Aber Falls in Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd, has long been a magnet for artists, photographers and nature lovers – and the numbers heading there can be unmanageable at times
The awe-inspiring cascades of Rhaeadr Fawr, or Aber Falls in Abergwyngregyn, tumble 120 feet (36.5 metres) into the north Wales landscape. This towering spectacle has long drawn artists, photographers and nature enthusiasts, leaving them both awestruck and calmed. However, the influx of visitors can sometimes be overwhelming, fuelled by a renewed appreciation for nature following Covid-19 lockdowns, increased visibility on social media, and sizzling weather conditions.
North Wales Live ventured to the village on a relatively peaceful Wednesday afternoon to gauge local sentiment. Everyone encountered had something to say.
Tony Hume, 72, resides in a 19th-century cottage near the Falls. He admits he schedules his trips out of the village to avoid peak times during weekends, reports North Wales Live.
“It’s terrible. It has become an absolute nightmare. If it’s not raining, the two main car parks can be full by 10am,” he lamented.
“If you’re going out you have to go out early or it can take half an hour to do a journey which normally takes a few minutes.”
Mr Hume clarifies that his issue is with vehicular traffic, not pedestrians, and ponders whether a traffic ban could be effective.
Alternatively, he proposes that visitors should park at the village entrance and then take a park-and-ride bus to the Falls. “There’s got to be a solution,” he asserts, clearly frustrated.
He also highlighted the steep increase in day prices at Traeth Llanddwyn’s car park near Newborough on Anglesey, which soared from £7 to £15 in May as part of a pilot scheme aimed at reducing congestion. A similar strategy might deter visitors from flocking to Aber Falls.
Local couple Loz and Amy Farmer, who previously lived in Coventry, appreciate the allure of Aber Falls but are frustrated by the traffic issues it brings.
Amy has called for additional signage to alert motorists about the narrow roads, humorously remarking: “There’s no sign saying ‘You are about to drive into utter chaos’.”
Her husband Loz takes it upon himself to clean up after careless visitors, collecting litter and dog waste.
The fame of this natural beauty spot has reached far and wide. Alan Owen, who runs Caffi Alma in Abergwyngregyn, noted that a group of tourists from India was recently in the village.
He discovered that promotional material for Aber Falls is being displayed as far away as Mumbai. “It’s nice to see. It brings in business to cafes,” he commented.
At 77, Alan believes that traffic woes are only a significant issue on “the odd weekend”, such as during Easter.
He said that congestion has been alleviated somewhat thanks to two private fields opening up for parking – one near Abergwyngregyn’s entrance and another by Caffi Yr Hen Felin Tea Room.
He reckons these fields offer a combined total of 300 parking spaces, although it’s understood they’re limited to just 28 days of use per year. Alternatively, Alan suggests visitors could take the bus, with five services a day stopping near Caffi Alma.
Mike, who operates Caffi Alma, understandably appreciates the influx of visitors that bolster his business. “We need tourists,” he stated.
“Tourism also [helps] employ forestry workers [in Natural Resources Wales], for example, who keep the village tidy – things we don’t hear about.”
Similarly, the team at Caffi Yr Hen Felin are delighted to welcome patrons. “We’re pleased they come – it’s just the parking,” Lynwen pointed out.
“People don’t realise this is a farming community. They drive through the village and don’t respect local traffic.”
She noted that while coaches do park at the village entrance, helping to alleviate congestion, it hinders local buses from making their turns.
Lynwen supports the idea of a park and ride scheme. Her colleague Wendy suggests visitors should assess how crowded the village is and consider alternatives if needed.
“If you can see it’s full, go somewhere else,” she advised, with Betws-y-Coed or Penrhyn Castle being other options. Indeed, some visitors aren’t entirely sure what to expect at Aber Falls.
Wendy recalled an amusing encounter with a day-tripper who asked, “What time does it close?” To which she jokingly responded: “I turn the tap off at 3pm” – a response one lady took at face value!
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