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A Circular Aber Falls Walk From Abergwyngregyn

By Dave Roberts   

on August 29, 2017    4.89/5 (9)

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Low Level and Easier Walks in Snowdonia, Snowdonia National Park, The Carneddau, Wales

A Circular Aber Falls Walk From Abergwyngregyn

Route Essentials

Route Summary

Walk to Aber Falls with an optional circuit around the valley.

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

7.47 km

Ascent

316 m

Time

2hrs 30min

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Difficulty

Easy Moderate Walk, Trail or Fell Runs

Hazards

Open water under the falls – look but don’t wander in!

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

A Circular Aber Falls Walk From Abergwyngregyn Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

A Circular Aber Falls Walk From Abergwyngregyn

A family friendly circular Aber Falls walk to the spectacular Rhaeadr Fawr waterfall that returns to Aber via the North Wales Path, high above the valley.  The Aber Falls Walk follows an easy gradient, except for the steeper descent at the walk’s end which requires a little more care in the wet. Nothing difficult! Best views of the waterfalls are to be had after heavy rains.

The Aber Falls Walk is now part of a series of circular walks along the Wales Coast path being developed by Cyngor Gwynedd Council, with an Aber Falls Walk printable pdf route leaflet available here. But you saw it on Mud and Routes first! 

This also makes a really good trail run as well, as the ascent is steady as opposed to steep. Account about an hour or so for the run and make sure you’ve got decent trail running shoes if it’s wet!

The Aber Falls Walk

1. The walk starts from the Bus stop opposite the Aber Falls Tavern, which is reached via the A55. Parking is available on the minor road beyond (follow the road signs). Behind a pine workshop you will see a narrow road that enters the village and states “Aber Falls 1”.

2. Follow this road for just over a kilometre, and you will reach a car park where the minor road turns sharply left over a bridge. The path is straight ahead, go through the gate and then follow the track that goes up stream until you reach a footbridge that leads to a wider path with a large gate.aber falls walk snowdonia

3. The trail from now on really needs no guidance as it is that straightforward. So long as you don’t venture off the path, as there are a couple of steeper routes through the conifer plantation.

4. The only thing to keep an eye out for is the hut half way that has an exhibition in it, but was closed whenever we go by.aber falls walk snowdonia

5. The falls are quite spectacular, but beware that the spray will travel a fair distance! The rocks below the falls are also slippery, so care is needed.aber falls walk snowdonia

6. The path will continue right, down stone steps and over a footbridge. You can explore the other side of the falls from here if you wish. To continue the walk, you cross a stile next to a sign that says “North Wales Path Only”.

7. The path leads you around the valley sides, across ground that can be slightly muddy and over a fair few streams. However, I found I could walk across without worrying about water getting into my boots.aber falls walk snowdonia
8. The path soon turns right and starts to gently ascend the valley side. You quickly feel that you are quite high above the valley, and you are almost 300m above it towards the end. The route itself is easily followed, and the only decision you will have is when you reach the junction at SH657 720.aber falls walk snowdonia

9. When you arrive at the junction,don’t follow the signs for the North Wales Path, instead you need to descend the track and take a stile that soon appears on the right leading to a path that leads down the slope. This section can be awkward if it is wet, but not beyond anyone of reasonable agility. Walking poles would help stability on this descent if you’re unsure.

10. You finally reach the road by passing through a small old gate. Turn left, and you will soon be at your starting point.

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Walk to Aber Falls with an optional circuit around the valley.

Route Start Location:

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
7.47 km 316 m 2hrs 30min

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Easy Moderate Walk, Trail or Fell Runs

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

Cafes at Aber, parking and WC at start.

Hazards

Open water under the falls – look but don’t wander in!

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking : LL33 0LP

If you need to park – start at Bont Newydd Aber Falls Car Park

Public Transport:

Plenty of buses to the village from Bangor or Conwy sides.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

More Posts by Dave Roberts

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