Travel bucket list idea:
It’s a gentle 2-mile stroll, heading two miles west of Betws towards Capel Curig, to this popular gorge with its gurgling waterfall. The viewing platform has great views.
The walk delves into the woodland landscape of the Gwydyr Forest and is an example of why this small village became home to Britain’s first ever artists’ colony.
The landscape artist David Cox, a contemporary of Turner, first came to Betws in 1844. His students soon followed, establishing a popular retreat for artists during Victorian times. His best-known work, A Welsh Funeral, inspired by a funeral at the village’s 14th-century church, is today exhibited at Tate Britain.
This easy-to-follow, waymarked trail runs between Betws-y-Coed and the Swallow Falls viewing platform, following the River Conwy gorge. Start at the Ty’n Llwyn car park and finish at the platform with views of Moel Siabod, and in clear weather, the Snowdon Horseshoe. Most visitors to the region are travelling independently by car, although it is popular with coach parties during peak periods.
The walk is accessible all year round, but of course, it gets busy in summer holidays. June and September, before and after the school holidays, are the best months to do it when crowds are fewer and the weather clement.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
Snowdonia’s national park is the rural heartland of North Wales — think mountains, glacial valleys, and sparkling waterfalls. But there’s also plenty here for families, history buffs and Sunday strollers.
