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Gwydir Forest Park - Ty’n Llwyn, near Betws-y-coed

What's here

Parking (free)
Picnic area
Walking trail

Welcome

The Ty'n Llwyn car park is the starting point for a walking trail to the famous Swallow Falls waterfall.

The Swallow Falls Trail goes through woodland to a viewpoint over the waterfall - you get a great view from this side of the river so don’t forget your camera.

Ty’n Llwyn means “house in the grove” in Welsh and it is a great place to enjoy a picnic with a view at one of the tables around the car park.

Walking trail

The walking trail is waymarked from start to finish.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trail.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Swallow Falls Walk

Grade: Strenuous
Distance: 2¼ miles/3.6 kilometres
Amser: 2½ hours
Trail information: This circular trail is mainly on steep rough narrow paths less than 70 cm wide in some places, on unmade and uneven surfaces, where you can expect mud, rocks and tree roots. There are several ﬂights of steps on the trail and a bench at the waterfall where you can rest and admire the view. There is a wheelchair accessible picnic table in the car park.

From the car park, the path descends through the woodland and the sound of the river gets louder as you approach Swallow Falls and the viewpoint.

The path then winds its way up through trees and rocky outcrops to another viewpoint with views of Moel Siabod, and in clear weather, the Snowdon Horseshoe.

Accessibility information

Facilities for visitors with disabilities at Ty'n Llwyn include:

car parking spaces for Blue Badge holders
dusted paths lead from the Blue Badge car parking spaces to wheelchair accessible picnic tables with beautiful views

Gwydir Forest Park

Ty'n Llwyn is in Gwydir Forest Park.

Gwydir Forest Park lies in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and encircles the village of Betws-y-coed.

Lead and zinc mining once dominated the area and the legacy of old engine-houses, waste tips and reservoirs are characteristic features of the forest landscape today.

Several of the most important mines have been partially restored and made safe for visitors.

Waymarked trails start from Betws-y-coed and several other Natural Resources Wales car parks in Gwydir Forest Park:

Betws-y-coed - peaceful forest walks away from the tourist bustle
Cae'n y Coed - easy-to-find picnic area and walk with panoramic mountain views
Cyffty Mine - short trail around abandoned lead mine
Dolwyddelan - views of Snowdonia’s peaks on walking trail along Roman road
Hafna - walking trail through lead mine ruins and red-graded mountain bike trail
Llyn Crafnant - walking trails around the lake and accessible riverside trail
Llyn Geirionydd - picnic site with walking trail around two beautiful lakes
Llyn Sarnau - picnic spot with a walk to two scenic lakes
Sawbench - two red-graded mountain bike trails and historical walk

National Forest for Wales

Gwydir Forest Park forms part of the National Forest for Wales.

The National Forest will:

create areas of new woodland
enhance existing woodlands
restore Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands.

In time it will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.

For more information about the National Forest for Wales go to the Welsh Government website.

Closures and diversions

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.
We may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice, due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.
Please always follow any instructions on site and any temporary diversion signs.