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Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park

Moderate

4.5

(127)

521

hikers

Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park

03:15

11.6km

230m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 6, 2024

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

271 m

Betws-y-Coed Village

Highlight • Rest Area

A true outdoor lovers' mecca, Betws-y-Coed is a great gateway to Snowdonia National Park. Anyone who has driven into Snowdonia on the A5 will have noted its picturesque setting, its alpine character and its numerous gear shops, cafes, hotels and B&Bs.

Betws-y-Coed is surrounded by the gorgeous Gwydyr Forest, which boasts a variety of trails. Moel Siabod is prominent from many points in the village and it is only a short drive to starting points for Snowdon and the Glyderau.

Tip by

3.97 km

Swallow Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Swallow Falls is one of the highest continuous waterfalls in Wales. It comprises a series of beautiful cascades on the River Llugwy, approximately one mile east of Betws y Coed, on the way to Capel Curig and just off the A5. The falls are surrounded by lush woodland. Swallow Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Visitors can view the falls from a viewing platform. The viewing platform is open all year round and admission costs £2 (cash or credit card).

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5.06 km

Tŷ Hyll (The Ugly House) Tearoom

Highlight • Cafe

Despite being rather beautiful, the Ugly House, or Tŷ Hyll in Welsh, is a curious building indeed. Home to an atmospheric tearoom, it is surrounded by five acres (2 ha) of ancient woodland and offers well-maintained footpaths to explore the wild flowers, nesting birds and abundant wildlife nearby. Interestingly, though, nobody knows for sure who built it or when. For more information and opening times, visit: visitllandudno.org.uk/things-to-do/ty-hyll-the-ugly-house-p284731

Tip by

11.6 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.98 km

3.16 km

1.95 km

1.86 km

625 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.68 km

1.60 km

1.40 km

1.04 km

547 m

325 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 7 August

23°C

9°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

April 1, 2022,View over the river – Swallow Falls Loop from Betws y Coed

The southern side of the A5 through the woods was hard going as the footpath was heavily blocked by fallen trees. Beatiful weather for the walk and some stunning views.

February 18, 2025,Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park

At the time of our walk there were significant trees fallen on the early bit of the return portion of the walk and if are not fairly agile may have trouble getting through , as a lot of climbing and crawling through was required. Obviously the forestry people will be dealing with it and it may be cleared quickly but …

March 23, 2025,Swallow Falls en het Lelijke Huis

A lot of fallen trees on the track back to the village. Making it a more challenging route.

July 20, 2023,Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park

This route is currently not passable on the inbound path because of forestry works. Need to cut back down to the A5 and walk along the footpath until you see the path down to the river on your left.

October 14, 2025,Hike

There are many fallen trees in the path on the return leg after Ugly House. Horribly muddy (and there's not been much rain).

June 15, 2025,BETWS-Y-COED ❌ (TREE DOWN) Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park

DO NOT DO THIS WALK - route is non viable. Trees have come down 3-4 miles in. If you carry on the main road, you can make a loop back to the town still but its not brilliant. You may think you can rejoin the route after a stretch of walking on the main road but trees have come down …

March 3, 2026,Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park

Avoid the section after the 'Ugly House' (which is beautiful). It's unpassable due to fallen trees and bogs. Best return to Betws y Coed the way you go out.

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Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park

Betws-y-Coed Village

Swallow Falls

Tŷ Hyll (The Ugly House) Tearoom

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