Pont-y-Pair Bridge in Betws-y-Coed – Visit the Cauldron Falls

One of my favourite memories in Eryri National Park was strolling over Pont-y-Pair Bridge in Betws-y-Coed.

It was this moment that made me realise just how beautiful the village was.

Pont-y-Pair is not just a bridge. It’s a cornerstone of history and one of the most iconic settings in North Wales.

Picture a medieval packhorse bridge in the magical Gwydir Forest, which crosses over the Llugwy River.

Gorgeous Victorian houses surround the scene, and a fierce waterfall flows underneath. Bubbling like a cauldron.

No visit to Betws-y-Coed is complete without a visit. Here is a guide with the history, how to find it, and what to expect.

Pont-y-Pair bridge history

This gorgeous bridge over the Afon Llugwy River was originally built in the 1500s by Hywel Saer Maen.

‘Saer Maen’ is the Welsh word for a stonemason. Its original purpose was to provide a means for packhorses to cross over the river.

But it was widened in the 1800s to allow stagecoaches to use it too.

Years ago, the only way that passengers travelling on coaches from London and England could access the town of Conwy was via a risky ferry.

They would then make their way over to Holyhead for the ferry crossings.

But there was a fateful accident on the Conwy ferry in 1806. After that, coaches approaching from London wanted to avoid this route.

They instantly looked for other routes to access Conwy. But in 1806, most of this area was still very rural, with little or no infrastructure.

There were hardly any paved roads to access villages, let alone bridges to cross over its rivers.

In response, the Pont-yr-Afanc bridge was completed in 1808. This crossing then saw stagecoaches divert through Betws-y-Coed.

Thomas Telford’s new road

It was Thomas Telford’s ‘new’ Betws road (or the A5 as it’s called today) that put tourism in Betws-y-Coed on the map.

This new development meant that the Pont-y-Pair bridge was largely abandoned by coaches in the 1820s.

The new Telford road made the village far more accessible and saw tourists arrive in droves.

The popularity of Betws-y-Coed started to pick up, and an artist colony was slowly being established in the area. Hotels were created for tourists.

By 1887, the Pont-y-Pair bridge became one of the most popular tourist attractions in the village.

It was also featured on postcards and idyllic canvas paintings. Even today, this delightful five-arched bridge never fails to bring in the crowds.

What does Pont-y-Pair mean in English?

The phrase Pont-y-Pair actually means the Bridge of the Cauldron.

‘Pont’ (bridge)- ‘y’ (the) – ‘Pair’ (cauldron)

This is because the waterfalls that flow under the bridge arches roar and make a sound similar to a cauldron bubbling.

If you were curious, Betws-y-Coed translates to Prayerhouse-in-the-Woods.

How do you pronounce Pont-y-Pair?

Although it sounds like it’s meant to be pronounced ‘Pont – e – Pair’ with ‘Pair’ sounding like the Pear fruit. It’s actually nothing like it. 

In the Welsh language (Cymraeg), it’s spoken a little differently. It’s actually pronounced like ‘Pont – uh – Py – er’. 

With the long ‘y’ part being like an ‘uh’ as we’re in North Wales (In South Wales it’s like an ‘e’), and the end part being like funeral pyre with a rolled r. 

Don’t worry if you can’t get it straight away. Most people pronounce it wrong.

Even though my family is Welsh and Cymraeg was my Nan’s first language, I’ve never quite got the hang of it. 

That’s why there are so many English counterparts to traditional Welsh names in the area, as they are notoriously hard to pronounce.

For starters, the Afon Llugwy River that flows under the bridge is pronounced like ‘shig-wee’. But that’s a lesson for another day… 

Where is Pont-y-Pair Bridge?

The Pont-y-Pair Bridge is easy to locate in Betws-y-Coed village. This is in Eryri National Park, North of Wales. 

From the train station, you can be there in five minutes walk if you head in the direction of Olif and the Swallow Falls. 

There are plenty of tourist signs, so you won’t get lost. But the visitor centre is really friendly and has tourist maps.

The turning for the Pont-y-Pair bridge is located by the Hawkshead outdoor shop and opposite the famous Pont-y-Pair Inn. 

It’s free to visit and open to the public 24 hours a day.

Pont-y-Pair car parking

There is a convenient Pont-y-Pair Car Park, just beyond this bridge next to the Cunningham’s Outdoor Clothing Store.

Just bring cash as hardly any of the car parks here take cards or are contactless.

Things to do in Pont-y-Pair

So, what is there to do while you’re visiting this famous Cauldron Bridge?

You may be surprised, but there is actually quite a lot. I spent more time here than I originally thought I would. 

I couldn’t get enough of the incredible views and had my camera out snapping photos. Also, the sounds the waterfall makes are relaxing.

Photograph the views

In all of Betws-y-Coed, the Pont-y-Pair bridge is the most scenic area. It’s like walking through an oil painting hanging at a gallery.

As you cross over, you’ll find quaint Victorian buildings on the riverbanks that overlook the River Llugwy.

To top it off, it’s all beautifully framed by trees of the Gwydir Forest. 

Pont-y-Pair waterfall of the bubbling cauldron

If you missed it, the name Pont-y-Pair translates in English to the ‘Bridge of the Cauldron’ due to its fierce waterfall that bubbles underneath.

You must check it out while you’re here. In fact, you’ll probably hear the crashing noises before you arrive. 

It’s really easy to spot the waterfalls from the top of the bridge. You can see the water swirling and crashing through the craggy rocks below. 

It really does look like a witch’s cauldron bubbling and making a wicked brew.

Birds, wildlife & jumping salmon

If you visit Pont-y-Pair at the right time, you may be able to spot some of the wildlife.

Many people have reported spotting a graceful heron that sometimes flies over the river. It finally settles on the river banks.

You may also be lucky enough to see one of the famous ‘leaping salmons’. They swim upstream and then try to jump up through the gorge.

You’ll need to be pretty quick to catch the jumping salmon, though. So, keep your eyes peeled.

My top tips for visiting

• As this bridge is for both cars and walkers, mind out for traffic while crossing.

• There are plenty of amazing places to photograph the bridge. Personally, I loved the views by the Hawkshead shop.

• You don’t have to go hiking to enjoy this bridge and the waterfall. It’s in the middle of the village and a popular picnic spot in the summer. 

• The force of the falls largely depends on rainfall. If you go after some heavy rain, the falls are absolutely incredible.

Can you jump off Pont-y-Pair Bridge?

No, and it’s really dangerous to even attempt doing so. There are signs warning you not to do it.

Although this used to be a popular ‘rite of passage’ in years gone by, it’s now illegal.

After too many accidents, some tragic, it’s now monitored by CCTV and patrolled by security.

Things to do in Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed is one of the most popular villages in Eryri National Park. It’s incredibly quaint with some beautiful scenery and attractions.

You can visit the Roman Penmachno Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, and the scenic Miner’s Bridge too. 

The Miner’s Bridge can be accessed on an easy walk through Gwydir Forest.

You could also check out the gorgeous Sappers Suspension Bridge, which also has scenic views.

There are many Betws-y-Coed shops and boutiques. There are a lot of hiking shops, but there are also some incredible boutiques and art galleries.

There are countless cafés and restaurants to choose from, but the popular Caffi Caban-y-Pair is a traveller favourite.

Around the area, there are also some fantastic attractions to explore, like the attractive Swallow Falls.

You could hike to the nearby Fairy Glen or why not stop by the Conwy Falls and cafe?

Talking of rural cafés, I loved the Ugly House or Ty Hyll. Plus, Tu Hwnt I’r Bont is gorgeous in autumn with its red leaves.

Pont-y-Pair Inn

Although Betws-y-Coed is full of famous hotels, the Pont-y-Pair Inn is a perfect choice.

It’s set in a delightful Victorian building, right on the high street, and many of their boutique rooms provide a view of the bridge.

As well as enjoying the Betws attractions on your doorstep, you’re also at the gateway to explore more of Eryri National Park.

Read my North Wales guides

The legend of Gelert & how to visit his grave

The top places to visit in Beddgelert

Where is the lonely tree of Llyn Padarn

Look inside the Smallest House in Great Britain!

An easy Aber Falls walk guide

A complete guide for the Conwy Town Walls

How to do the Llyn Idwal Circular Walk

A complete guide for the Dinas Emrys Walk & Dragon legend

How to see the Bodnant Garden Laburnum Arch

How to visit Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall

Gladstone’s Library – Stay in the UK’s only residential library

How to visit Dinorwic Quarry Wales

Save the Pont-y-Pair Bridge for later