Captivating Aber Falls: An Iconic Destination in North Wales

North Wales is home to many stunning waterfalls, one of them being Aber Falls. 

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Explore Aber Falls: A Guide to Wales' Breathtaking Waterfall

Aber Falls is located around 2 miles south of the village of Abergwyngregyn in Gwynedd, North Wales. The route to the waterfalls is family-friendly and you can reach the falls via a fairly easy walk from the car park. The path has a reasonably easy gradient and is suitable for all fitness levels.

Once you have parked at the Aber Falls Car Park, you just follow the marked path towards the falls.

When we visited, the place wasn't very busy. We parked at the lower car park and made our way through the gates. 

This path takes you past a stream and joins the main path to the waterfalls. This is where the upper car park path will also get you.

From this point, the walk to the falls is around 2.75 miles.

The trail is fairly straightforward. As long as you stay on the path, it will lead you to the waterfall. There are some yellow waymarkers along the path, but even without these, it is easy to reach the falls.

As you continue on the path, you will go past a small weather station. It is located by the side of the path in a small enclosure and includes various equipment like humidity sensors, wind director sensors etc.

As you progress on the path, you will be treated to some lovely views all around.

Breathing in the scent of the trees, listening to the bird calls and feasting our eyes on the scenic landscape was such a wonderful experience. There was a sense of tranquillity all around.

And then you catch the first glimpse of the waterfall! 

Walk a little further ahead and the path forks into two, the left one is a stepped path while the right one is the main path. Both paths merge a short distance ahead.

Continue on the path, making your way downwards towards the falls.

And once you reach the main viewing areas of the falls, you are left amazed at the sheer magnitude of the waterfall.

Aber Falls is formed as the Afon Goch (the red river) plunges about 120 feet over a sill of igneous rock (magmatic rock) in the foothills of the Carneddau range. And as we stood there watching the water cascading from that height, it was impossible not to be awed by the beauty and power of nature.

There is a small plunge pool at the base of the falls but the rocks are very slippery and the water is cold. So, if you do plan to enter the water, be very careful.

Nearby, there is a wooden bridge which you can cross to get to the other side. 

From here you can go up the stepped path to get to another viewing point. We got to see the waterfall from a higher level here. Be careful and do not get very close to the edge or you would end up in the plunge pool below.

Once you have visually savoured the natural scenery and are ready to head back, just follow the path back to the car park. For those who have more time on hand and wish to explore further, there is a longer circular route that will get you back into Aber village. You can refuel at Cafe Hen Felin and make your way back to the car park.

How to get to Aber Falls?

Aber Falls | Abergwyngregyn, Llanfairfechan LL33 0LP

Abergwyngregyn is a small village located in Gwynedd on the north Wales coast. To reach the village, exit the A55 at Junction 13 and follow the signs for Abergwyngregyn. You will then see the brown tourist information signs for Aber Falls. Follow the signs and you will arrive at the car park.

Useful information about the Aber Falls walk (including parking)

Start/Finish: Aber Falls Car Park.
Total distance: Around 3 miles / 4.8 km
Parking: Aber Falls Car Park. There are two car parks - an upper car park and a lower car park with the former having a public toilet and a picnic table. You can park at either of the car parks. There is a total capacity of 30 cars and the cost is £5/car.
Map: OS Explorer - OL17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley