Introduction
Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr) is one of the most photographed waterfalls in North Wales, and it’s easy to see why. I visited Aber Falls to explore the main waterfall and the quieter Rhaeadr Bach nearby, and both offer something quite different.
Set within the foothills of Eryri (Snowdonia), this impressive 37-metre waterfall can be reached via one of the most popular waterfall walks in North Wales from Abergwyngregyn.
In this guide you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit, plus details of Rhaeadr Bach, a hidden gem nearby that many visitors miss.
Quick Verdict of Aber Falls
Aber Falls is a relatively easy waterfall walk with a spectacular reward at the end. The main route is suitable for many visitors, although the terrain becomes considerably rockier if you continue towards Rhaeadr Bach. If you have the time and are comfortable with more uneven ground, I think Rhaeadr Bach is well worth adding to your visit.
Key Information
- Waterfall Height: 37 metres/120 feet
- Waterfall Type: Plunge/horsetail
- Starting Point: Abergwyngregyn, Llanfairfechan, LL33 0LP (car park as detailed below)
- Parking: £5 parking at Aber Falls Car Park | what3words resonated.walked.steaming
- Public Transport: Buses available to Abergwyngregyn
- Walk: 2.75 miles/4.3 km return
- Time: 30 minutes to the waterfall. Allow 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accessibility: Accessible route available
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Dogs: Yes
- Swimming: No
- Toilets: Yes
Where to Park for Aber Falls
There is a narrow single track lane leading to the car parks which can become congested on busy days and has limited passing places. Visiting on weekdays or early mornings is highly recommended. I arrived at 7am on a weekday and was the 3rd car there, with approximately 30 spaces available in total.
From the A55, turn off at Junction 13 and follow the signs for Aber Falls. You will drive through the village of Abergwyngregyn, a narrow single lane road which can get very busy during peak times. Follow the road until you reach the first of two car parks for Aber Falls. Lower Car Park is first and if you can’t get a space you can continue to Upper Car Park by following the road over a stone bridge then turning right. The Upper Car Park is signposted ‘P Rhaeadr Aber Falls’ and has well-maintained toilets.
Car parking is £5 and unfortunately the machine only takes coins, so come prepared.
If you use the Upper Car Park be aware that the gate is locked from 7pm between April and September and 5pm between October and March, with the toilets being locked then too. The Lower Car Park is always accessible.
There are several free parking options within Abergwyngregyn, although this adds approximately 0.6 miles (1km) to the walk each way. Buses also serve Abergwyngregyn, with the same walk required from the village to the official start point.
Tip: Save the parking location and route directions on your phone, or take a printed copy with you, as phone signal can be spotty.
Aber Falls Walk
In total this Aber Falls waterfall walk is 2.75 miles (4.3 km) out and back. It can take as little as 30 minutes to reach the waterfall but allow yourself 2 hours to make the most of the viewpoints and to explore a little further and take in Rhaeadr Bach also.
You do not require a map to get to either waterfall. The route to Aber Falls is very well signposted and the short walk to Rhaeadr Bach is very easy to follow.
There are Two Routes
Aber Falls Accessible Route
Follow the green pushchair route which starts just after the ‘P Rhaeadr Aber Falls’ sign but before you get to the Upper Car park. You will need to take the right hand fork in the road which will take you to the start of the route. The route has some uphill sections and can be rocky in a few places but follows a well maintained gravel path the whole way.
Aber Falls General Route
Follow the yellow Aber Falls signs. From the Lower Car Park, walk away from the entrance to the car park until you reach the far end of the car park where you will see an information board just after a gate. Follow this path which takes you over a small wooden bridge to the start of the walk.
From the Upper Car Park, take the left turning, near the entrance of the car park, which takes you through some woodland and over a wooden bridge. There are some steps/steeper sections involved at the start of this route before meeting a path which takes you down to the start point.
The two routes do meet just before the waterfall and you could take one route in and the other route back as both end at the car park.
Aber Falls is a popular walk with dog owners thanks to its wide paths and relatively easy route to the waterfall. However, sheep and other grazing animals are often present in the valley, so be prepared to keep your dog on a lead where necessary.
Accessibility: The accessible route is suitable for wheelchairs; however, it does include some uphill sections.
Walking Route to Rhaeadr Bach
Rhaeadr Bach is a smaller waterfall that many visitors overlook when visiting Aber Falls. It sits just 0.3 miles beyond Aber Falls and is well worth the short detour.
To reach this hidden gem, cross the wooden bridge at the base of Aber Falls and follow the steps to the right of the falls. From here, it is simply a case of following the path to the right-hand side, through a small iron gate and continuing until you reach the second waterfall.
The path is rocky and there are some steep rocks down to another wooden bridge which is the viewpoint for Rhaeadr Bach.
Accessibility: Unfortunately the path to Rhaeadr Bach is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Aber Falls and Rhaeadr Bach
Aber Falls
Despite having visited dozens of waterfalls across the UK, Aber Falls still left an impression on me. The wide plunge of water and dramatic backdrop of the Carneddau make it feel far larger than its official height of 37 metres (120 ft) suggests. On a quiet morning, it feels surprisingly wild considering how accessible it is.
You can view Aber Falls from the end of the walk where you’ll arrive on the left-hand side of the falls, or cross the wooden footbridge and climb the steps on the opposite side for a different perspective of the waterfall.
Rhaeadr Bach: Aber Falls’ Hidden Waterfall
While Rhaeadr Bach doesn’t quite have the power of Aber Falls, it feels much more secluded and peaceful. During my visit there was nobody else there, making it a great addition to the walk if you want to escape the crowds at Aber Falls.
You can climb up the left hand side of Rhaeadr Bach, but you do so at your own risk – there is no specific path or maintained route to follow.
Swimming at Aber Falls
There are several small pools at the base of Aber Falls which can be ideal for cooling off on a hot day, although aren’t really large enough for swimming and the water is quite low in hotter months.
If you’re considering swimming here, please read my Wild Swimming at Waterfalls guide before getting in. It covers some of the risks to consider and practical advice for staying safe around natural swimming spots.
Interesting Facts and Wildlife
The Welsh name for Aber Falls is Rhaeadr Fawr, meaning Big Waterfall, while the smaller falls nearby are known as Rhaeadr Fach or Rhaeadr Bach, meaning Little Waterfall.
The water flowing over Aber Falls and Rhaeadr Bach comes from down from the Afon Goch (the Red River) before eventually reaching the Menai Strait.
The falls are situated within the Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve so you can be sure to hear or spot some amazing wildlife.
You will come across grazing sheep on the path to Aber Falls and may be lucky enough to see some wild Carneddau ponies.
There are also a variety of birds including pied flycatchers, redstart, woodpeckers and crossbills.
On the open valley slopes you may spot ravens and ring ouzels.
Near the start of the route sits an interactive display hut which details the history of clog making in the local area, the hillforts and farming industry and the meanings of local placenames.
There are several signs dotted about on the route detailing the wildlife and local fauna.
Facilities and Nearby Attractions
There are numerous spots along the route for picnics, making it an excellent waterfall walk for all the family to enjoy.
The village of Abergwyngregyn is approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) from the car park and offers several cafés, making it a good place to stop before or after your Aber Falls walk.
If you’re looking to make a half day of it, Aber Falls Distillery is nearby and offers a visitor centre, café and guided distillery tours.
Best Time to Visit Aber Falls
Aber Falls can be visited throughout the year and is one of the best waterfall walks in North Wales regardless of the season.
Winter and spring often provide the most spectacular views of Aber Falls, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall when the waterfall is at its most powerful.
Summer offers warmer weather and longer daylight hours, although the route and car parks can become busy during weekends and school holidays.
For the quietest experience, consider visiting early in the morning or on a weekday.
Aber Falls is well worth a visit if you’re exploring North Wales, particularly if you enjoy combining an impressive main waterfall with a quieter trail and a little extra exploring. If you have the time and the conditions are suitable, continuing towards Rhaeadr Bach adds another waterfall to the adventure and takes you away from the main route.
Responsible Waterfall Visiting and Safety
Please visit waterfalls responsibly.
Waterfalls can be beautiful places to explore, but they can also be unpredictable. Rocks, paths and viewing areas can become extremely slippery, especially after wet weather. Water levels and river conditions can change quickly, so always use common sense and take extra care around fast flowing water, steep drops and uneven ground.
Please follow the Countryside Code, leave no trace of your visit and take all litter home with you. Respect local communities, livestock, wildlife and any access restrictions that may be in place.
Before visiting, check local conditions and remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
I’ve put together a collection of practical resources to help you plan and enjoy your waterfall trips. From what to pack and how to find new waterfalls to wild swimming safety, you can browse all of my waterfall resources here.
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If you’ve recently visited this waterfall and spotted any changes, please let me know. Whether it’s updated parking information, a damaged footpath, new access restrictions or anything else that could help future visitors, I’d love to hear from you.
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