Nestled close to the heart of Snowdonia, Llanberis, lies the magnificent Ceunant Mawr Waterfall.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Llanberis, it can be easily missed if you’re on a day trip here to North Wales. But if you’ve got a spare hour and fancy seeing one of the best waterfalls in Snowdonia, if not Wales. Then Ceunant Mawr Waterfall is a must-have adventure for you!
The waterfall is fed by the Afon Goch river and cascades down a rocky cliff face, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. After heavy rainfall, this is one of the most impressive twins falls I’ve seen anywhere.
Ceunant Mawr waterfall which translates to “the waterfall of the great ravine” is a short walk from Llanberis town centre and is well worth the side mission to get to.
Quick Facts about the Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
- Distance: Less than 2km out and back
- Time: 60-90 minutes
- Best travel time: Anytime but especially after heavy rainfall
- Difficulty: Not too difficult, but can be slippery underfoot when wet
- Parking: Dolbadarn Castle Parking, Caernarfon, LL55 4TY
High Points of the Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
- Very easy to get to and within 30 minutes of Llanberis high street.
- Beautiful little trail leading to the falls.
- Incredible twin cascade at the end of the trail!
Low Points of the Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
Slippery in the wet, be careful.
How to get to Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, Snowdonia
There are a few options when it comes to parking and getting to Ceunant Mawr Waterfall. The easiest would probably have to be the Snowdon mountain railway parking, as then you’d just follow the path up and you’d be on the trail to the waterfall.
Alternatively, if you didn’t want to pay for parking, you could park somewhere along the high street if you can find space.
Lastly, if you wanted to make this more of a walk then you could park at Llyn Padarn, and then walk through to Llanberis from here.
The trail to the waterfall is well-marked and you essentially go through a housing estate until you see the sign to turn off for the trail.
Can’t really miss it, just stick it in google from below and you’ll be absolutely fine.
My Experience of the Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
Honestly feel like this is one of Snowdonia’s secret gems, well at least I felt that way when I found out how close it was to Llanberis.
How it is not more talked about, posted about, and visited – I’ll never know.
It quite literally is one of the most beautiful falls I’ve seen on my travels, yet it is within 15-20 minutes of Llanberis. The absolute hub of all things Snowdon and Snowdonia.
Given that Snowdonia gets 10 million visitors each year, I am surprised that this waterfall isn’t on the high to-do list like visiting the lonely tree in Llyn Padarn and climbing to the summit of Snowdon.
After finally getting around to finding these falls, I have to say I was super impressed.
You cannot swim at Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, but despite that fact, the falls are still impressive and well worth a visit.
What to do after visiting Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
You cannot visit Llanberis without doing two things:
1) Swimming/paddling/kayaking on Llyn Padarn. Potentially one of the best lakes Wales has to offer.
2) Get some food and a pint of tea or coffee from Pete’s Eats.
Whilst you’re also in Llanberis, it would be worth going to see the Dolbadarn Castle and to read about the history of the famed castle in Snowdonia.
Just around the corner is Betws Y Coed, which is home to Swallow falls. If you’ve not had your waterfall fix yet, this could help. That or grab a pizza from the famous Hanging Pizzeria.
But if you’re making a weekend of it, here are some more ideas for you to tackle whilst you’re in god’s country, also known as Wales.
Tryfan via North Ridge
Moel Siabod via Daedu Ridge
Secret Waterfall hike in Snowdonia, Wales
The Forgotten Waterfall near Betws Y Coed
Abandoned Street in Llanberis – Angelsey Barracks
If you’ve any questions about Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, then drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help.
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