Swallow Falls

Swallow Falls is a waterfall system on the River Llugwy near Betws-y-Coed in Conwy County Borough, Wales. The Welsh name Rhaeadr y Wennol means ‘the waterfall of the swallow’, because the river splits around a rock into two streams that resemble a swallow’s tail. Another Welsh name, Rhaeadr Ewynnol, means ‘the foaming waterfall’ and dates from the late 18th century. The falls have been known by these names since at least the 1770s. Local landowners once considered using the falls to supply electricity to Betws-y-Coed. The falls became a popular tourist destination in the 1930s, though winter visitors were rare. A newspaper report in 1933 described the water tumbling over the rocks in a powerful white torrent. In 1939 the former council chairman was charged with falsifying toll records, but he had already repaid the missing money. Income from the falls once helped keep local rates low. Visitors today see the river divided by a large rock into two foaming streams. The water plunges over a series of rocky ledges before continuing downstream. The site is surrounded by woodland and lies close to the village of Betws-y-Coed. Paths lead to viewpoints where the full force of the falls can be seen.