Pistyll Rhaeadr in Ceredigion. Wales has spectacular waterfall scenery beyond the famous names. Explore these hidden gems and discover the wild beauty of Welsh landscapes.