The hidden paradise waterfalls made famous on Instagram where two people died

Wales Online

17 hours ago

The hidden paradise waterfalls made famous on Instagram where two people died
The attraction is a magnet for tourists and locals alike, with waters that are always crystal clear and a series of tumbling water, but this week it was the site of tragedy, underlining the difficulties around the high number of visitors to the area
TikTokers increasingly refer to the cascades as the 'fairy pools'
(Image: Ian Lilley )
In the summer, the mountain waters of Yr Wyddfa often appear enticing, even to those not undertaking a tough climb. The aqua blue waters and cascading waterfalls create an illusion of being somewhere far more exotic.
Located just a brief walk from the A498, the Watkin Pools are a dream for Instagrammers seeking wild swimming photos without much effort. Until this week, their popularity was assumed and their use unchallenged. However, on Wednesday evening, tragedy struck when two women lost their lives in the pools.
One woman was retrieved from the water, while the other was later rescued by emergency teams but sadly passed away despite resuscitation attempts.
A police investigation is currently underway into the incident that has left Britain in shock and sorrow. You can read our report on the tragic event here.
Mountain activities inherently carry some risk: on average, eight people lose their lives each year on Yr Wyddfa due to falls, trips and health conditions. However, fatalities involving the mountain's lakes, streams and pools are rare, reports North Wales Live.
While the cause of this week's tragedy remains unconfirmed, it's important to remember that wild swimming – or even a quick dip – carries risks, particularly in icy mountain waters where rocks can be slippery and sharp. In light of this, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK has issued a special warning to Welsh residents and visitors to remain vigilant around water this summer.
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New statistics have revealed that in 2024, the drowning rate in Wales was twice the UK national average. The year saw 18 accidental drownings, with an additional 19 water-related deaths still awaiting official cause determination.
Interim charity director at RLSS UK, Matt Croxall, said: "The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water."
The river's iconic slab bridge balances delicately on boulders having endured the worst of Eryri's winter storms
(Image: Ian Lilley )
Following the Covid pandemic, the Watkin Pools near Yr Wyddfa experienced a surge in popularity. A comparison of parking figures from 2021 indicated a significant 64% increase at Pont Bethania car park in Nant Gwynant, relative to the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
While some visitors were hikers tackling the challenging Watkin Path to the summit, Eryri National Park officials attribute much of the rise to "trending social media posts" showcasing the picturesque Watkin Pools.
At that time, a travel website hailed it as "one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Snowdonia and maybe therefore in the whole of the UK." Since then, the praise for this location has only intensified.
Guides tout the pools as a "perfect cool-down" for hikers ascending the mountain. Yet in practice many take the plunge more for the sake of soaking up the ambiance and capturing crucial snapshots than for the hike itself, then promptly retracing their steps downhill.
It's considered amongst the top UK spots for inducing "Insta envy."
The Watkin cascades were recently dubbed the UK's second prime "hidden waterfalls". Despite their prevalence on social media hinting they aren't quite so concealed, their popularity is understandable.
Even on overcast days when they're not shimmering aqua blue, the waters retain their crystal clarity. At certain cascade points, visitors fancy themselves in "infinity pools", gazing from atop craggy ledges down to the splendid Nant Gwynant valley.
Suspended from an overhead branch by a tree-lined pool, a makeshift rope swing invites adventure. Amongst two trees sits a flat rock functioning as an impromptu slide.
Countless videos have been shared on TikTok, with the cascades increasingly referred to as "Snowdon's fairy pools".
A traveller commented: "5-star turquoise waters – the kind of place that makes you feel like its summer on the darkest day. Crystal clear, ice cold, delicious. Children adore it."
Lately, finding solitude at these pools has proven more of a challenge. Seasoned visitors suggest getting there early to dodge the throngs, as the falls become crowded post-noon.
Especially on sun-filled days, it's not unusual for guests to find themselves sharing their slice of "paradise" with fellow revellers.
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However, you don't need to take a dip to appreciate the waterfalls and their iconic slab bridge. Picnics in this area have grown increasingly popular, leading to noticeable wear on the surrounding ground.
Over 600,000 people annually flock to Yr Wyddfa, though this week's double tragedy starkly demonstrates the risks such visits pose.