Aber Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aber Falls |
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| Rhaeadr Fawr | |
Aber Falls (size is shown by people stood below)
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 Location in Gwynedd
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| Location | About two miles (3 km) south of the village of Abergwyngregyn |
| OS grid | SH6678970052 |
| Coordinates | 53°12′37.94″N 3°59′41.87″W / 53.2105389°N 3.9949639°W |
| Total height | 120 ft (37 m) |
| Watercourse | Afon Goch |
Aber Falls (which is called Welsh: Rhaeadr Fawr in Welsh) is a beautiful waterfall. You can find it about two miles (3 km) south of a village called Abergwyngregyn in Gwynedd, Wales.
This amazing waterfall is created by the Afon Goch river. The water drops about 120 feet (37 m) over hard, volcanic rock. This happens in the lower parts of the Carneddau mountains. Two smaller streams join together to form a bigger river. This river is first known as Afon Rhaeadr Fawr. After it passes a road bridge called Bont Newydd (which means "New Bridge"), it changes its name to Afon Aber.
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Discovering Ancient History at Aber Falls
When you walk towards Aber Falls, you're also stepping back in time! Along the main path, you might see signs of very old settlements from the Bronze Age. This was a time thousands of years ago when people used bronze to make tools.
What Can You See?
- Roundhouses: You can spot the remains of old roundhouses. These were circular homes where families lived.
- Smithy: There's also an excavated smithy. This was a workshop where people worked with metal, like making tools or weapons from bronze.
- Standing Stones and Cairns: Look out for standing stones and cairns. Standing stones are tall stones placed upright, and cairns are piles of stones. These often had special meanings or marked important places.
Most of these ancient sites are on the right side of the path as you walk towards the waterfall. There are usually information signs to help you learn more about them. You might also notice some weather recording equipment nearby. Aber Falls is located in the northwest part of Snowdonia National Park in Wales.
Visiting Aber Falls: What to Expect
Aber Falls is a popular spot for visitors. It's a great place to enjoy nature and see a powerful waterfall.
Parking and Getting There
You can park your car at a place called Bont Newydd. From there, it's an easy walk to the Falls. The path is clearly marked, so you won't get lost. There's a small fee to park your car, but the money helps maintain the area.
Facilities for Visitors
- Toilets: There are public toilets available near the parking area.
- Picnic Spots: You'll find picnic benches where you can sit and enjoy a packed lunch.
- Food: If you need to buy food or drinks, the closest place is a cafe in the tourist information center. This is in the village of Abergwyngregyn.
Can You Swim in the Plunge Pool?
Yes, it is possible to swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. However, be aware that the water is very cold, even in the middle of summer! Also, the rocks around the pool can be quite slippery, so you need to be careful if you decide to go for a dip.
The North Wales Path Connection
The North Wales Path is a long walking trail that stretches along the coast. It goes all the way from Prestatyn to Bangor. This path actually crosses a bridge right at the bottom of Aber Falls.
This bridge, along with a smaller one near another waterfall called Welsh: Rhaeadr Fach (which means "Small Waterfall") to the west, was built in 1995. These bridges help walkers on the North Wales Path continue their journey.
Gallery
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Aber Falls with the mountains around
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The bridge and falls
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