Machno Falls, Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia

Machno Falls

Machno Falls is a picturesque waterfall on the River Machno (or Afon Machno if you prefer the Welsh) near Betws-y-Coed, Gwynedd. It lies just south (upriver) of the more famous Conwy Falls. There is no easy access from the east side of the river, so getting to the waterfall takes a bit of effort.

Getting There

From the A5 take the B4406 south, past the Conwy Falls cafe, designed by Clough Williams-Ellis, who was responsible for the fantasy village of Portmeirion. You soon come to a road off to the right, leading through Penmachno village and past the derelict remains of the Penmachno Woollen Mill.

Cross the bridge over the Afon Machno, with its views to the 17th-century packhorse bridge known as the Penmachno Roman Bridge on the downstream side.

The narrow country lane turns north, loosely following the west bank of the river for roughly 500m. Past several houses and the remains of the Pandy Mill you will see a lay-by on the right with room for several vehicles. You can catch glimpses of the falls through the trees, depending on the time of year. At the northern end of the lay-by a rough trail leads down to the river for views of the waterfall.

There are no facilities at Machno Falls, but the location is wonderful, and you are unlikely to meet any other visitors.