The rugged coastline and mountainous national parks are the prime elements of Wales. But, no. You need to remember the most important thing: the rain. Known for its uncertain weather, Cardiff is the wettest city in the country.
Thanks to the rain, the country is blessed with several waterfalls across its geography. And if you visit the country in winter, you may also see them frozen. If you are up for it, then here are the top 10 waterfalls in Wales.
Along with the diversity of waterfalls, the North and South Wales areas also have different terminology. Sgwd is the word for a waterfall in South Wales, and ‘Rhaeadr is the name for the waterfall in North Wales.
If you want to explore a spectacular waterfall in Wales, you should not miss Swgd Ddwli Isaf and Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf. These two waterfalls are located in the Brecon Beacons National Park. These are part of the Elidir Trail, a scenic walk that takes you through the forest and the gorge.
Sgwd Ddwli Isaf, or the Lower Gushing Falls, is a two-tiered waterfall that drops about 32 feet. The Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf is a wide curtain waterfall across the river. Both of these waterfalls are impressive and beautiful. Just be careful of the slippery rocks here.
One of the lesser-known attractions of the Gower Peninsula is Rhossili Falls, a stunning fall that cascades down a deep cliff into the sea. It is only visible from certain angles and can be easily missed by visitors who focus on the more famous landmarks such as Worms Head and Rhossili Down.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sight of Rhossili Falls, which drops about 200 feet into a rocky cove. The waterfall is fed by an underground river that emerges from a cave at the top of the cliff.
When searching for a waterfall in Wales, you’ll come across the Snowdonia waterfall hikes and will find Watkins Path Waterfall on your way. This stunning waterfall is located on the slopes of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. It is also known as Watkins Pool and is a popular spot for those who love swimming.
You can access this waterfall only on foot via the Watkins Path, which starts from the A498 road near Llyn Gwynant. The path takes you through a small woodland where you can see some historical features, such as an old slate quarry and a memorial to PM William Gladstone.
While you stroll through the Brecon Beacons waterfall trails, you will come across about 20 waterfalls, but only a few have an official name. Most famous of all is the Blaen y Glyn or Caerfanell Falls. It’s about 30 feet in height and falls in a wide section.
The Brecon Beacon trail takes you along the Caerfanell Rier, where you can admire the views of the surrounding forest, moorland, and mountains. The track is moderately challenging, with some steep and slippery sections. So ensure you have proper footwear.
If you are looking for a tranquil and picturesque spot while exploring waterfalls in Snowdonia, you must visit the Dolgoch Falls. This is among the popular waterfalls in Wales due to its unique shape. A series of three waterfalls cascade down the Nant Dol-Goch stream, creating a stunning natural spectacle.
You can access the falls on a short and easy walk. Additionally, on your trek, you will see a wooded alley, enjoy the sound of water and feel the calmness in nature. You can also climb up to the high hills for a panoramic view.