Guide to Pistyll Rhaeadr

Regarded as One of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’,  Pistyll Rhaeadr is located in mid-west Wales sandwiched between Snowdonia National Park and the Welsh border near Oswestry.  

The waterfalls secluded location, dramatic nature, and the fact that part of it flows through an natural arch shaped rock make this one of the best in Wales.

This monster of a waterfall cascades 73m over three stages, with the highest section being around 40m.

The waterfall is often wrongly regarded at the tallest single drop waterfall in Wales, a title which belongs to the Devils Appendix located in Snowdonia’s Ogwen Valley.

Pistyll Rhaeadr

Where to park for Pistyll Rhaeadr

Access to the falls is via a narrow 2-mile single track road which again can become an issue under heavy traffic in the summer months. The road will eventually lead you to the car park which costs £5 to park on a weekday and £10 on a weekend.

However, if you did not want to pay there is limited free parking located on the side of the road just before the car parks gates gated. Next to the car park is Tan-y-Pistyll café (which has toilets) and a B&B.

 

How to reach Pistyll Rhaeadr?

From the car park the walk to the base of the waterfall is around 200m so you can reach the photogenic iron bridge at the base of the waterfall within minutes.

After taking the time to admire the views from the base I would recommend hiking up to the lip of the Waterfall.  

The zig zagging path should take around 20 minutes to climb and is well worth doing.

Not only will you get an epic view back down the waterfall and valley but there are several smaller falls and plunge pool to explore.

Pistyll Rhaeadr

Do you have to pay to visit Pistyll Rhaeadr?

Pistyll Rhaeadr is open to the public throughout the year and there is no charge for access to the waterfalls.

What facilities are there at Pistyll Rhaeadr?

Situated next to the l car park is a small tea room called Tan-y-Pistyll, which means little house under the waterfall,. The tearoom has toilets and serves snacks, food and alongside hot and cold drinks.

Pistyll Rhaeadr

So there we have it, my guide to Pistyll Rhaeadr.

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