Beddgelert Forest, near Porthmadog
Peaceful forest in the heart of Snowdonia National...
Gwydir Forest Park - Ty’n Llwyn, near Betws-y-coed
Gateway to the famous Swallow Falls waterfall
What's here
Coronavirus update
Our sites and most visitor facilities are open.
We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.
Welcome
The Swallow Falls Trail goes through woodland to a viewpoint over this famous 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.
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 walks start from several Natural Resources Wales car parks in Gwydir Forest Park.
Two red graded mountain bike trails, Gwydir Mawr and Gwydir Bach, start from the car parks at Sawbench and Hafna.
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
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.
How to get here
Location
Ty’n Llwyn is 3½ miles west of Betws-y-coed.
It is in the county of Conwy.
Ordnance Survey map
Ty’n Llwyn is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 17.
The OS grid reference is SH 765 583.
Directions
Take the A5 from Betws-y-coed towards Capel Curig.
Go past past the Cae'n y Coed car park and turn right onto the narrow minor road immediately before the Ugly House (Tŷ Hyll).
The small car park is 1 mile up this road, on the right.
Public transport
The nearest mainline railway station is in Betws-y-coed.
For details of public transport go to the Traveline Cymru website.
Parking
Car parking is free of charge.
Contact details
Related document downloads
Swallow Falls Walk guide
PDF [329.9 KB]
