Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls (Rhaeadr y Tylwyth Teg) is a small waterfall on the edge of Trefriw, a village in the Conwy Valley, Conwy County Borough, North Wales, inside Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. It drops through a wooded ravine on the River Crafnant, only a few minutes' walk from the village centre.

What will you see at Fairy Falls?

The main drop is about 25 feet (roughly 8 m). Water tumbles over rock ledges framed by moss, ferns and trees, and the shaded glen feels distinctly storybook. The name dates from the Victorian era, when such places were given fairy-tale titles to charm visitors. The falls are modest, so think of them as a pleasant short stop rather than a full-day destination.

How do you get there?

Park in the village car park in Trefriw, cross the main road by the Trefriw Woollen Mill and turn right. The footpath starts up Chapel Hill, opposite the hotel, and descends to the falls. The walk down takes under 10 minutes. The short circuit with an uphill return is about half a mile and takes around 25 minutes, which suits families, though parts are steep and can be slippery after rain.

When is the best time to visit?

Flow depends on the weather. Some of the river's water is diverted to a hydro-electric supply for the local woollen mill, so in dry spells the falls can shrink to a trickle or run almost dry. Go after rain or a damp few days for the best view. In North Wales those conditions come around often.

What else is nearby?

The falls sit on the Trefriw Trails network. A longer route (Trail 4) leaves from the bridge above the falls towards Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant, around 5 miles and 3 hours. Llyn Geirionydd also has its own easy loop of about 2 miles (3 km), starting from the car park at the south-eastern end of the lake. In the village itself, the woollen mill is worth a look. Do not confuse Fairy Falls with Conwy Falls and the Fairy Glen gorge near Betws-y-Coed, which are separate sights further up the valley.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Fairy Falls? No. A public footpath leads to the falls from the village. Only parking may carry a charge, depending on the car park's current rules.

How long should I allow? The walk down takes under 10 minutes. With time at the falls and the return, the short loop takes about half an hour.

Does the waterfall always have plenty of water? No. Part of the flow feeds the mill's hydro-electric scheme, so volume is low in dry weather. Rain makes a clear difference.

How is Fairy Falls different from Fairy Glen? Fairy Falls is at Trefriw on the River Crafnant. Fairy Glen and Conwy Falls are separate attractions near Betws-y-Coed on the River Conwy.

Can I continue on to the lakes? Yes. From the bridge above the falls, Trail 4 heads towards Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant, a loop of about 5 miles.