ABER FALLS
Easy walk to a spectacular waterfall
If you are looking for genuine drama but without the arduous hike to experience it, Aber Falls is the walk for you! The incredible waterfall cascades down a 40 metre cliff and is a must-see. Happily, the trail to the falls is easy, there’s a car park and dogs are welcome.
Aber Falls is located roughly 7 miles west of Bangor, close to the A55. The car park is just 30 minutes from The Woollen Mill and this walk is a good option throughout the year. It’s 4km from the car park to the waterfall. The gravel path is well-maintained and you can walk up and back on the same path or take a circular route which is a little more arduous and hilly. The walk described here is the out and back on the same path option and just about anyone could manage it!
Duration: 90 minutes (8km) from the car park to the falls and back.
Terrain: Gravel paths
From the car park
It’s impossible to get lost on this walk! From the parking area, head for the gate next to the payment machine, pass through it and then follow the path to a small wooden bridge over the river. Cross the bridge, pass through the next gate and then follow the trail to the right. There’s an information board at the beginning of the trail which provides a little insight into the local wildlife.
Follow the path all the way to the falls. You will be gaining altitude along the way but this trail certainly isn’t arduous. There are wonderful views to enjoy along throughout and it won’t be long before the waterfall appears in the distance. There are a few picnic tables and benches along the trail if you fancy a rest or refreshments. Dogs will enjoy exploring the area and there is rarely any livestock grazing.
Nature reserve
The valley leading to Aber Falls is a nature reserve and so it is worth looking out for the native wildlife. You might be lucky enough to see nesting birds, including raven and peregrine falcon on the cliffs, tree pipit and redstart along the woodland edge, and pied flycatcher, green and great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches, tree creepers and great, blue and coal tits plus wood warbler in the oak woods. The grey wagtail can be seen by the river, where it also breeds. You could see dippers as they occupy the same stretch of stream for most of the year. If you don’t happen to spot any wagtails and dippers, don’t worry because they are frequent visitors to The Woollen Mill!
In the spring, you can revel in the carpet of bluebells which lends stunning colour to the valley. This is one of those walks which seems different every time you visit and so one trip could never be enough!
At the Falls
It will take you roughly 30 minutes to walk up to the falls and when you arrive, you will be glad you made the effort! The falls are truly spectacular and best seen during the winter or early spring when rainfall and melting snow creates a more dramatic flow. In the summer, this trail is one of the most popular walks in North Wales and it becomes difficult to take pictures without featuring dozens of strangers in your shots.
There’s a small wall topped with slate adjacent to the falls where you can take a seat while you admire the cascade. The area at the foot of the falls is relatively small and can become very congested at peak times. I walked to Aber Falls on Christmas Eve and it was a good decision as there were very few people about.
After viewing the falls, you can retrace your steps a little, cross the bridge over the river and experience the cascade from the other side. From there you can return to the car park via the circular route or simply walk back the way you came.
Directions
From The Woollen Mill, drive towards Bangor on the A497 and then take the A55 towards Conwy. After roughly 7 miles, you will see the turning for Abergwyngregyn. Turn off here and follow the signs to the falls. There’s a small car park for which the charge is £3 per day. The payment machine is at the far end of the parking area.
