Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed

It's been years since I've visited these falls but they're worth the entrance fee (yes, there's a card machine and a turnstile that allows you to get to the walkway that leads down to the viewing platforms). I can't see these falls ever being part of one of my walks but if you're passing (I was nipping into Betws-y-Coed for some supper and for snacks for the following day's walk up Yr Wyddfa) they're definitely worth pausing for.
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Know also by their welsh name of Rhaedadr Ewynnol, Swallow Falls sit on the Afon Llugwy (the River Llugwy) alongside the A5 as it heads through Snowdonia (see my previous blog entry too). They became so popular at one point that there's even a hotel directly opposite (looking a little tired now, although looking like it may reopen) but, maybe as the rest of Eryri has opened up, there seems to be fewer visitors now.

Once through the turnstile a series of paths and steep concrete steps down into the gorge take you to viewing platforms where you can wonder at the power and majesty of these falls. They're in a fairly confined part of the gorge (hence why they can be fenced off and charged for) but that does mean you get a lot of impact in just a short walk and in such a short period of time.
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Definitely falls to visit if you're in the area.

Andy