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Aber Falls and the North Wales Path, Gwynedd

Difficulty Moderate

Walking time 2 hours 16 minutes

Length 7.5km / 4.7mi

Route developer: Ron Williams

Route checker: Graham Fitch

Start location Abergwyngregin Car Park
Route Summary This walk visits the wonderful Aber Falls and an impressive section of the North Wales Path which also part of the North Wales Pilgrims Way. This provides extensive views along the North Wales Coast.
*move mouse over graph to see points on route
Getting there

The village is served by Arriva Bus Service 5. This is a frequent service along this section of the North Wales Coast. But note that not all services enter the village

Description

[1] Take the footpath alongside the toilet and information point and walk into the village, Walk along the road through the village. The road becomes a lane  which makes its way up this pleasant valley. When the road bends left over the bridge go through the gate directly ahead and into the ancient woods. You have now joined the North Wales Path. There are two car parks in this area; the small one you have just walked through and a larger one with toilets over the bridge.

The path soon crosses a footbridge to the other side of the river. Continue along this path to an information board.
 
This gives details on the Charcoal Burning and the alder coppicing. The charcoal can be purchased at the Information Centre ahead.  
 
Shortly after this board the path divides. The lower route passes Nant Information Centre and goes directly to the bottom of the falls. This is the end of the wheelchair friendly part of the walk.
 
A more difficult route is to go to the left to follow the path that eventually goes to the top of the falls. If you take this latter route when you come out of the woods turn right downhill to go to the bottom falls. This section of the path has loose rocks. It is however well worth effort to get a close up of the wonderful hanging valley that forms the waterfall.)
 
[2] From the waterfall you have two alternatives: simply retrace your steps and perhaps purchase some charcoal on your return, or continue along the North Wales Path.
 
(A) The initial, bigger waterfall is called Rhaeadr Fawr (large waterfall).  Know also as Aber Falls, this is where the Afon Goch (Red River) falls 37 metres/120 ft into the valley.
 
A little further along you come to the smaller Rhaeadr Bach. Continue past this waterfall and over another stream before the path crosses over the boundary wall on to the open hillside. The path gradually climbs from this point but is broad and well defined. 
 
Pauses for breath are rewarded by wonderful views in all directions.
 
After passing underneath the 3 pylon lines, the path goes around the edge of a now cleared plantation.
 
(B) Extensive views now begin to open up. From here you should be able to see Anglesey, Puffin Island and along the coast towards the Great Orme and beyond.
 
[3] At a distinct bend to the left you go through a gate (or over the stile) at which point you are overlooking the village of Abergwyngregin. You leave the North Wales Path at this point and head right downhill towards the woods. As you enter the woods take the footpath going off to the right. This goes directly but steeply to the village.
 
Alternatively, continue along the track for a less steep descent to the farm and then turn right for the village.
 
On meeting you outbound route, turn left back to the start.
POI information No details available.
Notes

Part of this route, from the upper car park is wheelchair friendly, providing access to and from the falls.

Acknowledgements No details available.
  • Aber Falls known as Rhaeadr Fawr (Large Waterfall)
    Aber Falls known as Rhaeadr Fawr (Large Waterfall)
    By - Ron Williams
  • Rhaeadr Fach at Aber. The Small Waterfall at Aber.
    Rhaeadr Fach at Aber. The Small Waterfall at Aber.
    By - Ron Williams
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