How to get to Ceunant Mawr Waterfall Walk (Llanberis Waterfall)
Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, also known as Llanberis Waterfall or Llanberis Falls, is a spectacular waterfall in Llanberis, part of Snowdonia National Park in Wales. It is easily one of the best waterfalls in Wales and is free to visit – unlike others in the area, such as Swallow Falls and Conwy Falls. It is also accessible to a waterfall, the walk is easy and flat, and we saw small children enjoying the falls too.
Ceunant Mawr, translates to “the waterfall of the great ravine”, is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wales. It plunges more than 100 feet into a gorge in Afon Arddu in just two stages. We loved how it seemed to drop sideways, which means it is a unique waterfall. You’ll see what we mean when you see it for yourself.
It is good to know that there are 3 ways to view the Llanberis waterfall – from above, below and from the Snowdon Mountain Railway. In our guide, we share an overview of all three, parking information, top tips and end with frequently asked questions.
How to get to Llanberis Falls
Ceunant Mawr Waterfall Postcode: LL55 4TH
Follow the Google Maps Directions here
By Car:
Llanberis can be found on the road from Caernarfon towards Snowdonia Peak via A4086.
By Public Transport:
You can catch the Snowdon Sherpa if you wish to leave your car at home, as it connects to many surrounding towns and villages. It is easy, and you pay on the bus.
Ceunant Mawr Waterfall Map
Llanberis Waterfall Weather
Please check the forecast before going for Llanberis so that you can prepare accordingly. For example, the path will be slippery after heavy rainfall, but the waterfalls will be strong and unique to see.
Top Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes. We recommend walking boots as the riverside walk can be muddy. However, we saw lots of people completing the walk-in trainers. As long as they’re not white – you’ll be fine.
- If you do not have mobility issues, we recommend seeing the above and below for different perspectives. The hill to the top is steep, though, and you cannot drive up there.
- Llanberis is a popular place to begin the walk to the Snowdon summit. Therefore, it can get bustling, especially on weekends and school holidays, so we recommend beating the rush and arriving early or late. Luckily the walk is short.
- Take all litter home with you to keep this area beautiful for others to enjoy.
Where do I park for Ceunant Mawr waterfall?
There are a few options for parking. Both are free and paid. You will soon notice how much the locals dislike people parking on the streets near the start. There are numerous No Parking signs, but it is a private road, and you can park there if you like.
It is the council that should give permits to locals if it is a problem. That being said, there are other places where you can park your cars, so if you do not want to upset anyone, we recommend using those. There are plenty to choose from.
Paid parking:
You can park your car in Llanberis near the railway station.
Alternatively, you can follow the Google Maps Directions and park here (this is closer to the walk).
Free Parking
There is free parking on some of the roads in Llanberis. You can follow the Google Maps Directions here to park on Dol Eilian Road, which usually has spaces as it is pretty big.
Ceunant Mawr Waterfall Walk Details
Distance: 1km
Time: 15-minutes
Ascent: 52m
Difficulty: Easy
Ceunant Mawr Waterfall Walk Directions
A walk to Ceunant Mawr Waterfall from Llanberis Town Centre:
From the centre of Llanberis, walk to the shops, and turn left. Then take the first street on the right. You will see the small sign “Ceunant Mawr waterfall”. Luckily you will be at the falls in no time. They can be found on a footpath off Church Road.
Continue a little further to cross the railway and river to find a path that follows along the river’s west side. You will be able to see the Ceunant Mawr waterfall after 5 minutes. You can view it from above or at the riverside.
From Above:
From Church Road, walk uphill on the tarmac along a Private road until you reach the green gate after roughly 0.3km. It is quite a steep climb.
Cross the railway line via a gate, and you will see the impressive waterfall from above from a viewing area. Remember, trains do pass from hare, so be careful and watch where you are going.
After, walk back down the hill and take the right turn towards the waterfall. The extra uphill will add 0.6km to your walk and involves walking uphill. You can not go up to the viewing platform with your car.
From below:
From Church road, walk slightly uphill on the private road until you see a sign for the falls. Take a left, walk under the viaduct, and up the path next to the river. It is beautiful, and many gorgeous waterfalls are on the way to the main attraction.
After, turn back the way you came and return to the town by retracing your steps.
From the Snowdon Railway:
The train will cross the Afon Hwch river viaduct shortly after leaving Llanberis station. Here the Ceunant Mawr waterfall plunges into the canyon below. Waterfall Halt will be next. This building was once a residence for a local family, and you will make many different stops! It is a great experience and a unique way to view the falls.
For more information and to book tickets (you’ll need to in advance), visit the Snowdon Mountain Railway website.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have unanswered questions, drop a comment below, and we will try to answer the best we can.
Can you swim in Ceunant Mawr waterfall?
No, many signs say it is too dangerous to swim in Llanberis Falls. There have been numerous fatalities over the years. That said, we saw some people paddling as it was a hot day. No one was swimming, though.
Can I take my dog on the Llanberis Falls walk?
Yes, remember to take all of their litter homes with you and put them on a lead if necessary.
Is the waterfall walk child friendly?
Yes, this is a great walk to do with kids, it is pretty short but beautiful, and there is a place to rest at the end before returning. You will probably want to skip the upper viewing platform, though. We saw some people using pushchairs, but the ground was uneven.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring is an excellent time to visit after heavy rainfall. It is when you will see the waterfalls at their best and most potent.
What facilities are nearby?
There are public toilets in Llanberis, cafes, shops and pubs.
What can I do nearby?
You can visit Padarn Country Park.
Walk along Llyn Padarn or hire a boat on it.
Catch the Llanberis Lake Railway.
Climb Snowdon
There you have it, a guide to the Ceunant Mawr Waterfall walk; we hope you get to experience the magic of these falls as we did. They are truly spectacular!
If you’re on a Wales waterfall hunt, then be sure to check out our other Wales waterfalls guides:
Aber Falls Walk – 2 Great Routes
The Four Waterfalls Walk, Brecon Beacons – 5 Easy Stages
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.