Aber Falls — Rhaeadr Fawr, meaning "great waterfall" — is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Wales: a sheer 37-metre plunge from the cliffs of the northern Carneddau above the village of Abergwyngregyn. The walk to reach it follows one of Eryri's most scenic valley paths through ancient woodland, past a smaller companion waterfall, and across open hillside with views to Anglesey and the sea.
What makes Aber Falls distinctive is not just the waterfall itself but its setting. The surrounding Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve protects ancient sessile oak woodland alive with pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers in summer. The valley floor preserves traces of a medieval settlement and Llywelyn the Great's hunting ground. By the time you reach the falls themselves, you have passed through several layers of Eryri's history.
Walk Details
| Start | Bont Newydd car park, Abergwyngregyn |
| Distance | 4km return (2.5 miles) |
| Ascent | Approx 180m |
| Time | 1.5–2.5 hours return |
| Difficulty | Easy–moderate. Well-maintained path with some uneven sections |
| Suitable for families | Yes — one of the best family walks in Eryri |
| Dogs | Welcome on leads through nature reserve |
The Route
From the Bont Newydd car park the path follows the Afon Rhaeadr Fawr upstream through oak woodland. After roughly 1.5km you pass Rhaeadr Fach — the "small waterfall" — a graceful cascade worth a stop in its own right. The path continues across more open ground before the main falls come into view: a wide curtain of water dropping vertically from the plateau above onto the boulder-strewn floor below.
After Rain
The volume of Aber Falls increases dramatically after rainfall, and the spray reaches surprisingly far from the base. In wet conditions the path can be muddy — walking boots are recommended. The falls in full spate, with white water roaring into the pool below and mist drifting across the cwm, are one of the finest sights in North Wales.
Wildlife
The Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve supports excellent birdlife. In summer, listen for the fluting song of wood warblers in the oak canopy and watch for pied flycatchers entering nest boxes along the path. Dippers work the river throughout the year. Red kites are regularly seen soaring overhead. The damp valley floor supports a rich carpet of mosses and liverworts that make the woodland floor glow green even in winter.
Getting There
Abergwyngregyn is signed from the A55 North Wales Expressway (junction 13). The car park at Bont Newydd is a short drive from the village. Note that the car park can fill quickly on busy summer weekends — arrive before 10am or visit midweek.
Independently written — Snowdon.com