How to Complete the Aber Falls Walk Wales
The Aber Falls walk is an impressive walk through the Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve in the northwest border of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. We love it because you get to see two outstandingly beautiful waterfalls, so different but so close to each other. It is also an accessible hike, which is well maintained and family-friendly.
Also, the surrounding mountains are idyllic and make this walk memorable. It shows that you do not have to travel halfway across the world to see beautiful falls. They are right here in beautiful Wales. The cascades are powerful and majestic and provide fabulous photo opportunities.
We describe the walk that takes the car park’s main path to the Rhaeadr-Fawr waterfall. Before crossing over the bridge, you see Rhaeadr Bach and then walk back through the valley on the North Wales Path with exceptional views across Anglesey before descending to Aber Village and up along the road back to the car park.
Aber Falls Circular Walk Details
Aber Falls walk distance: 7.8km
Aber Falls walk Time: 2.5 – 3 hours depending on speed and fitness levels.
Route Type: circular
Elevation: 397m
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer OL17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley
Aber Falls Short Walk Details
Distance: 4km
Route Type: Out and back
Time: 1-1.5 hours.
Follow the path
Aber Falls Walk Car Park
The Aber Falls car park is Bont Newydd, and there is a lower and upper overflow car park with roughly 48 spaces. The charge is £5 per day, and currently, you can only pay in coins. However, there is free car parking in the village car park and the laybys near the A55 junction if you do not want to pay.
However, the car park has toilets and is very convenient to begin the walk. It is known to be full by 10 am in busy periods, so arrive as early as possible, or later when the crowds have left.
The road to the car park is narrow, but some passing places accommodate this.
Aber Falls walk postcode: LL33 OLP.
Aber Falls Weather
It is a good idea to check the forecast before you go to be prepared!
We usually check BBC Weather Aber.
Top Tips for the Aber Falls Walk
- This walk can be accessed by public transport. There are buses from Llandudno and Caernarfon.
- Take all litter home with you, and leave no trace.
- If you plan to do the circular route, you will be better off wearing hiking boots, as the path is insanely muddy, especially after rain. If you go there and back, you should be ok with just trainers!
- You can do the walk-in reverse for a different experience. You would have a steep climb initially, but it would be more gentle on your knees than the steep descent at the end. The views are also incredible, overlooking the valley.
- It is not recommended to swim in this waterfall, which could be dangerous as the rocks are very slippery.
- The Aber Falls Cafe has an excellent reputation for post-hike refreshments!
- The Aber Falls Distillery also uses the water from the falls to make its whiskey, not too far away.
- Dogs are welcomed on this walk; however, you should keep them on their leads because of wild ponies and livestock.
Aber Falls Circular Walk Directions
Please remember, this is a guide to the Aber Falls walk, but you should be prepared and take your map with you because conditions change!
1. From the lower car park, go through the gate next to the pay and display machine. There is an information point where you can learn about the area. Keep walking on the path that is adjacent to the river. After 0.2km, you will go over a wooden bridge and up a gravel path through a black gate. If you park in the upper car park, you will miss this walk section.
2. Turn immediately, walk up the gravel track and go through the black gate next to the hut. Continue walking to the obvious gravel path. The gravel path curves uphill, and you will be able to see the falls in the distance. On your left, there is an exhibition centre about Aber Woods. Continue straight towards the falls through the next black gate. Remember to shut it behind you due to livestock.
3. Continue straight, and when you reach the steps, you can go up against them or follow the path around. There is a well-positioned bench that will allow you to see the sheer size of the waterfall and appreciate its beauty. Go through the black gate and continue to get close up to the falls.
Please note that this is when you can turn back to make the Aber Falls walk, there and back route. It is the route that is accessible because it becomes extremely muddy in places after you cross the bridge!
4. From the falls, turn back on yourself, turn left over the wooden bridge, and go up the stone steps. Then turn right through the black metal gate. Walk along the rocky path with the stone wall on your left! Keep going until you reach Rhaeadr Bach falls, and there is a style you can cross over to see it closer.
5. After, cross over the wooden bridge and follow the path as it goes upwards and right along the gravel path, and it becomes grassy and muddy. Continue up the bank. When the path forks, you can take either route to get around. Ensure you’re constantly turning around to see both falls. It’s epic!
6. The grassy path will take you uphill before levelling out and then going up again. You will be able to see the sea in front of you. Keep going straight and follow the curve to the left through the wooden gate and continue to curve to the left.
7. Go through the next wooden gate and begin the descent down. You will see Anglesey and the motorway in front of you when you reach a signpost with a yellow arrow. Turn right and follow the narrow path as it crosses the hill and goes through the small metal gate. This path is quite steep, so take your time as you descend.
Did you know? If you look in the field, you will see a Norman mound!
8. Keep going until you reach the road. Go through the gate and turn right. Until you get to the car park, you will be walking along the road, so be careful of cars passing down the road. After 0.7 Km you will be back at the car park. Aber Falls Walk complete! Well done!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Aber Falls walk?
The circular Aber Falls walk is 7.8km, whereas the out and back route is 4.4km.
How long does the Aber Falls walk take?
The circular route will take 2.5-3 hours, and the out and back route will take 1-1.5 hours. The latter is more accessible as the circular route involves a steep descent.
When is the best time to complete the Aber Falls walk?
We would recommend going after heavy rainfall, that’s what we did, and it is an exciting sight! It is also supposed to be beautiful in the snow when it is frozen, so we can’t wait to go back. This walk is bustling on weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays, so we would recommend it if you could go during the week!
Are the Aber Falls Walk pushchair and wheelchair friendly?
Yes, the path to the waterfall from the upper car park is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs because it is well-maintained and wide. It does involve going uphill, though, and the path is gravelly. Therefore, you will only be able to do the out and back Aber Falls walk for this walk.
We hope you enjoy this fabulous walk. As always, let us know if you have any questions in the comments below, and we will get back to you. Happy exploring! In the meantime, please read our other Wales’ walking guides.
Four Waterfalls Walk, Brecon Beacons
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach Walk
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
