ABER FALLS AND THE NORTH WALES PATH; weekendwalk wild wales.Byline: By Ron Williams
Where is it? In the Snowdonia National Park Snowdonia National Park Park, northern Wales. Established in 1951, it has an area of 838 sq mi (2,171 sq km). It is best known for its mountains, composed largely of volcanic rock and cut by valleys that show the influence of Ice Age glaciers. at Abergwyngregin between Llanfairfechan and Bangor. What's the attraction? The wonderful Aber Falls and an impressive section of the North Wales Path The North Wales Path is a long distance walk of some 60 miles which runs close to the North Wales coast between Prestatyn in the east and Bangor in the west. The route mostly follows coastal footpaths and is way-marked with its own logo. . This provides extensive views along the North Wales North Wales (known in some archaic texts as Northgalis) is the northernmost unofficial region of Wales, bordered to the south by Mid Wales and to the east by England. coast Howdo I get there? By car, just off the A55 and park at the car park just past the Aber Falls Hotel (grid Ref SH655 727). Frequent bus services between Llandudno and Bangor, which stop at the Aber Falls Hotel. Howlong will it take? About five miles so allow three hours or longer if you wish to explore the Falls area. Let's go... Take the footpath alongside the Aber Falls Hotel - this is between the bus stop and the car park - to the road. 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 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 charcoal burning and the alder coppicing For the locality in Oldham, see Coppice, Greater Manchester. Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management in which young tree stems are cut down to near ground level. - the charcoal can be bought at the information centre Shortly after this board the path divides. The lower route passes Nant Information Centre and goes directly to the bottom of the falls. A more difficult route is to go to the left to follow the path that eventually 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 or continue along the North Wales Path. The bigger waterfall is called Rhaeadr Fawr (large waterfall), and a little further along you come to the smaller Rhaeadr Bach. Continue past this fall and over another streambefore the path crosses over the boundary wall on to 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 going underneath the three pylon pylon (Greek: “gateway”) In modern construction, a tower that gives support, such as the steel towers between which electrical wires are strung or the piers of a bridge. lines the path goes around the edge of a plantation. Extensive views now begin to open up. From this section you should be able to see Angelsey, 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 you are overlooking the village of Abergwyngregin. Leave the North Wales Path at this point by going 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. Alternatively, continue along the track for a less steep descent to the farmand then turn right for the village. Turn left back to the start Refreshments at the Aber Falls Hotel (01248 680 579) and at Caffi yr Hen Felin (01248 689 454) in the village BOOKWINNERS Winners of Jamie Owen's MoreWelshJourneys books areTCrimes, Denbigh'S Latchford, Rhoson Sea'A Hughes, Llanbedrgoch, M Houghton, Coedpoeth' and CRoden, Buckley By Ron Williams, North Wales area Rambler's Association CAPTION(S): The stunning Aber Falls |
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