Miners Bridge and Swallow Falls from Betws-y-Coed

The walk starts from Pont-y-Pair car park in the middle of Betws-y-Coed. It follows the riverside path up the River Llugwy through tall Douglas firs and out across the flood plain, the path of Natural Resources Wales's Afon Llugwy Riverside Walk, to Miners' Bridge, a wooden footbridge over the gorge. A forest track on the far side leads west through Gwydir Forest to the A5 at Swallow Falls. The line turns back by the Swallow Falls Hotel bus stop, outside the turnstile, and returns the same way.

It is 8.7 km there and back with 239 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Easy.

Natural Resources Wales says the riverside path is narrow in places, with mud, rocks and a lot of exposed roots, and that the river may flood across the path outside the woods after heavy rain: do not try it if it is flooded. The last 350 m before the falls, and back, are along the A5, a busy road. Swallow Falls charges £2 admission at a turnstile, according to Betws-y-Coed Community Council, and its page says the falls are open all year round, 24 hours.

Parking at Pont-y-Pair is charged, according to OpenStreetMap and Natural Resources Wales. Betws-y-Coed railway station is 385 m from the start.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.