To celebrate 70 years of Anna Davies, we created our limited edition Swallow Falls Pendant in collaboration with Clogau.
Inspired by one of the most well-known landmarks in the area, it felt only right to take a closer look at the place behind the name.
Swallow Falls is one of the most visited natural attractions in North Wales – but where did the name come from, and what’s the story behind it?
A brief history of Swallow Falls
Located just outside Betws-y-Coed, Swallow Falls sits along the River Llugwy and has been drawing visitors for centuries.
Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, as travel around North Wales became more accessible, the falls quickly became a popular stop for tourists exploring the area. Improvements to local roads, including work by Thomas Telford, made it easier for people to reach places like Betws-y-Coed, helping to put it firmly on the map.
Over time, pathways and viewing points were added, turning it into the well-known visitor spot it is today. Despite this, it’s still very much a natural setting – and the power of the water, especially after rainfall, is what keeps people coming back.
Why is it called Swallow Falls?
The Welsh name for the falls is Rhaeadr Ewynnol, which roughly translates to “foaming waterfall”.
The name “Swallow Falls” is believed to have developed over time as an English interpretation. Some suggest it may have come from a phonetic shift from the original Welsh, while others link it to the way the water appears to “swallow” the rocks as it rushes through the gorge.
There’s no single confirmed explanation, but that mix of language, landscape and interpretation is part of what makes the name stick.
Why it's still so popular today
Swallow Falls remains one of the most photographed and visited spots in North Wales.
Its location just outside Betws-y-Coed makes it easy to reach, and the falls themselves are impressive all year round. Whether you visit in the height of summer or after heavy rain when the water is at its strongest, it’s always worth seeing.
For many people, it’s a must-visit when they’re in the area – and often somewhere they return to more than once.
A small way to take it with you
Inspired by the movement and natural tones of the falls, our Swallow Falls Pendant was designed to reflect the landscape it’s named after. Each piece features a unique abalone stone, meaning no two are the same.
Created to mark 70 years of Anna Davies, it’s a small way of capturing a place that means a lot to both us and our customers.
If you’re visiting Betws-y-Coed, Swallow Falls is always worth seeing. And if you’d like to take a piece of it home with you, the pendant is available online or in store.