Trek Information

Aber Falls : from Bont Newydd

Difficulty - EasyDistance - 4.5 Miles/7 KmDuration - 2 Hours

Maps & Reference

Brief Description

The Trek

There is parking at Bont Newydd bridge which is closest to the valley. However there is better parking in Abergwyngregyn where you'll also find refreshments and friendly locals. In the recent past Abergwyngregyn has found itself lacking the economic benefits of being in an area of such outstanding beauty and popularity, mainly due to people avoiding the village and heading straight for the Bont Newydd car park, so if you can try and help Abergwyngregyn by using its great facilities so they can be there for many years to come.

Bont Newydd Bridge

Plantation Path

From Abergwyngregyn follow the road towards Bont Newydd that passes some lovely thatched cottages and gardens and then follows the rolling waters of the Afon Rhaedr Fawr. You will eventually reach the Bont Newydd bridge, a magnificently built bridge that crosses the Afon Rhaedr Fawr. Bont Newydd translates in Welsh as New Bridge. From the bridge there are two paths, one on the other side of the bridge which is more of a clear track and one on on the near side that's slightly more adventurous. Both paths eventually meet up and continue onwards into the valley as a very clear and well laid path. After about half a mile you will come to a fork in the path, one way sign posted to the Forest Plantation Walk, take this path up towards the plantation. The path then skirts the edge of the plantation before eventually heading straight through the tall pine trees, which on a sunny day can be simply magical with long rays of light shining through the thick forest onto its floor shining brightly with pine needles.

The original Abergwyngregyn forest was huge and stretched across almost the entire valley. The forest was an amazing place with many rare and foreign species, however its biggest downfall was its ease of access which meant it was eventually cleared after years of industrial logging which provided work for the local area and an economical boom for Abergwyngregyn. The valleys rare species still exist but only due to the efforts of the Coedydd Aber Nature Reserve and other authorities who have now preserved the valley. The full story of the industrial past of Abergwyngregyn and the Afon Rhaedr Fawr valley can be read about in the Nature Reserves Visitor Centre on the return journey towards the end of the walk.

When the path finally comes to the end of the forest plantation you will cross a stile and will then be presented with a panoramic view across the head of the valley with both the falls of Rhaedr Fawr and Rhaeadr-bach in view. Rhaedr Fawr being the Welsh name for Aber Falls. This is a great view point with the screes of Marian Rhaeadr-fawr to the left of you, the valley to the right and the sudden bulk of the Carneddau mountain range from where the waters fall ahead

Aber Valley view from stile at end of the Forestry Commission plantation path

The Aber Valley is said to be very valuable geologically with exposure of Ordovician and Cambrian rocks. A huge dyke of hard wearing Granophyre at the end of the valley is the cause of the beautiful waterfalls, the waters that run off the Carneddau mountains has never been able to erode through the tough rock. Take the path down towards the falls now from the plantation which crosses a few stiles then joins the more popular path we left earlier. The path to the falls is rough now as it leads to the powerful noises you can hear from almost half a mile away.

Standing at the path underneath the falls is a must do experience, the power of the 115 foot tall waterfall is so powerful it will blow you away, and almost literally as the spray and gust of air that come from the fall soak and blow you away. Once you have taken in the waterfalls follow the path over the wooden footbridge away from the falls as it leads up away from them but instead of following it simply turn left and you'll find another great vantage point from where you can see the waterfall in full again. Now follow the path back down and over the footbridge again and back to the original path.

Rhaedr Fawr or Aber Falls

Afon Rhaedr Fawr or River Aber

Follow the popular valley floor track now back to Bont Newydd, its impossible to go wrong here as the path is basically a track. Although this is the busier of the paths you won't be disappointed, the path winds through meadows that are surrounded by many ancient woodlands. You will see tree species here that you will find it hard to find anywhere else in the country, the reserve has many species such as Oak, Alder, Ash, Sycamore, Poplar, Willow, Beech, Birch and Hazel among others. These woodlands are a haven for all kinds of wildlife that can be seen at any time of the day. Squirrels, Bats, Badgers, Foxes and many other animals can be seen in the valley and it is even rumored that the Pine Martin can be seen, although how true this is I'm not too sure. One of the most common sites in the valley however are its many bird species which thrive in the area, with many common species populating the area there are also wood warbler, pied flycatcher , redstart, owls and dippers on the waters.

The path will lead all the way back down past the visitors centre at Nant which is well worth a visit to read up on the valleys diverse past. Follow the track and then the road back down to Bont Newydd then Abergwyngregyn. The valley is a hidden gem of wildlife and geological importance. I also recommend reading the Collins Ramblers Guide to North Wales for more information on the history of the valley, which dates back even longer than you may think.

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