Aber Falls, North Wales
We've decided we quite like visiting waterfalls recently and had the opportunity to visit Aber Falls in North Wales. This used to be pretty local to us as we lived nearby in Bangor for several years whilst we were at university but never had access to a car so didn't make the short trip to Aber Falls. We thought it was time to fix this!
Parking is quite limited so I'd suggest getting an early start. We arrived at about 9am on a Saturday in mid April and found plenty of spaces. When we left about 90 minutes later, there was traffic queuing down the narrow lane.
Parking costs £5 for an all day ticket. Make sure you bring a a fiver in pound coins. A sign pointed out you can pay via card in the upper car park, but I didn't go and check that out. The lower car park ticket machine did have a card reader but this didn't work. Of course I tried it even though the sign told me that it wouldn't. 🤷♂️ There is also free parking in the village but you'll have to walk along the lane if you do this.
Once we'd parked up, we started the walk up the valley towards the falls. The first part of the path from the lower carpark is not accessible and was pretty muddy in places. You would struggle with a buggy or wheelchair. The suggest route is 'there and back' and is about 6km / 3.7 miles there and back.
The walk was pleasant and we had chosen a great day for it. Only a few clouds in the sky! Definitely a recommended walk if you find yourself on the North Wales coast and are wondering how to fill a morning.
Aber Falls waterfall cascading down a rugged cliff surrounded by greenery, with people and dogs at the base observing the scene.
Information signboard at the entrance of Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve, with directional symbols for parking and various notices in both Welsh and English.
Parking meter machine next to a ‘Pay here’ sign indicating the parking fee of £5.00 in the Lower Car Park in April 2024
A winding gravel path meanders through the valley towards the waterfall
Waterfall tumbles down a rocky cliff in the background. The path visible in the foreground
Gratutious selfie at Aber Falls of my wife and I.