Aber Falls Circular Walk

Aber Falls is a wonderful walk that offers fairly straightforward navigation. The Falls themselves are spectacular, but it’s best to view them at a safe distance. Spray from the waterfall travels quite a long way, and the rocks at its base are very slippery. Sections along the trail cross several rivers and can be wet and muddy, depending on the weather conditions – good shoes or boots are certainly recommended.

We love the Aber Falls walk for its broad trails and easy access. This is the perfect outdoor adventure for families or for those with less hiking experience. You can enjoy the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, just a short drive away from the highway and a lovely village. Convenient and scenic all in one!

From the car park, set off on the marked path which lies straight ahead through a gate. Follow this path to a well-built hut, behind which is another gate and a larger, well-established path. Then it’s just a matter of staying on this gradually ascending path until you reach the Aber Falls!

The path then leads to the right, across a bridge built over the Afon Rhaeadr-fawr, where you can look up at Aber Falls from a different angle. Look for a sign that reads “North Wales Path Only” – that’s your route to follow, and you may have to clamber over a stile to get on it. You’ll cross over several rivers along this stretch, so keep an eye out for wet patches.

As the path turns right in a northern direction, continue an easy ascent along the lower slopes of Ffridd Ddu before beginning the descent as the path turns slightly to the left. There’s a junction where you turn off the North Wales Path, following a track on the right-hand side marked by a stile. From here, the descent is short but a bit steep, so take care, especially in wet conditions.

At the foot of this descent, pass through a small gate to reach the road that you drove in on. Turn right and follow this back to the car park to complete the Aber Falls circular walk.

Trail Highlights

Aber Falls

This waterfall is certainly the main highlight of the route! The river Afon Goch cascades down a 120ft cliff, where the resulting river is known as Afon Rhaeadr-fawr. There are several excellent places to gaze up at the falls: the main viewpoint along the path from the car park, as well as a “side view” from across the footbridge. If you can time your visit right after a period of rain, the volume of Aber Falls is dramatically higher. No matter when you go, it’s a lovely sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Aber Falls from the car park?

Aber Falls is approximately 2.0mi from the car park. If you don’t want to do the full circular walk, you can return to the car park from the waterfall the same way you came.

How much does it cost to park at Aber Falls?

The car park at Aber Falls costs £5.

Can you swim at Aber Falls?

There is a small pool at the base of Aber Falls, but the water is quite cold and the rocks very slippery. Swim here at your own risk.