Trefriw, North Wales
Fairy Falls Waterfall (Rhaeadr y Tylwyth Teg)
Waterside landscape
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0A roughly 6-metre cascade on the Afon Crafnant, where some river water is diverted through a pipeline to a hydroelectric power station. The Welsh name means Fairy Falls.
A compact North Wales waterfall with a distinct Welsh name and a story shaped by both river and hydroelectric power. The falls are a worthwhile short stop, especially after rain, but the supplied evidence does not establish a longer route or wider visitor facilities.
Atmospheric · Peaceful
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The experience
Visit for the cascade and its riverside setting. A short approach is described from the Gower Road parking area by Trefriw Woollen Mills, but includes a steep section. After rain is cited as the best time to see the falls; do not assume the river is safe or open for swimming.
Things to do
Follow the riverside approach to Fairy Falls
Use the approach described by the supplied waterfall guide: from the Gower Road parking area, head back towards Trefriw Woollen Mills, go around the building and follow the river upstream. The route includes a short steep ascent; confirm access and conditions before setting out.
Observe the cascade and its river flow
The falls are on the Afon Crafnant. Some water is diverted upstream into a pipeline for hydroelectric power, so the river's flow at the waterfall is not the full river flow.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow under an hour; exact walking time is not supplied.
Quick Escape: see the falls
- 01
Start from the Gower Road parking area near the bridge by Trefriw Woollen Mills, after checking parking and access.
- 02
Follow the described approach around the mill and upstream beside the river; the guide notes a short steep ascent.
- 03
Pause at Fairy Falls, then return by the same route if conditions allow.
Verified history
The supplied sources describe the Afon Crafnant as feeding Fairy Falls and report that some upstream water is diverted through a pipeline to a hydroelectric power station. The available evidence does not establish a date for this infrastructure or provide a fuller history of the falls.
Folklore & legend
The supplied sources give the Welsh name Rhaeadr y Tylwyth Teg, translated as Fairy Falls, but do not provide a specific local legend. No folklore is asserted here.
Hidden details
Some river water is diverted upstream — A pipeline diverts some of the Afon Crafnant's water to a hydroelectric power station, affecting how much water reaches the falls.
When to go
· No particular time of day is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied waterfall guide recommends visiting after rainfall; it does not identify a best month or season.
Rainfall may affect water flow. Expect a steep section on the described approach and check path conditions before visiting.
Worth pairing with
Trefriw Woollen Mills
The waterfall guide uses the mill as a landmark on the approach. Trip.com also lists it as a nearby point of interest; opening details are not supplied.
What to look for
Notice how the Afon Crafnant’s flow is affected by water diverted into a pipeline for hydroelectric generation. The supplied sources do not verify specific historic features or wildlife to look for.
Best time to go
After rainfall, when the waterfall is likely to have more flow.
After rainfall, when flow may be stronger. Check the weather and path conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Photographers · Walkers
Before you go
Address
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A riverside path leads to the falls, according to the supplied waterfall guide. The route includes a short steep ascent; check current access and path conditions before visiting.
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Parking
A waterfall guide describes parking on Gower Road near the bridge by Trefriw Woollen Mills; verify parking availability and restrictions before travelling.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row says the entrance is not wheelchair accessible. The described approach includes a short steep ascent; check current path conditions before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
River, Waterfall
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Fairy Falls Waterfall (Rhaeadr y Tylwyth Teg)
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
