Swallow Falls, Cascading waterfall in Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Swallow Falls is a waterfall cascade in Snowdonia National Park where the River Llugwy drops about 42 meters through a limestone gorge between Capel Curig and Betws-y-coed. The water divides into multiple streams as it tumbles over rocky ledges, creating distinct drops at different heights.
This location remained mostly known to locals until the area was opened to the public in 1913 when the 2nd Lord Ancaster donated it. The gate fees collected helped the village fund its electricity infrastructure, marking the start of the site's role as a public attraction.
The waterfall's English name comes from a mishearing of the Welsh word 'ewynnol' meaning foaming, which sounded like 'y wennol' meaning swallow. This linguistic mix-up has stuck as the place's identity for generations.
Visitors can enter through a self-service turnstile that operates around the clock, allowing you to visit at any time that suits you. Several viewing points are positioned at different spots to give you varied perspectives of the falls.
The river powering these falls originates from the high peaks of Carnedd Llewelyn and travels eastward through thick woodlands before creating this cascade. This natural journey through mountain terrain connects the waterfall to a broader landscape often unnoticed by casual visitors.
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