Swallow Falls - The natural beauty of Swallow Falls on Afon Llugwy has long been
a popular attraction for artists and tourists. It can be found 2 miles from Betws-y-Coed
on the A5 towards Capel Curig, and there is ample car parking. There is a small charge
for entry to the viewing area.
Fairy Glen - Since Victorian times tourists have been attracted to this secluded
spot where the Conwy River is funnelled into a narrow wooded ravine. From the Fairy
Glen Hotel near the Beaver Bridge there is a 15 minute walk to the Fairy Glen, and
there is a small admission charge. The glen is reached by descending steps which
can be slippery at times.
Pont-y-Pair Bridge - Designed and partially built by Howell the Mason of Bala in
the 15th Century, Pont-y-Pair Bridge spans the dramatic falls of Afon Llugwy. In
the autumn it is possible to see salmon leaping upstream to spawn. There are picnic
areas and a riverside accessible raised walkway through the trees.
St Michael's Church - The Church of Michael and All Angels dates from the 14th Century.
The oldest building in the village, it is found within a short stroll from the gallery
in a tranquil riverside settling flanked by ancient yews. It is the scene of artist
David Cox's painting "A Welsh Funeral". The church was restored in the 1990s and
is now maintained by the Friends of St Michael’s.
St Mary's Church - St Mary's Church was built in 1873, as tourism grew and St Michael's
became too small for the congregation. The church is open daily and has a regular
programme of Male Voice choir concerts.
Gwydyr Forest Walks - There are numerous walks in the Gwydir Forest. Llyn Elsi can
be reached on the hills behind the gallery from a trail beginning behind St Mary's
Church. Clogwyn Cyrau (Corner Precipice) is a high crag overlooking Betws-y-Coed,
which can be reached from near Pont-y-Pair bridge. Both of these walks are steep
in places. The Artists’ Wood is a pretty area of beech wood near Swallow Falls that
was often visited by the nineteenth century artists of the Artists’ Colony. Miners’
Bridge is an unusually angled bridge that spans the Lluwgy river about one mile from
the village. It was originally built for miners to cross to the lead mines, and there
are several forest walks around the bridge.
Sources: The A-Z of Betws-y-Coed by Donald Shaw, and
Walks Around Betws-y-Coed by Hilary Kendell and Hilary Bradnam
Both books are available from Betws-y-Coed Tourist Information Centre, along with
a guide to all the walks in Gwydyr Forest. All the locations mentioned on this page
can be found on our Betws-y-Coed map.
