At a glance
Height
240ft, in three stages
Parking
£4–£5 cars, by the falls
Walk to the base
1 minute from the car park
To the top
20–30 minutes
Pistyll Rhaeadr is often called one of the Seven Wonders of Wales — a breathtaking 240ft waterfall in the Berwyn Mountains of Powys, taller overall than Niagara. I’ve visited countless times over the years, so here’s everything you need to plan a trip.
It’s just outside the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant. The Afon Disgynfa falls in three stages, with a natural rock bridge across the centre, and you catch your first glimpse of it from the single-track lane on the approach.
The route
To the base, and to the top
To the base
1 minute, through the gate by the tea room
To the top
20–30 minutes
Terrain
Mountain paths, slippery when wet
Wear
Walking boots and waterproofs
- The iron bridge Go through the metal gate by the tea room and down the path — the bridge gives a hypnotic view of the falls. There’s a step at the gate and the bridge, but you can see most of the falls from the tea room.
- Through the woods From the base, take the path through the woods to your right (the car park side) until you reach a stile.
- Option 1 — the shortcut A steep zig-zag path climbs to a farm track; turn left. Quicker, but more of a challenge.
- Option 2 — the gentle way Follow the track straight on, then turn left up the farm track when you see a bridge over the river. Kinder on the knees coming down.
- The top of the falls Both routes join the farm track. Cross the stile at the bottom of the field and walk down to the top of the falls. Retrace your steps to return.
There’s a sheer drop at the top with no fencing — keep children and dogs close at all times.
Photographing the falls
When
First thing in the morning
As the rising sun warms up the valley — and before the crowds.
Lens
Your widest angle
You can’t step far back without the bridge in the way. I use a 16–35mm, or stitch a portrait panorama.
Kit
ND filters and a tripod
For a long exposure of the cascading water.
Then
Wander for compositions
The pools and woodland around the base reward a slow look.
Where to park
Recommended
By the waterfall
A 1-minute walk, with toilets. Summer: cars £5, bikes £4. Winter: cars £4, bikes £3. Fees fund conservation.
Free, but rough
The small car park
100 yards away and quick to fill — the ground is rocky and has scratched plenty of cars, including mine.
When it’s full
Through the gates by the tea room
Pay to park there instead. Never on the verges or in passing places.
Large vehicles
Not recommended
It’s a long, tight single-track road — no big campervans or touring caravans.
Where to eat
By the falls
Tan-y-Pistyll tea room
“The little house under the waterfall”, with a great view — though I bring my own food instead.
A short drive
Welsh pubs nearby
Penybontfawr, Llangynog and Llanfyllin all serve a great meal.
My favourite
A picnic at the top
Worth the 30-minute walk for views of the whole valley. No BBQs, and take your rubbish home.
Staying on
Bala
Under an hour away along the breathtaking B4391, with good links to the coast and mountains.
Good to know
Things to know before you visit
- It gets busy Thousands of cars have arrived on busy days, straining the village and blocking emergency access.
- Don’t park on the lane Parking on the single-track road or in passing places is illegal — you will be fined.
- Have a plan B If the car parks are full, turn around and visit somewhere else in Powys. The waterfall will always be there.
- Leave no trace Take all your litter home — banana peels included.
On the map
Pistyll Rhaeadr, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant
Postcode
SY10 0BZ
Grid reference
SJ072295
Parking
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Waterfall
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Waterfall access is free; parking is £3–£5 depending on season and vehicle. Co-ordinates 52.8552° N, 3.3788° W.
