💧 Our Ultimate Welsh Waterfall Road Trip: 4-6 Days from Machynlleth

Wales is a land of dramatic landscapes, and few features capture its wild beauty better than its waterfalls. From thunderous mountain cascades to peaceful woodland falls, this 6-day road trip showcases some of the best — all from the comfort and freedom of your stealth campervan.

Starting and ending in Machynlleth, this route winds through scenic valleys, forested hills, and quiet country roads. You'll visit iconic natural landmarks, pass through peaceful towns, and even may see some low level fighter jets in training!

Whether you're a seasoned van lifer or a weekend explorer, this route is built for low-key wild camping, short daily drives, and unforgettable views.

I have included Google Maps links in the title of the days.

🗺️ Route Overview

Start/End: Machynlleth
Duration: 4 to 6 Days
Ideal for: Stealth campers / wild camping
Route type: Circular
Highlights: Devil’s Bridge Falls, Pistyll Rhaeadr, Aber Falls, Swallow Falls, Red Squirrel Woods, Rhaeadr Mawddach, mountain passes, lakes, and more

📍 Day 1: Devil’s Bridge Falls

Kick off your adventure at the famous Devil’s Bridge Falls — a dramatic, three-tiered waterfall in a mossy gorge. This atmospheric site also features the historic triple bridge and a short but steep walking trail with fantastic views.

Facilities: Café, paid parking, marked trail
Overnight: Quiet layby near Cwmystwyth or up in the Cambrian Mountains

📍 Day 2: Hafod Estate & Llyn Clywedog

Head deeper into Mid Wales for a stroll through the Hafod Estate, where rivers and forest paths hide small waterfalls and ancient trees. (You can skip this stop if short on time.)

Later, visit Llyn Clywedog for a swim, paddle, or peaceful stop by the reservoir.

Optional Stop: Hafod Estate
Overnight: Wild park-up near Staylittle or by the lake

📍 Day 3: Pistyll Rhaeadr

Drive through quiet valleys to Pistyll Rhaeadr, the tallest waterfall in Wales and one of its Seven Wonders. The short trail to the top is steep but rewarding.

Facilities: Café, parking, toilets
Overnight: Wild camping spot in the Tanat Valley

📍 Day 4: Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd, Swallow Falls & Betws-y-Coed

Travel north to the charming village of Betws-y-Coed, Stopping first Conwy falls cafe to see Rhaeadr Y Graig lwyd, then to the famous Swallow Falls via the village. The wooded gorge and picnic spots make it a great place to relax or stretch your legs but does get busy peak season.

Explore: River walks, local cafés, woodland trails
Overnight: Layby in Gwydir Forest or nearby back roads

📍 Day 5: Aber Falls ➝ Llangefni Red Squirrel Woods ➝ Anglesey Coast

Begin your day with a visit to Aber Falls, a stunning waterfall near Abergwyngregyn. The scenic walk is relatively easy and incredibly rewarding.

Next, drive across to Llangefni on the Isle of Anglesey and explore the Dingle (Nant y Pandy) Nature Reserve — one of the best places in Wales to spot red squirrels in the wild. Follow the boardwalk trail through ancient woodland and keep your eyes peeled!

If time allows, enjoy the seaside views along Anglesey’s coast — perfect for a relaxing evening, if it's high tide head to Point Lynas and, if you're lucky, you may see Dolphins that are regulars to the area at high tide, take binoculars.

Optional: Sunset near the sea, Red Wharf Bay or explore the Menai Strait
Overnight: Coastal layby or quiet rural road near Penmon or Benllech

📍 Day 6: Rhaeadr Mawddach & Return via Mach Loop

On your final day, head off on the A5, try to hit the Meanai Suspension Bridge and travel through the heart of Snowdonia (Now called Eryri), past Llyn Ogwen loop south again and stop at Rhaeadr Mawddach, a beautiful lesser-known waterfall near Ganllwyd.

Then head toward Cader Idris, where you might catch a jet or two roaring overhead — this is part of the legendary Mach Loop, a low-flying military training route, they fly most week days but never on the weekend, here is a link to parking for the Mach Loop, it gets busy! Best before 8am or after 4pm, planes still fly late in to the afternoon most days.

Optional Hikes: Cregennan Lakes, Mawddach Trail, Cader Idris foothills
Return to Machynlleth: Via mountain and coastal roads, ideal for a scenic finish

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