Photographing Snowdonia Waterfalls: 8 Must Visit Locations
Snowdonia National Park is one of the UK’s most awe inspiring destinations for landscape photography — and few subjects are more captivating than its waterfalls. With their variety of locations and the frequently changeable weather, Snowdonia waterfalls offer endless opportunities for creative and atmospheric photography. Below are eight of the best, including frequently visited ones and a couple of hidden gems — with photo tips and directions to help you capture them at their best.
1. Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol) – Betws-y-Coed
Swallow Falls is one of Snowdonia’s most iconic and easily accessible waterfalls. Its multi-tiered cascades cut through dark rock, creating a dynamic subject in any season. It’s surrounded by the woodland of the Gwydir Forest which makes autumn a prime time to visit.
📷 Photography Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture soft morning light filtering through the surrounding trees. Use a tripod and ND filter for a classic long-exposure shot that smooths the powerful flow.
🧭 Directions: From Betws-y-Coed, drive west on the A5 for 2 miles. The viewing area (paid entry) is just off the roadside, park in the large layby opposite the Swallow Falls Inn. (Satnav postcode: LL24 0DW)
2. Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr) – Abergwyngregyn
This towering 120-foot fall tumbles into a wide glacial valley, surrounded by rugged peaks and wildflowers in spring and summer. It’s a little tricky to include interesting foreground as large boulders block the way but have a good wander around as there are definitely some more unique angles to shoot from.
📷 Photography Tip: Use a telephoto lens to compress the scene and emphasize the height of the fall. In spring, include foreground wildflowers for contrast; in autumn, the golden trees glow in afternoon light.
🧭 Directions: Take the A55 to Junction 13, follow signs to Abergwyngregyn, and park in the village car park. A well-maintained 2-mile trail leads to the falls. (Satnav postcode: LL33 0LP)
3. Watkin Path Waterfall – Nant Gwynant
Once a quiet location this waterfall has become extremely popular with wild swimmers in recent times so is best avoided during the height of summer. The old slate bridge makes for unique foreground interest and the shallow pools below glisten with stunning colours in the sun. Follow the river downstream and you’ll find lots of smaller waterfalls which have photo potential.
📷 Photography Tip: A wide lens is a good idea to compose the bridge and using a polarising filter helps reduce any glare on the water.
🧭 Directions: From Beddgelert, follow the A498 to the Watkin Path car park. The falls are about 20 minutes into the walk. (Satna postcode: LL55 4NR)
4. Ceunant Mawr Waterfall – Llanberis
Just minutes from Llanberis village, this waterfall plunges into a steep gorge — dramatic and surprisingly quiet if you time your visit right despite its location. Best visited after good rainfall as it’s not nearly as photogenic in dry weather.
📷 Photography Tip: Use the steps and pathways for leading lines. The cliff face adds contrast and structure — try black and white for a dramatic feel.
🧭 Directions: Park in Llanberis and follow signs behind the Snowdon Mountain Railway station (Satnav postcode: LL55 4TT). You can access the bottom of the falls along a path behind houses at the bottom of Waterfall road or continue uphill to reach a viewpoint on the left overlooking the waterfall…next to the track for the railway.
5. Dolgoch Waterfalls – Near Tywyn
This series of falls nestled in a wooded ravine offers a lush and shaded trail perfect for handheld photography and peaceful compositions. The largest of the waterfalls is the lowest one and the easiest one to reach. It’s worth a wander up along the path following the stream for more photo opportunities, albeit not quite as dramatic as the lower falls.
📷 Photography Tip: Ideal for vertical compositions. Bring a polariser to manage reflections and deepen green tones and a wider lens helps make use of the mossy foreground rocks in your composition.
🧭 Directions: From Tywyn, follow the B4405 to Dolgoch. Park near Dolgoch station on the Talyllyn Railway.
6. Conwy Falls – Betws-y-Coed
Plunging into a gorge surrounded by thick forest, there’s a woodland trail passing Conwy Falls offering multiple viewpoints, another waterfall that really needs good water flow to be photogenic. The surrounding woodland looks good in autumn colour.
📷 Photography Tip: Use the wooden bridge for a symmetrical frame. Best shot in overcast light to balance exposure between highlights and shadows.
🧭 Directions: Located just 2 miles south of Betws-y-Coed on the A5. Park at the Conwy Falls Café. Access through the paid turnstile alongside the cafe.
7. Rhaeadr Cymerau – Vale of Ffestiniog
Hidden deep in Coed Cymerau-Isaf near Blaenau Ffestiniog, this lesser-known series of cascades flows through wild woodland — a true hidden gem for photographers seeking solitude and atmosphere.
📷 Photography Tip: Compose with the forest as context — tree trunks, mossy rocks, and the layered waterfall create excellent depth. Use a tripod for long exposures and visit in the early morning for soft, dappled light. Autumn is especially photogenic here.
🧭 Directions: From Blaenau Ffestiniog, drive south on the A496. Park in a lay-by near the Coed Cymerau Isaf forest entrance. (Satnav postcode: LL41 4BN)
8. Pistyll Cain – Near Ganllwyd
This waterfall, found in the heart of the Coed y Brenin forest, is often paired with nearby Rhaeadr Mawddach in a circular route. Surrounded by dense pines, it’s particularly beautiful in moody light. It involves a little walk along the river side but on good ground so not challenging.
📷 Photography Tip: Pistyll Cain can be photographed from the main track but if you’re careful there’s a better, closer view by taking the narrow path cut into the rock cliff on the right of the river.
🧭 Directions: From Dolgellau, take the A470 to Ganllwyd. Park at Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre and follow the marked trail toward Pistyll Cain. (Satnav postcode: LL40 2HZ)
A stunning waterfall just outside of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park)
Pistyll Rhaeadr – Near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant
Whilst this blog covers waterfalls in Snowdonia there’s a rather spectacular waterfall just officially outside of the Eryri National Park that’s definitely worth visiting. You can photograph it from the bottom just out of the car park, wide angle lens essential here! If you take the steep zigzag to the right of the approach lane it climbs to the top of the waterfall and gives sweeping valley views and a true sense of height..keep away from the edge though!
📷 Photography Tip: Visit in autumn as the surrounding woodland can be spectacular, arrive early too as this is another photography location that’s became extremely popular with visitors in recent times and the narrow lane can get very busy making access more difficult.
🧭 Directions: Drive to Llanrhaeadr‑ym‑Mochnant in Powys. From the village, follow Waterfall Street (watch for signs) for about 4 miles along a narrow country lane to the car park. (Satnav postcode: SY10 0EN)
Final Thoughts: Tips for Photographing Snowdonia Waterfalls
Whether you're chasing soft light, moody atmospheres, or dynamic long exposures, these waterfalls in Snowdonia provide a perfect blend of accessibility and visual drama. Don't forget to bring a tripod, ND filters, and weatherproof gear — and give yourself time to explore each location slowly.