If you’re a regular reader of the blog, you already know one thing for sure I’m a huge fan of Llanberis in Snowdonia. Trust me this place never stops surprising you.

This beautiful village packs a lot more than you expect from the charming town centre to the National Slate Mine Museum the peaceful waters of Llyn Padarn and the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway. But wait there’s something many visitors miss completely. Hidden right inside the town is a waterfall that serves up seriously breathtaking views.

Ceunant Mawr Waterfall also known as Llanberis Falls is a powerful natural sight as it rushes down in two dramatic stages before disappearing into a calm wooded gorge below. And here’s the exciting part if you visit after heavy rain the waterfall becomes even more spectacular and the sound of the rushing water fills the whole valley.

The walk to the falls is just under 1 mile making it an easy relaxed stroll that locals absolutely love. No tough hiking here just a simple path that almost anyone can enjoy. Honestly it’s the perfect little adventure to spend 1 or 2 hours soaking in the beauty while exploring the area.

Ceunant Mawr translates as “waterfall of the great ravine”

Walk to Ceunant Mawr Waterfall

Length: 0.8 miles (each way)
Starting Point: 
High Street, Llanberis, LL55 4SU
Difficulty: 
Very Easy

How do I get to the bottom of Ceunant Mawr Waterfall?

Llanberis Waterfall address 2 Waterfall Vw Llanberis Caernarfon LL55 4TH

Start your walk along High Street until you reach Caffi Deli Llygad Yr Haul. This is where the little adventure begins.

Now look directly across from the café and head up the road opposite it. Keep moving forward and enjoy the calm village atmosphere.

Continue along the road and pass St Padarn’s Church and Church House. Once you see the turning on your right leading up Waterfall Vw take that path and keep going.

Walk up Waterfall Vw for a short distance until you notice a footpath on your right. You should also spot signposts pointing toward the waterfall so you know you are on the right track.

Step onto the woodland footpath and follow it deeper into the trees. This peaceful trail leads you straight to the hidden waterfall.

And here is the reward take a moment breathe it all in and enjoy the incredible views of the powerful falls.

Parking for the Ceunant Mawr Waterfall

Finding parking around Llanberis is honestly pretty easy. There are plenty of parking spots across the village and most of them sit fairly close to each other so wherever you park you will not be far from the action.

You might spot a few off street spaces while driving around but keep in mind that many of them are reserved for residents only. If you decide to park along one of the streets take a quick moment to check the signs and make sure parking is allowed there. Trust me the last thing you want after a nice walk is coming back to a fine.

So if you are wondering where most visitors usually park here are the main car parks you will find spread across the town.

Llanberis Path Car Park Address

Parking For Snowdon

Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4TU

Llanberis Pay & Display Car Park

Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4TU

Padarn Country Park Car Park

Unnamed Road, Caernarfon LL55 4TY

Ger Y Llyn Car Park

Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4TY

Village Car Park

Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4BY

Alternate Route to the Llanberis Waterfall

If you plan to reach the waterfall from near the Snowdon Mountain Railway instead of starting in the center of Llanberis there is another route you can take and it might even get you there a little faster.

Head toward the start of the Llanberis Path then take the right turning just before the cattle grid. Walk briefly down the road and then take the left turn that leads up Waterfall Vw and continue your way toward the falls.

Can I swim at Ceunant Mawr Waterfall?

No you are not allowed to swim at the Llanberis Waterfall. It might look tempting but swimming here is not permitted.

Wild swimming in waterfalls and plunge pools can be extremely dangerous. The local council has placed several warning signs around the falls clearly asking visitors not to swim or bathe in the water. Sadly there have been tragic accidents here in the past so it is important to respect these warnings and stay safe.

Also make sure you stay careful while walking around the Llanberis Waterfall area. The ground near the pool can be wet rocky and very slippery. Wearing proper sturdy footwear is definitely the smart move while exploring this beautiful spot.

Pont Bethania

Planning to stay in Llanberis?

If you are planning to stay longer than just a day in Llanberis you will find plenty of charming hotels and cozy bed and breakfasts around the village making it a lovely place to relax and explore at your own pace.

Our most recent visit at the Camping in Llanberis campsite