Guide to Pistyll Rhaeadr

3 Nov

Regarded as One of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’, Pistyll Rhaeadr is sandwiched between Snowdonia National Park and the Wales-England border in north east Wales

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

This 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.

In this blog I outline how to reach this impressive waterfall.

Where to park for Pistyll Rhaeadr

Parking for Pistyll Rhaeadr is available directly in front of the waterfall at Tan-y-Pistyll café.

As of 2025, per vehicle (including motorbikes) it costs £5 per day on weekdays at £10 on weekends.

The car park is controlled via an automated system, so you will get a fine if you don’t pay.

There is limited free parking located on the side of the road around 200m before the gates to the car park. Howver this is very rocky and fills up very quickly.

Access to the falls is via a narrow two-mile single track road, this can become an issue under heavy traffic in the summer months.

Please do not park in the passing places as this is selfish and will create major issues for those trying to visit.

How to reach Pistyll Rhaeadr?

From the car park, the walk to the base of the waterfall is less than 200m and should take you a few minutes.

Here you can view the waterfall from the photogenic bridge directly in front of the waterfall.

After taking the time to admire the views from the base, I would recommend taking the time to hike up to the top of the Waterfall.

The short but steep steep zig zagging path should take around 20 minutes to climb and will give you a panoramic view back down over the valley below.

From the top of the waterfall you can peer over the edge and explore the numerous plunge pools located above the main set of falls.

The waterfall also serves as a start point to the Berwyn Mountains and surrounding hills, with many walks to suit a variety of walkers.

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.

You however have to pay to park which as of 2025, per vehicle (including motorbikes) it costs £5 per day on weekdays at £10 on weekends.

What facilities are there at Pistyll Rhaeadr?

Situated next to the 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.