Have you ever been to Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall? Neither had we until recently. Here is everything you need to know before making the drive over there. Despite having lived in Chester for 9 years it is only recently that I have started appreciating the natural beauty that exists in North Wales, less than an hour from my front door. Places like Moel Famu and Loggerheads which are so beautiful and so close. Last weekend my husband and I found ourselves with a whole day child free and decided to enjoy some of what North Wales has to offer. A friends of mine had recommended the Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, so we took a drive out there to see what it had to offer.
Where is Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall?
The exact address you need to be able to park and then find Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall is
Waterfall Road,
Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant
SY10 0BZ
For those that are trying to work out where this is in relation to them it is somewhere between Bala and Oswestry and an 1 hour from Chester city centre.
What is at Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall?
Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall is often referred to as one of the seven wonders of Wales and is definitely worth a visit. As one of the highest and most magical waterfalls in Wales it has lots of historical and spiritual stories attached to it but even without doing your research into these it is simply beautiful for a day trip. It stands at approximately 40 meters and visitors are able to make the 30 minute walk/climb from the base right to the top of the waterfall where, if you’re brave enough, you can go to the edge and watch as the wate cascades down the cliff edge and into the Afon Rhaeadr below.
If you don’t want to walk to the top you can simply enjoy the waterfall from the bottom or watch it from the comfort of the coffee shop which has both indoor and outdoor seating. Based on it’s location there are also numerous other walks you can also enjoy from the waterfall depending on your time restrictions and walking ability for example you could enjoy the leisurely circuit route which crosses the foot of the fall and returns to the car park via old quarry heaps and hillsides. This is roughly 3 miles and is easy to follow taking approximately one hour to complete. Alternatively you could opt for a much more adventurous route which includes a steep climb to start with and then continues uphill for as long as you wish, this walk is likely to take you near lots of sheep and maybe even lambs depending on the time of year so be mindful of this if taking your dog with you.
Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall with kids
You can indeed take kids to Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall. When we were there we spotted lots of families enjoying the waterfall and playing in the water. Obviously this can always be a risk but as long as you pick your spot sensibly and keep an eye on your children they will have a great day – just remember to pack towels and a pic nic too!
Our review of Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall
We travelled just over an hour to get to Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall and as we were unsure what to expect I was a little nervous that it could be a wasted trip. We managed to find the place easy enough using the sat nav and parking was plentiful too, which was a great start.
We walked up from the car park towards the general direction of people and immediately saw the most beautiful waterfall. The size of it actually took me by surprise and I was amazed to find out that not only could you go to the foot of the waterfall but you could also follow a path that takes to you all the way to the top where you can stand on the edge and peer over at the drop (if you are brave enough!).
We went to the foot of the waterfall first and I was overcome with a calming sensation, the sound of the water, peaceful and tranquil and the beauty of the setting somehow seemed to eradicate the stresses that I had been carrying around with me all week, they simply melted into the water.
Having taken in the full beauty of it we took the path to the top. This in itself is another treat for the senses as the views on the way up are simply wonderful and there is nothing but the sound of birds, water in the distance and sheep in the fields.
At the top you can go to the edge and peer over, paddle in the stream or find a quiet spot to enjoy the scenery and a picnic. Whatever you choose to do you will not be disappointed.
There is also a little cafe that has outside seating opposite the waterfall, we didn’t get to try it this time but it looked lovely and quaint and we plan to stop for a coffee and cake next time we visit.
If you are looking for a beauty spot in the North Wales area then Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall is a must see.
Top Tips
Wear sensible shoes I would highly recommend a good pair of walking boots or shoes with grip on if you are planning on walking to the top of the Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall as even on a dry day it can still be slippy on the rocks.
Take a Picnic There is a cafe at the bottom of the waterfall which serves food and hot drinks. It is a lovely place to sit and is very popular but if you want to save money then take a pic nic as there are lots of beautiful places where you can sit and enjoy it, especially if the weather is nice.
Don’t forget your towels If you, or your kids, are partial to a dip in the Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall then remember to take your towels so you can all dry off.
Water shoes are also a great idea if going with children so they can walk around without hurting their feet or sleeping on the rocks.
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