BetwsyCoed

Betws-y-Coed is a village and community in Conwy County Borough, Wales. It sits in the Conwy Valley within Snowdonia National Park and is widely regarded as a gateway to the North Snowdonia area. The village is a popular base for walking and outdoor activities, with easy access to forest trails, waterfalls, and mountain scenery.

The name Betws-y-Coed comes from Welsh, with betws meaning a chapel or prayer house and coed meaning wood. Historically, the settlement grew around a medieval chapel and developed as a stopover point for travelers. In the 19th century the arrival of the railway helped establish Betws-y-Coed as a tourist destination, a role it continues to play today.

Geography and attractions are a defining feature of Betws-y-Coed. The village lies near the confluence of the River Llugwy and the River Conwy, and it is known for its woodland surroundings and waterfalls. Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol) is a well-known nearby sight, and Llyn Elsi, a reservoir above the village, provides water supply and scenic views. The surrounding Gwydyr Forest offers outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, and the Conwy Valley Line railway connects Betws-y-Coed to Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog, reinforcing its role as a travel hub.

Economically, Betws-y-Coed is sustained largely by tourism, with guesthouses, inns, shops, and outdoor equipment providers serving visitors year-round. The village retains historic charm while functioning as a focal point for access to Snowdonia’s landscape and trails.