Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Aber Falls to Foel Fras

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    5.5-8h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    14.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,091 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    Aber Falls to Foel Fras

    From massive mountains to wistful waterfalls, this walk has it all! The first stretch takes you past the popular Aber Falls, where the Afon Goch river pours over the cliffs in a beautiful scene. Then the real work starts, as you make your way up the slopes of Llwytmor in order to reach the summit of Foel Fras. This is your high point on the day, with panoramic vistas (in good weather, of course!). Much of the rest is excellent ridge-walking, with Drum among the several peaks you’ll visit on your way back around to the starting point. Plan for a full day on the hill!

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Aber Falls to Foel Fras on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Aber Falls to Foel Fras

    From the car park, take the path signed for Aber Falls, which heads south along the eastern shores of the Afon Rhaeadr-Fawr. At the fork, take the left and continue along the path until you reach the waterfall. This is a beautiful bit of scenery, where the Afon Goch tumbles 37 m from the cliffs above. Take care around the slippery rocks near the falls.

    The path rises to the left of the Aber Falls through rock slabs into a valley above. You should be along the eastern side of the Afon Goch, the river on your right. The trail eventually leads to a series of little waterfalls, which marks the spot for you to turn left and start a proper ascent on an eastward bearing towards the peak of Llwytmor. The path has a slight northward angle before bearing southeast on your way to the summit, marked by a cairn. Continue along this route through a col and finally the summit of Foel Fras. At over three thousand feet, you’re quite a long way up from where you started!

    This next section from Foel Fras to Drum is a fairly straightforward ridge walk. The path heads from Foel Fras in a northeast direction, straightening out to the north as you progress. At the summit of Drum, you’ll find another cairn, along with wonderful views over Llyn Anafon to the west. Continue north to Carnedd y Ddelw, descending slowly along the ridge line all the while. A secondary cairn marks a spot where the fence turns northeast - head to the track below, on your left, and follow this. Three rocky summits follow, none with obvious paths, so exercise caution in walking up and down these slopes.

    From Foel Dduarth (the last of the three), avoid the steep drop on the western slopes and instead work your way down in a broad half-circle from its northern flank. You’ll come to a track with power lines overhead. Follow this track all the way through a gate and back to your starting point at the car park.

    Getting to the Aber Falls to Foel Fras Trailhead

    The Aber Falls to Foel Fras walk starts at the Aber Falls car park. From the village of Abergwyngregyn (situated along the A55), take the road leading south. There will be signs for Aber Falls, which are easy to follow into the car park. There are both upper and lower car parks here; if there’s no space to be found, you can park in the village, which does add a bit of extra distance to your walk.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      March-November

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Circuit

    Aber Falls to Foel Fras Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Aber Falls to Foel Fras Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter