BSC26: Snowdonia Waterfalls Circular (Sun)
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This is one of the events organised as part of Big Spring Camp 2026.
This is a moderate 18 km circular walk in Snowdonia (Eryri), starting and finishing at Big Spring Camp. The route links a series of natural features using established paths and woodland trails. From the campsite, the walk begins on forest tracks, heading into woodland. Our first stop is Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, a dramatic narrow waterfall plunging through a wooded rocky gorge. The route continues up hill on defined trails toward Llyn y Sarnau, a quiet upland lake; this is a relatively level section with open views across the water.
From the lake, the path returns to woodland and leads downhill to Ty Hyll, often called the Ugly House. The route then descends on well-used paths toward Swallow Falls, a powerful, multi-tiered waterfall on the River Llugwy, surrounded by woodland and rocky cascades. From Swallow Falls, the walk joins a section of the Snowdonia Slate Trail, following it into Betws-y-Coed where shops and cafés are available.
The return leg leaves Betws-y-Coed on forest tracks, heading back through forestry managed woodland with wide tracks and steady up and down gradients, before rejoining paths leading back to Big Spring Camp.
Photo credits - creative commons licence: TCEexplorer (Ugly House), David Dixon (Swallow Falls), Andy Stephenson (Grey Mare's Tail), David Dixon (Betws-y-Coed). All available from Geograph www.geograph.org.uk
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Please bring snacks, drinks and a packed lunch.
We will pass the Ugly House cafe and go to Betws-y-Coed where there are shops and cafe's.