Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr)
A breathtaking 120-foot waterfall in Snowdonia, reached by a scenic woodland walk. Magical in all seasons.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walk
Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walk
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 120-foot waterfall in Snowdonia, reached by a scenic woodland walk. Magical in all seasons.
"Absolutely stunning. The waterfall is about 30 mins walk. Nice path a bit muddy if it rains."
🎯 Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Beat the rush by arriving before 10 AM, especially on weekends, for a more serene experience.
💰 Bring Cash for Parking
Parking is £5 for 24 hours, and machines may not accept cards. Come prepared with cash!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr)
Gwynedd, North Wales
A breathtaking 120-foot waterfall cascading into a rocky pool, surrounded by ancient woodland and mountains.
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Coedydd Aber Nature Reserve Trail
Path to Aber Falls
A scenic 3.2 km round-trip walk through lush forests, rich with mosses, ferns, and wildflowers.
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Interpretive Display Building
On the path to the falls
Discover an incredible 3D model and fascinating information about the waterfall's geology and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Waterfall
Parking & Access: Plan Your Arrival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Beat the rush by arriving before 10 AM, especially on weekends, for a more serene experience. +1
💰 Bring Cash for Parking
Parking is £5 for 24 hours, and machines may not accept cards. Come prepared with cash!
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path can be muddy after rain, so waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (on leash)
Well-behaved dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash to protect the nature reserve.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Beat the rush by arriving before 10 AM, especially on weekends, for a more serene experience. +1
💰 Bring Cash for Parking
Parking is £5 for 24 hours, and machines may not accept cards. Come prepared with cash!
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path can be muddy after rain, so waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (on leash)
Well-behaved dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash to protect the nature reserve.
📸 Capture the Magic
The trail and waterfall offer stunning photo opportunities, especially in autumn and winter.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Aber Falls for its stunning natural beauty and the scenic walk through ancient woodland. The waterfall itself is described as breathtaking and well worth the moderate hike. While parking fees and potential crowds are noted, the overall experience is highly recommended for its accessibility and picturesque setting.
"Truly stunning scenery.
While the technical start of the walk is a ways up the road from the main highway, it's not difficult to get to from the bus stops. The path up to the waterfall is very well maintained, and is a very easy walk. Along the way, there are a few places to sit and rest of need be. There is a very nice sitting area just before the main gate to the waterfall that gives a lovely view. Overall, it feels like some kind of Lord of the Rings or Hobbit style journey given the scenery and how tranquil the area is. Lots of sheep as well, but they are friendly. Beyond the main trail, there are a few ways to get closer to the waterfall, if you desire."
Shadow the Hedgehog
"Lovely walk up from Abergwyngregyn where we parked to make the walk longer, as we had read that the falls were only about a mile from the official car park.
Nice walk through the reserve.
Falls are impressive, luckily we had some rain before, so the flow was quite fast.
We then followed the path over the other side to the right and found some secondary falls and an amazing walk back up along the ridge. With stunning views of Anglesey.
Made for a nice afternoon out rather than just a short walk to the falls and back."
Tracy Sweetman
"Beautiful walk to the falls on a sunny day just after rain so the fall was fabulous. Opportunities to extend the walk too.
We took our dogs but kept them on lead because there were lots of sheep.
Stunning rocky waterway and incredible views. I’d highly recommend this walk."
Nicola Jensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aber Falls is located in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, near Abergwyngregyn. You can drive to one of the two designated car parks. Alternatively, some visitors park near the A55 and walk up, saving on parking fees. +1
Yes, there are two car parks available, typically costing around £5 for 24 hours. It's advisable to bring cash as card payment machines may not always be functional.
While specific public transport routes directly to the trailhead might be limited, you can reach nearby villages like Abergwyngregyn by bus and then walk or arrange local transport. Check local bus schedules for routes serving the area.
The walk is generally considered moderate, with a well-maintained path and a slight incline. It's about a 30-minute walk each way from the car park to the waterfall.
Yes, parts of the path are pushchair friendly, and there's mention of a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it accessible for many visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to enter Aber Falls itself, but parking in the designated car parks incurs a charge, typically around £5 for 24 hours.
Aber Falls is a natural attraction and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. The car parks will have their own operating times.
The Coedydd Aber Nature Reserve, through which the path to Aber Falls runs, does not have a separate entrance fee. The primary cost is for parking.
Yes, Aber Falls is beautiful in winter, often with more dramatic water flow and even icicles. The path can be more challenging due to potential ice and mud.
No, there are no booking requirements to visit Aber Falls. It's a natural attraction that you can visit on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk from the car park to Aber Falls is approximately 30 minutes each way, covering about 3.2 km round-trip.
The main attraction is the stunning 120-foot waterfall. The walk itself is also very scenic, passing through ancient woodland with diverse flora.
While some visitors might be tempted, swimming in the rocky pool at the base of the waterfall is generally not recommended due to safety concerns and the cold water.
There are car parks and restrooms available. Some visitors mention an 'interpretive display' building with information and a 3D model.
Early mornings, especially on weekends, are recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility. +1
📸 📸 Photography Tips
You can get quite close to the waterfall for dramatic shots. The surrounding woodland and the trail itself also offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall and its surroundings. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful light. However, the dramatic flow in autumn and winter also makes for stunning, moody shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with Snowdonia National Park authorities or local guidelines before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
Experiment with different angles, try capturing the mist, or focus on the details of the surrounding nature. Visiting during less crowded times can also help you compose unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Some sources indicate the path is pushchair friendly, which is a huge plus for families with very young children.
The £5 parking fee is reasonable for a family outing, and the opportunity to explore a natural wonder like Aber Falls provides a memorable experience for all ages. Dogs are also welcome on a leash, so the whole family can enjoy the adventure. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
For hikers looking to extend their adventure, the trails can lead further into the Carneddau mountains, offering more challenging routes and panoramic views. The interpretive display building also provides interesting context for those exploring independently.
📸 Photographers
+1 The woodland path leading to the falls also presents numerous opportunities for capturing intimate nature shots, from intricate mosses to shafts of light filtering through the trees. Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for soft, flattering light, or embrace the dramatic atmosphere of autumn and winter when the water flow is more powerful and icy formations might be present.
A tripod can be beneficial for longer exposures to smooth the water's flow or for low-light conditions. Remember to protect your gear from the mist and potential rain. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Walk Through Coedydd Aber Nature Reserve
The path is generally well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors, though it can become muddy after rainfall, so appropriate footwear is advised. This woodland walk offers a sense of peace and immersion in nature. The sounds of the forest, the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, and the gentle incline create a refreshing prelude to the main attraction. Some reviewers even mention an 'interpretive display' building along the way, featuring a detailed 3D model of the area, adding an educational element to the hike.
For those seeking a more extended experience, the trails around Aber Falls can lead further into the Carneddau mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. However, the primary walk to the falls is a manageable 3.2 km round trip, making it a popular choice for a half-day excursion.
Understanding Aber Falls: Rhaeadr Fawr
The name 'Rhaeadr Fawr' itself translates from Welsh to 'big waterfall,' highlighting its impressive scale. The waterfall is situated at the foothills of the Carneddau mountains, a dramatic range within Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. This location contributes to its stunning natural beauty and the sense of wildness that visitors often describe. The water flow can be particularly dramatic during autumn and winter months, sometimes even freezing into icicles during colder periods.
Historically, the area around Aber Falls has been significant, with mentions of Welsh royalty finding peace here. This adds a layer of historical intrigue to the natural splendor, making it a place that resonates with both nature lovers and those interested in Welsh heritage.
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