Aber Falls and the North Wales Path, Gwynedd

From the car park, take the footpath to the left of the Aber Falls Hotel, 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 actually 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 the effort to get a close up of the wonderful hanging valley that forms the waterfall).

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 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 onto 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. (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.(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.

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. Then retrace your steps back to the start Alternatively, continue along the track for a less steep descent to the farm and then turn right for the village. On meeting your outbound route, turn left back to the start.