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Aber Falls In Wales – A Complete Guide

Aber Falls is a stunning waterfall located two miles south of Abergwyngregyn, in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park Wales. Here is a complete guide.

How To Get To Aber Falls

Located just outside the village of Abergwyngregyn, Aber Falls is a waterfall in Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve within Snowdonia National Park.

On Foot

There are a choice of longer walks to Aber Falls.

One of the popular ones is a circular route that starts in the village of Abergwyngregyn, taking approximately 2.5 hours it is just under 4 miles (6km).

Bus

There are frequent buses to the village of Abergwyngregyn from Bangor or Conwy sides. 

You can then pick up the circular walk that takes in Aber Falls.

Car

From Bangor, take the A55 towards Conwy. Exit the A55 at junction 13 towards the village of Abergwyngregyn. (Aber Falls LL33 0LP)

Follow tourism signs for Aber Falls. You will come to the lower car park on this road after ½ mile and the upper car park is just over the bridge.

Lower car park (near Bont Newydd bridge)

  • £5 parking charge (coins only)
  • 16 parking spaces

Upper car park

  • £5 parking charge (coins only)
  • 20 spaces
  • Toilets
  • Car park gate locked every evening.

7am to 7pm (1 April to 30 September)

7.30am to 5pm (1 October to 31 March)

Free car park

Free parking is available before you enter Abergwyngregyn village.

Turn off the A55 at Junction 13 signed for Abergwyngregyn. Follow P signs to the free car park which is off to the left instead of following the road up into the village.

It takes approximately 20- 30 minutes to walk from this car park to the start of the Aber Falls Walk.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Aber Falls Entrance Fee

It is free to visit Aber Falls.

Aber Falls Opening Times

Aber Falls is opening 24 hours a day. We would recommend visiting in daylight hours.

Aber Falls Car Park Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
The lower car park just before Bont Newydd bridge on the left.

Best Time To Visit Aber Falls

Aber Falls is a very popular tourist spot and can be busy at any time of year, so head there early or later in the day if you want to avoid the crowds.

The car parks near the Falls are not very big, so you need to get there early to get a space.

There is a no charge car park in the village of Abergwyngregyn. (Roughly an extra 20/30 mins.)

The waterfall is at its best after some prolonged rainfall.

If you want to get close to the waterfall don’t forget your waterproofs to protect you from the spray!

Some great spots to picnic along the way.

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Tripod

Day Bag

Power Bank

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
The initial trail leading through the forest.

What To Expect At Aber Falls

Aber Falls, known in welsh as Rhaeadr Fawr, is a breathtaking waterfall located in the Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve which is within the Snowdonia National Park.

It is formed as the Afon Goch plunges about 120 feet (37 m) over a sill of igneous rock in the foothills of the Carneddau range.

We visited Aber Falls on our Wales itinerary following a brief stop at The Great Orme in Llandudno.

On the walk up to Aber Falls you are surrounded by beautiful lush green countryside and there are some lovely spots to stop for a picnic, weather permitting.

We parked at the lower car park and would recommend doing the same. From here it’s just a 30 – 40 minute flat stroll to the falls.

There’s a longer walk for those that fancy a hike, which takes around 2 hours from the top car park.

Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
A flat easy stroll to the falls.
Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
First sighting of Aber Falls in the distance.
Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
Gino taking a closer look at the stream.

The Waterfall

The shorter walk to Aber Falls is a family friendly, straightforward out and back walk to view the waterfall. The path has a reasonably easy gradient and is suitable for all fitness levels.

You follow the stream that runs parallel to the walkway and you’ll likely pass some dog walkers on your journey.

This waterfall is at its best after some prolonged rain, when it become truly spectacular.

You will need some waterproofs when it’s at it’s most powerful, as the spray is carried quite a long way! Quite the opposite to Horseshoe Falls.

Swimming is permitted at Aber Falls, although there are just a couple of small pools at the bottom if you fancy a dip.

I recommend waiting until The Blue Lagoon if you’re on the hunt for a good watering hole!

You can also walk across stepping stones if you want to get better views of the waterfall from the other side.

If you follow the path around to the right there’s also a bridge that leads to a another (smaller) version of Aber Falls.

However this waterfall is fenced off, so you cannot get close to it, but you can take photos from the bridge.

If you’re looking for something else to do in the area, we headed to Dinorwic Quarry for our next stop!

Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
Aber Falls up close.
Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
The small pools at the feet of the waterfall where you can take a dip.
Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
Aber Falls from the right hands side after crossing the stones.
Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
Heading onto the second smaller waterfall.
Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
The boys leading the way down the trail.
Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
This is as close as you ca get to the smaller waterfall.
Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr
Daine crossing the bridge with the small falls in the background.

Where To Stay In North Wales

Luxury

Cottage Apartment by Seaside Llandudno

Situated in Llandudno, just 400 yards from Llandudno North Shore Beach, Cottage Apartment by Seaside Llandudno features beachfront accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi.

The property has city views and is less than 0.6 miles from Llandudno Pier and a 7-minute walk from Leisure Parks.

The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views.

Guests at the apartment can enjoy hiking and skiing nearby, or make the most of the garden.

Mid-Budget

Belmont Llandudno

Situated in Llandudno in the Gwynedd Region, 200 yards from Llandudno Pier, Belmont Llandudno features a terrace and guests can enjoy the on-site bar.

Each room has a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer. Belmont Llandudno features free WiFi .

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.

The hotel also offers bike hire. Llandudno General Hospital is 1.1 miles from Belmont Llandudno, while Leisure Parks is 100 yards away.

Budget

No 6 Quality Guesthouse

Located in Llandudno, within 450 yards of Llandudno Pier and 550 yards of Leisure Parks, No 6 Quality Guesthouse provides accommodation with a shared lounge and a garden, and free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house features family rooms.

At the guest house, every room is equipped with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

A Full English/Irish breakfast is available daily at No 6 Quality Guesthouse.

For more places to stay in Wales, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

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Aber Falls Wales Waterfall Rhaeadr Fawr