River Machno

The River Machno is a fast-flowing river in Snowdonia, north-west Wales. It begins high on the slopes above Penmachno village and winds through the Machno valley past Cwm Penmachno. The river meets the larger Conwy just south of Betws-y-Coed after passing two waterfalls, Pandy Falls and Machno Falls. Its clear waters carry the history of the valley downstream. The Snowdonia Slate Trail runs the full length of the river, linking old quarries and mining remains. Slate quarrying once shaped the lives of everyone in the valley during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Traces of the industry remain along the riverbanks and on the hillsides. The quarries supplied roofing slates for buildings across Britain. Their ruins stand as quiet reminders of the hard work that organised the landscape. Walkers on the Slate Trail follow the river through quiet woodland and open pasture. The path passes the two falls where the water drops over rocky lips into deep pools. From the trail the valley opens to wide views of the surrounding hills. The river itself is shallow enough to wade in places, its bed paved with smooth stones. The air carries the scent of damp earth and heather.