Whilst waterfalls might not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of Coventry there are some stunning examples within a few hours’ drive.
Admittedly, it’s not ideal weather for visiting these picturesque spots right now – but it’s worth planning ahead for a summer trip, which will be here before you know it.
Were you aware there’s a waterfall exceeding the height of Niagara Falls relatively close by in Oswestry, which appeared in a David Beckham advertisement?
Pistyll Rhaeadr can be reached from Coventry in just over two hours via the M6 and M54, depending on traffic conditions. The waterfall served as the setting for David Beckham’s campaign for Biotherm Homme, a men’s skincare range.
Standing as Britain’s tallest single-drop waterfall, it reaches an impressive 80 metres, or 240 feet – surpassing Niagara Falls in height, reports Birmingham Live.
1) Pistyll Rhaeadr.
The stunning falls are located in Powys, west of Oswestry and Shrewsbury, across the Welsh border in the Berwyn Mountains. The walk from the car park takes just 20 minutes, though some climbing is required along tracks or uneven steps.
Sturdy walking boots are recommended, particularly in damp conditions, as the public footpath winds across the mountainside through farmland. Note that parking charges apply.
Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, Powys SY10 0BZ.
2) Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed.
These spectacular views are just over three hours from Coventry via the M6, M54 and A5. You can venture to Swallow Falls, Capel Curig, and embark on the circular Conwy Falls Walk through a forested gorge.
Here, the river plunges 50 feet (15 m) into a deep pool. It’s a brief, straightforward stroll with several excellent viewpoints.
And, if you’re up for it, pay a visit to the Fairy Glen as well, where you’ll discover additional waterfalls and rapids.
Swallow Falls, Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed, Wales LL24 0DH.
3) Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton.
A mere 90-minute journey from Coventry will bring you to Carding Mill Valley. Located on the Long Mynd, this heathland teems with wildlife and offers sweeping views across the Shropshire Hills.
There’s a ‘Lightspout Waterfall’, a four-metre natural feature that Victorian visitors reportedly dubbed a ‘miniature Niagara’.
As it’s managed by the National Trust, parking fees apply unless you’re a member.
Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6JG.
4) Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen.
Just over two hours from Coventry, traffic permitting, via the M6, M54 and A5, you’ll find the scenic semi-circular weir of Horseshoe Falls. Designed by renowned engineer Thomas Telford in 1806, it was created to provide water to the Shropshire Union Canal.
It forms part of the 11-mile-long UNESCO World Heritage Site around Pontcysylte Aqueduct and Chirk.
Llangollen Wharf in the town centre is also worth a peek.
Indeed, there’s plenty to see in Llangollen. Take a leisurely walk along the Victoria Promenade on the River Dee.
Llangollen, Wales LL20 8BN.
5) Talybont Reservoir, Brecon Beacons.
The journey to Talybont Reservoir from Coventry takes approximately two and a half hours via the M5 and A40, depending on traffic conditions. The River Carefanell features a succession of breathtaking waterfalls close to Talybont Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons.
Visitors can enjoy a two-mile walk starting from the Forestry Commission’s Upper Blaen-y-Glyn car park.
The Brecon Beacons offers an abundance of spectacular landscapes to discover, making it worthwhile to depart early and dedicate the entire day to exploring.
6) Lumsdale Waterfalls, Peak District.
Roughly 90 minutes from Coventry via the M69 and M1, traffic dependent, you’ll discover not just a waterfall but also a gorge, three pools and six waterwheels at Bentley Brook in the Lumsdale Valley near Matlock, Derbyshire.
This tranquil, tree-lined valley features the remains of a disused mill situated beside the falls. The route guides you through country lanes offering magnificent vistas across Matlock towards Riber Castle.
Lumsdale Falls, Lumsdale, Matlock DE4 5LA.
7) Cheddar Gorge Waterfalls.
The drive to Cheddar from Coventry takes roughly two and a half hours, provided traffic flows smoothly, via the M5. Rather than powerful, cascading falls, expect a more gentle downward flow of water.
There’s plenty to explore at Cheddar – from the caves to the 360-acre nature reserve.
