Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr) in North Wales has been named the UK's top family-friendly walk, according to new research by photo printing company CEWE. The study ranked walking routes across the UK using factors including Google review scores, star ratings, and the frequency of family-focused terms such as "kids", "picnic", and "easy" in visitor reviews.
The waterfall, located about two miles south of the village of Abergwyngregyn, drops about 36 metres (120 feet) over a steep rock face into a shallow pool. It is part of Afon Goch's final descent to the Menai Straits, situated at the northern foothills of the Carneddau mountains in Gwynedd.
Why Aber Falls Tops the List
The walk received 759 family-related Google reviews, an average 4.8-star rating, and generated around 1,000 Instagram hashtags and 115,000 TikTok views. The route is 6km (3.7 miles) there and back, taking about 45 minutes each way at a steady pace.
The walk begins by crossing a small bridge and passing through a wide gate, with a section fully accessible for pushchairs. Yellow waymarkers guide walkers along the wide path, past a wooden hut and through another set of gates. The incline is gentle, and a flat grassy area offers views of the valley. Bwthyn y Nant cottage appears on the left, and after passing through two iron gates, a fork in the trail bears right to stay on the accessible route.
A Refreshing Dip
The final section becomes slightly rougher underfoot, but within minutes the sound of rushing water signals the falls. The plunge pools beneath the fall are shallow, so visitors can take a cooling plunge rather than swim. The author, who visited with a friend, found the water "ridiculously refreshing on a muggy summer day." They arrived early to beat crowds, parking at the paid car park (£5 per day) and advising against parking in the village to avoid inconveniencing residents.
The author notes that water immersion in cooler temperatures can lead to cold water shock, even in summer, so they exited after a short dip and warmed up with coffee and snacks. They recommend arriving early and enjoying the falls from viewing areas or waist-deep in the water.
Wild Swimming Safety
Wild swimming can be challenging due to cold water and hazardous terrain. Swim Wales advises checking conditions, swimming in accredited facilities or lifeguarded beaches when possible, having the right gear, not swimming alone, and if in trouble, "float to live." Check weather and water temperature before setting off, and for sea swimming, check tide times. The Bristol Channel, a popular spot, has the second-highest tidal range in the world (12-14 metres), so even strong swimmers can get into trouble.
Practise box breathing before entering the water and continue until cold-water shock effects pass. When water reaches your shoulders, tread water for a minute or two; if shock persists, exit carefully.
Essential Swim Gear
For summer dips, a rash vest and boardies are recommended, along with a wetsuit or swim gear, booties, gloves, and a swim hat for colder waters. A tow float increases visibility and safety, and a weatherproof changing robe is useful. For hot drinks after a swim, a double-walled vacuum-insulated flask keeps beverages warm for hours.
