Fairy Glen (Ffos Anoddun)
Two miles south of the village, the River Conwy vanishes into a narrow, moss-draped gorge of sculpted rock that feels entirely otherworldly — the kind of place that makes you lower your voice instinctively and reach for your camera.
Into the Gorge
The Fairy Glen, known in Welsh as Ffos Anoddun, is a secluded gorge on the River Conwy, tucked just off the A470 near Beaver Bridge, around two miles from Betws-y-Coed. Access is across private land via a small honesty-box gate — a pound coin is a very fair price for what lies beyond.
The path down into the gorge is steep and can be slippery, so walking boots are non-negotiable. The reward is a cathedral of dripping moss, twisted oak roots and dark polished rock through which the Conwy squeezes and churns in a series of dramatic pools and chutes.
Combining It with Conwy Falls
The Fairy Glen sits within the broader Conwy Falls Forest Park, set in around 10 acres of native woodland with glades, viewpoints and river paths that explore the deep gorge. A short walk along the riverbank connects the glen to the equally impressive Conwy Falls, making it easy to combine both in a single two-hour outing.
Despite being so close to Betws-y-Coed, the Fairy Glen remains genuinely quieter than the village's main attractions. Come on a weekday morning and you may share it only with dippers bobbing on the rocks and the sound of the river.
Fairy Glen (Ffos Anoddun) on video
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