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Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
You don't need a big hike to see one of Wales' most powerful waterfalls
You don't need a big hike to see one of Wales' most powerful waterfalls It's just a short walk to the highest continuous waterfall in Wales If you don't fancy an epic hike to a waterfall spot, there is a beautiful waterfall near Betws-y-Coed that doesn't require a three-hour trek to reach it. (Image: Portia Jones ) We are blessed with hundreds of waterfalls in Wales, from large, dramatic drops to smaller cascades in picturesque settings. Many of our most magnificent falls require a big hike to reach them, as several are in secluded spots, far from civilisation. If you don't fancy an epic hike to a waterfall spot, there is a beautiful waterfall near Betws-y-Coed that doesn't require a three-hour trek to reach it. Swallow Falls is a scenic highlight in Eryri, with the accolade of being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty characterised by its flowing waterfall set in a picturesque wooded area that's just a short walk from the main road. Here, the River Llugwy flows through a narrow chasm, creating a spectacular waterfall amidst a gorgeous backdrop of beech, conifer, and birch trees. The falls are located near the beautiful north Wales town of Betws-y-Coed. Surrounded by craggy mountains, peaceful lakes, and lush woodlands, Betws has a distinctive alpine village vibe, with charming stone buildings and bridges. If you've ever been lucky enough to visit the Alps, Betws-y-Coed is pretty much the UK's answer, with its scenery that'll remind you of picturesque Swiss spots like Montreux or Interlaken. Article continues below Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) are just a 15-minute drive from Betws, and you can park at the Ty'n Llwyn car park in Gwydir Forest Park, which is a starting point for a walking trail to the falls. Alternatively, parking is available in the nearby lay-by on the A5. You can also take the regular Snowdon Sherpa S1 (Betws-y-Coed to Caernarfon) and T10 (Betws-y-Coed to Bangor) bus services. Once you arrive, you'll see a coin- or card-operated turnstile to access the viewing area for the falls. Entry to the viewing areas is just £2 per person, located just a short walk from the turnstiles. Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) near Betws-y-Coed (Image: Tom Parnell/Wiki ) You'll likely hear the falls before you see them as the roar of the white water tumbling over the rocks cuts through the peaceful woodland. Here, the River Conwy meets three tributaries – the Llugwy, Lledr, and Machno, flowing in from the west, creating a dramatic mix of waterfalls, rapids, and deep, mysterious pools. You can view the falls from timber boardwalks and a footbridge, with platform access in a gently steep gorge. There's no need for a huge hike; simply walk to the platforms and start snapping some lovely photos. The falls consist of multiple cascades, totalling approximately 42 m (138 ft) in height, tumbling over a stepped rocky platform and are the highest continuous waterfall in Wales. According to History Points, Swallow Falls got its name back in 1773 as Rhaiadr y Wennol, 'Waterfall of the Swallow', thanks to the way a big rock splits the flow to look like a swallow's tail. These days, the Welsh name is Rhaeadr Ewynnol, meaning 'Foaming Waterfall'. It gained popularity in Victorian times when people sought a more poetic, albeit somewhat fabricated, name. In 1913, Lord Ancaster handed the falls over to the local council. They started charging visitors to help pay for Betws-y-Coed's new water and electricity infrastructure. There was even drama in 1904 over plans for a light railway. Locals worried it'd ruin the view, so the council insisted it should go through a tunnel. The paper backed them, saying the falls were 'worth fighting for'. In the end, the railway never happened. You can view the falls from timber boardwalks and a footbridge, with platform access in a gently steep gorge. (Image: Portia Jones ) Want to make a day of it? A wander through the forest trail that starts at Gwydir Forest Park leads you near ethereal falls, where legend suggests the thunderous sound of the falls is the restless spirit of Sir John Wynne of Gwydir Castle. Gwydir Forest Park practically wraps itself around Betws-y-Coed, offering a magical mix of serene mountain lakes, woodland paths blanketed in vivid bluebells, and waterfalls tumbling through the wild Welsh landscape. There are several trails in the area, so download the handy AllTrails app to find your preferred route. Worked up an appetite after all that waterfall gawping? Head over to the freshly spruced-up Swallow Falls Hotel just across the road. This charming old inn has been welcoming wanderers and locals for over 150 years, and now, after a swanky multi-million-pound makeover, it's looking better than ever. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Revamped Swallow Falls Inn at Betws-y-Coed (Image: Wales Online ) Article continues below You'll find cosy pub vibes, comfy rooms, and laid-back food and drink served all day, every day. It's the perfect spot to refuel with a pint and a pub lunch. Swallow Falls: Need to Know Location : Just off the A5, 2.5 miles from Betws-y-Coed, Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales : Just off the A5, 2.5 miles from Betws-y-Coed, Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales Parking : Lay-by on A5 (limited) Ty'n Llwyn car park in Gwydir Forest Park (for forest trails) : Lay-by on A5 (limited) Ty'n Llwyn car park in Gwydir Forest Park (for forest trails) Public Transport : Snowdon Sherpa S1 (Betws to Caernarfon) T10 (Betws to Bangor) – both stop nearby : Snowdon Sherpa S1 (Betws to Caernarfon) T10 (Betws to Bangor) – both stop nearby Entry : £2 via coin/card-operated turnstile to viewing platforms : £2 via coin/card-operated turnstile to viewing platforms Accessibility : Short walk from road to viewing platforms and footbridge; some steps involved : Short walk from road to viewing platforms and footbridge; some steps involved Height : Around 42 metres (138 ft) – the tallest continuous waterfall in Wales : Around 42 metres (138 ft) – the tallest continuous waterfall in Wales Opening Times : Open daily, year-round : Open daily, year-round Food & Drink : Swallow Falls Hotel offers relaxed all-day dining just across the road : Swallow Falls Hotel offers relaxed all-day dining just across the road Top Tip: Download the AllTrails app for nearby forest walks and other hidden falls
India.com
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
2 hour 18 minute thriller will blow your mind, husband finds his wife cheating with..., climax will shake you, movie is..., lead actor is...
Bollywood movies that have a storyline intertwined with love, cheating, revenge, and murder are often considered a huge hit. These kinds of movies, which come under the category of thrillers, always keep the audience on their toes. Today, we will discuss a film that has all of the above — but with a twist. A dark comedy with a crumpled plot. The movie features one of the legendary actors who always made sure to win fans with his performances, and in this movie too, he did the same. If you are wondering which film we are talking about, then it is Irrfan Khan's Blackmail. Directed by Abhinay Deo and released in 2018, this dark comedy thriller featured late actor Irrfan Khan, Kriti Kulhari, and Arunoday Singh in lead roles. According to a report by Wiki, the movie was made on a budget of Rs 18 crore and earned Rs 39 crore worldwide. Plot The story of the film begins with the life of a typical middle-class couple, who have their highs and lows in their marriage. Then, there comes a day when the husband comes home early and finds out that his wife is sharing the bed with her lover. What interests the viewer the most is that while other men would have lost their temper, here the husband stays calm but starts a plan to blackmail them. And this is where the movie takes a completely different turn. Over time, the story shows the interconnection of different characters and how they start blackmailing each other. Though Blackmail was neither a hit nor a flop, it received praises for all the characters and their performances. The film Blackmail is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Airtel Xstream Play. If you like dark humor and unique thrillers, then this film must be on your watchlist.
Wales Online
08-06-2025
- Wales Online
Hidden railway exposed by tide at popular Welsh beach
Hidden railway exposed by tide at popular Welsh beach Low tides have revealed the ghostly remnants of a railway line A section of old rail track uncovered but still submerged (Image: Sheila Rosemary Stephenson ) As the tide slips away, the sands of Barmouth beach in Gwynedd reveal a haunting spectacle: the ghostly skeleton of an old railway line, stretching out across the shore as if travelling out to sea. Rusted wheels and axles, long hidden beneath layers of silt, have emerged alongside narrow bands of iron track, now gently rusting on the sand. This eerie scene on Barmouth beach in Gwynedd is reminiscent of the Welsh legend of the submerged kingdom of Cantre'r Gwaelod in Cardigan Bay. Unlike the kingdom's bells, which are said to still ring beneath the surface, Barmouth's mysterious beach railway remains eerily silent, save for the sounds of the seashore. It's believed that this track has remained hidden on the beach for over a century. In recent years, it's been occasionally exposed by shifting sand patterns on a coastline that's constantly evolving. The old railway tracks are thought to be a legacy of the resort's rapid expansion in the 19th century (Image: Sheila Rosemary Stephenson ) There have been several theories proposed to explain the existence of the railway. Some speculate it was an historic lifeboat launch site, while others suggest it was a ramp for bringing fishing ships ashore for repairs. As far as anyone knows, the tracks end at the low tide line, so disappointingly, they're unlikely to be part of a long-lost smuggling route from Ireland, as commonly supposed, reports North Wales Live. Article continues below It's often imagined that these narrow-gauge tracks were installed to move Edwardian bathing machines up and down the beach – the idea being to preserve the modesty of ladies taking to the waters. Historical sketches from the mid-19th century confirm that Barmouth did have these machines, but they were never on tracks. Instead, horses are depicted hauling the huts to the water's edge. Sketch by William Home Lizars from around 1845 showing the seafront in Barmouth and visiting families enjoying leisure time on the beach. Bathing machines can be seen lined up by the sea, drawn there by horses, not rail tracks (Image: National Library of Wales/Wiki ) A significant amount of construction was carried out on the beach after the resort's promenade was severely damaged by the Great Storm of 1928. Photos from the time show the entire seafront transformed into a massive building site, with steam-powered machinery doing much of the heavy lifting. In 1930, iron tracks were laid along the promenade to remove debris, and more on the beach for the construction of a new wave-return wall. A plausible conclusion is that the railway tracks seen today are remnants from that period of intense building activity. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here However, this theory has been dismissed by Barmouth historian Hugh Griffth Roberts, who believes there's a rather more mundane explanation. Ironically, the existence of the beach railway may owe much to the arrival of rail travel in the mid-19th century. For centuries, Barmouth was a crucial port serving the woollen, slate and herring sectors in Meirionnydd. It also had a ship-building industry that stretched up along the majestic Mawddach Estuary. A pair of rusting iron wheels poke up from the water's edge (Image: Sheila Rosemary Stephenson ) Despite the poor roads of the times, by the 1750s the port town was already attracting affluent tourists drawn by its location between the sea and the 'romantic' landscapes of Eryri. Visitors included the likes of William Wordsworth, Shelley, Byron and Charles Darwin. The unveiling of Cambrian Railways' new coastal line to Barmouth in 1867 significantly changed the town's fortune, with the Barmouth Heritage Trail highlighting a substantial tourism and building boom as a result. The heritage site states: "When the first train arrived some 1,200 passengers got off and the town was barely ready!" With tourism came fresh challenges, including increasing incidents of drunkenness that led to the construction of a modest lock-up during that period. A particularly unpleasant problem also arose — the disposal of waste from the burgeoning guesthouse industry. The heritage trail's solution to this issue involved the construction of a sewage holding tank at the north end of the beach in 1890. This allowed for waste to be released into the sea during high tide through a long cast-iron pipe. While discharging into the sea was common practice then and continues to some degree today, Barmouth modernised its wastewater management in 1987 by replacing and burying the old discharge pipe under the beach. Moreover, a new sewage treatment plant and pumping station were established. It is believed that rail tracks visible on the beach today were originally used for laying down the Victorian discharge pipe, which may have been left there to become buried over time, re-emerging more than a hundred years later. Article continues below
Wales Online
08-06-2025
- Wales Online
Stunning coastal walk in North Wales named amongst world's best for 'no-sweat scenery'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A relatively short coastal walk in North Wales has been adjudged one of the world's most scenic for those who don't want aching limbs at the end of it. A bonus for walking slackers is the pub that lies en route - it has a global reputation for combining leisurely pit stops with stunning views. The walk, on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, is just 3.6 miles (5.8km) and involves climbing no more than 54 metres along the way. Porthdinllaen Circular, along a sandy beach and dramatic cliffs, was considered to be among the world's top 10 'easiest walks to the world's best views'. Its rating, following an analysis by AllClear Travel Insurance, leaves the walk rubbing shoulders with iconic spots like the Giant's Causeway and Switzerland's Panorama Trail. The idea of 'easy walks' to scenic locations was conceived for those who struggle to access the world's 'most iconic views'. Medical conditions, limited mobility, time constraints or travelling with children can all make challenging hikes a no-go. The people behind the study imagine the concept will also appeal to idlers who want 'big views with minimal effort'. Or as they call it, 'no-sweat scenery'. The circular walk gives unspoilt views of Porthdinllaen Bay, a charming pub on the beach and, on clear days, views stretching all the way to Eryri's majestic peaks. The pub, Tŷ Coch Inn, was once named one of the world's best beach bars. There is one jarring note: the route highlighted, devised by an online hiking specialist, includes a section to a campsite that's actually private land. Alternative footpaths are nearby, perhaps offering even more scenic landscapes, but these will add distance to the trek. The shortest alternative may involve an extra 10-20 minutes to the 70-minute walk, so for most people it's probably not a deal-breaker. Whichever way you go, from the B4417, the destination is Nefyn Golf Course and the Llŷn Coastal Path. Following the latter takes you up one side of the Nefyn headland – a finger of land curving out from the bay – and back down the other side. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Jeff Buck/Wiki) One side offers cliff drama, the other stunning views across the bay towards Yr Eifl mountains. The latter passes the RNLI Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station and its small but wonderful sandy beach. From here, you can follow the Llŷn Coastal Path down below, or stay atop the headland for better views. The high point was once the site of an Iron Age hill forts, whose ditches and ramparts can still be made out on the golfing fairways. Once on the beach, Tŷ Coch Inn awaits. Named by the Sunday Times one of the UK's top 10 'best proper' pubs earlier this year, it's the centrepiece of the tiny hamlet of Porthdinllaen, a former fishing community that once vied with Holyhead to become the main harbour for Irish trade. Since 1994 it's been looked after by the National Trust. Even in winter the Tŷ Coch Inn can be busy; on warm summer days it positively bustles. From here, the Porthdinllaen Circular continues along the beach to Morfa Nefyn, then back up to the B4417 via Lon Bridin and Lon Las. Visitors have two main options for parking – the National Trust car park off Lon Golff, and a set-aside parking area further up the hill at the golf club. Both charge a fee. Letitia Smith, of AllClear, said: 'For millions of people, reaching some of the world's most beautiful viewpoints isn't always easy. Our research highlights just how many incredible landscapes can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and all abilities, particularly those living with medical conditions.' Topping the list was Artist Point in the Yellowstone National Park, USA. The scenery is pretty good – the viewpoint looks out over the Grand Canyon and its Lower Falls. But the 'walk' barely merits the description – it's just a 200-yard stroll from a car park. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox According to the study, the world's most difficult viewpoint to reach was Indonesia's Mount Rinjani, an active volcano with an impressive turquoise crater lake. Getting there requires a steep and strenuous hike but the views are considered amongst the most rewarding in south east Asia. The Top 10 most scenic walks requiring the least effort 'Difficulty score' in brackets. Artist Point, USA (11.9) Cadillac Summit Loop, USA (14.7) Milford Foreshore Walk, New Zealand (17.7) Cape Flattery Trail, USA (17.8) Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail, Canada (18.5) Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore-Manarola, Italy (21.3) Moro Rock, USA (21.9) Grand Canyon South Rim (22.3) Bastei-Basteribrücke Bridge, Germany (22.6) Porthdinllaen Circular, Wales (22.8); Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland (22.8); Bryce Point Trail, USA (22.8) Find family activities near you
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aussie couple dodge $40,000 fee with $150,000 mortgage move: 'Going to see a lot more'
More Australians are turning to the Bank of Mum and Dad to get a foot on the property ladder as prices continue to skyrocket. But instead of giving cash, some parents are putting up part of their home equity to help their kids get into the market quicker and avoid mortgage insurance fees. Chelsea Anderson and her partner Jaimyn Wiki purchased a four-bedroom townhouse in Brisbane in March using a guarantor home loan. The 27-year-old real estate agent told Yahoo Finance the parental help meant the couple could buy the $925,000 property with a 5 per cent deposit. 'We went down the guarantor route so we wouldn't have to pay LMI [Lenders Mortgage Insurance]. We saved ourselves about $40,000 in cash,' Anderson said. RELATED Bank of Mum and Dad warning over common mortgage issue: 'Seek legal advice immediately' Coles, Woolworths shelves reveal devastating reality for coffee lovers: 'From $49 to $62' Aussie couple making $1,200 a day from job anyone can do: 'Went off like an explosion' Wiki's parents are guaranteeing about $150,000 of the property purchase by putting up their own home as equity. This has given the couple 20 per cent security needed to buy the home without paying LMI. The couple bought the home as an investment property and hope to remove the parents as guarantors from the loan within the next two years. They bought their first property, a two-bedroom unit for $535,000, in August last year and used the first home guarantee to buy with a 5 per cent deposit. 'I would say it's probably gone up about $100,000 in value since then,' Anderson said. Anderson said the couple were keen to expand their portfolio, and Wiki's parents had previously offered to help them. 'We could feel the market is going to increase and keep growing in Brisbane and we had a deposit to be able to buy another property, so we wanted to leverage on the growth before the rates start dropping more and prices keep going up," she said. Mortgage brokers have reported seeing a rise in guarantor loans among first-home buyers, with Loan Market data finding they now make up 66 per cent of loans written in their network. That's up from 50 per cent for the same month last year and 38 per cent four years ago during the pandemic. Loan Market broker Caleb Bax said he expects guarantor loans would continue to increase in popularity. That's partly because more parents will now be in a position to help, as their own home values skyrocket. 'There are a lot more people who are in a position to help,' he told Yahoo Finance. 'Obviously, current house prices seem to keep going up, so it's just making it harder and harder for first-home buyers. 'We are going to see a lot more people relying on parental help and it's a way for a parent to help without having to physically out lay cash, they can temporarily lend or borrow against their home.' Along with helping buyers purchase a home with a small, or no, deposit, Bax said buyers may be able to get a more appealing interest rate on their mortgage as they will be seen as a 'less risky' client. Bax warned there were major risks to be aware of, with the guarantor on the line if their loved one can't meet their repayments. 'If the applicants were in a position where they couldn't make home loan repayments and the property price hadn't increased, the bank has the right and ability to come after the guarantors up to the limit of the loan that they've taken the guarantee for,' Bax said. 'So, say someone had a $150,000 guarantee against their home. The bank can come for that, even if they've paid that down a bit and maybe have $130,000 leftover. 'The bank can go up to the guaranteed limit, so $150,000, to recoup any of the lost money, including legal fees. 'So then the guarantor either has to take on the loan themselves against their home and pay those repayments, or they could be in a position where they have to sell their home.' Along with the financial risks, the arrangement also has the potential to put a strain on the relationship between parents and their kids. If you go down the guarantor route, Bax said it was important to have an exit strategy in place to get the guarantor off the loan as quickly as possible. Bax said this could include purchasing below your means so you can pay off the loan quicker, renovating the property to add value to it, or potentially putting down any lump sum bonuses into the home. 'With the property market the way it is, it's appreciated so quickly that we are seeing they are able to get off quite quickly,' he added. Anderson said she and her partner had a plan in place before they approached the parents and asked them to go guarantor. 'The average growth for that area for the last year was about 12 per cent, so we figured that we'd get them off on growth alone in probably a year and a half,' she said. 'We also thought the unit we bought initially was not a long-term unit, it's our first home. So we thought eventually when we sell that, whatever profit we have from that will go into the other property, and that would remove them, whichever came first.' Bax encouraged Aussie homebuyers to speak to a mortgage broker to understand how having a guarantor could impact them and whether other avenues like LMI waivers or government guarantees are worth exploring first. "It's always worth the guarantors getting independent legal advice as well," he said. "So, seeing a solicitor to understand the risks associated in more detail, so that they are informed enough to make the decision whether to help their kids."Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data
