Best waterfall hiking trails in Wales
Share:

Best waterfall hiking trails in Wales

If the calming sound of cascading water fills your soul with joy, you're in for a treat. These waterfall trails will have you chasing misty rainbows and cooling off by nature's finest showers.

Here are some great trails to explore in Wales.

Most popular trails

1

Difficult

Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (51) · 13.0 km · Est. 4 hrs 19 min

2

Easy

Waterfalls Walk from near Ystradfellte

Powys, Wales · star 5.0 (54) · 15.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 48 min

3

Difficult

Llanberis Path - Yr Wyddfa

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (40) · 13.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 19 min

4

Medium

Cadair Berwyn from Cwm Maen Gwynedd

Powys, Wales · star 5.0 (31) · 14.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 57 min

5

Medium

Aber Falls Path

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (52) · 4.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 6 min

6

Medium

Fan y Big from Torpantau

Powys, Wales · star 5.0 (44) · 13.3 km · Est. 3 hrs 21 min

7

Medium

Trefriw Trail - 5

Conwy, Wales · star 5.0 (49) · 7.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 58 min

8

Medium

Waun Rydd from Blaen y glyn

Powys, Wales · star 4.0 (36) · 8.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 21 min

9

Medium

Cnicht from Tanygrisiau

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (34) · 13.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 35 min

10

Easy

Cregennen Lakes from Barmouth

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (40) · 16.9 km · Est. 4 hrs 3 min

SHOW MORE TRAILS

Reviews for waterfall hiking trails in Wales

Daniel Colquhoun avatar

Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

Dan Colquhoun · reviewed 2 months ago

star star star star star

Fantastic route. Slight shame the summit was in cloud and so busy... The South Ridge is stunning!

Jo Parham avatar

Waterfalls Walk from near Ystradfellte

Jo jaunts · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Mike Allsop avatar

Llanberis Path - Yr Wyddfa

mike · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Marlene Powlowski avatar

Cadair Berwyn from Cwm Maen Gwynedd

SeekerSummitscout76 · reviewed 7 months ago

star star star star star

Lee Rogers avatar

Aber Falls Path

Lee · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Fantastic! The best waterfall in Wales. I've been here so many times, and it never fails to delight. Well worth the walk. The path is even pushchair/wheelchair friendly, so I'd say this is an all ability trail. Well worth it for the views of Aber Falls.

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Wales

What is the climate like for hiking in Wales?

In Wales, winter (December-February) presents colder, wetter conditions and fewer daylight hours, making hiking challenging. The mild spring (March-May) is a fine season for hiking with longer daylight and blossoming landscapes. Summer (June-August) offers the best conditions, while autumn (September-November) offers vibrant foliage. Find weather information here.

Do I need a permit to hike in Wales?

In Wales, public paths and rights of way typically don't require permits for hiking. For access to private lands or protected areas, contact the local authority or Natural Resources Wales. Obtain permits for national parks through their individual websites, like Snowdonia National Park.

Is wild camping allowed in Wales?

Wild camping in Wales is technically illegal without landowner's permission, but is often tolerated in higher fell areas if practiced responsibly. Be discreet, leave no trace, and camp only for a night. Check guidelines from the UK's Countryside Code.

Are there mountain rescue services in Wales?

In case of hiking emergencies in Wales, contact the local Mountain Rescue team via the UK emergency number, 999, then ask for 'Police', then 'Mountain Rescue'. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is the overarching organisation for local teams.

Are there dangerous plants in Wales?

While hiking in Wales, you'll encounter a variety of flora. The countryside blooms with heather, gorse, and bluebells, while the woodlands host a variety of mosses, lichens, and ferns. In Snowdonia, rare plants like the Snowdon lily are a treat. More information at Plantlife.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Wales?

In Wales, hikers may spot red kites, Welsh mountain ponies, and otters. Watch out for midges and ticks in warmer months, and take precautions against Lyme disease. Keep an eye on the skies for peregrine falcons in mountainous areas. For more information, visit RSPB.

Related articles

Peak-Bagging in the Snowdonia National Park picture
about 3 years

Peak-Bagging in the Snowdonia National Park

Snowdon Summit Circuit via Watkin and Rhyd Ddu Path picture
over 3 years

Snowdon Summit Circuit via Watkin and Rhyd Ddu Path

More trails in Wales

by difficulty

by type

by activity