About

Devil's Bridge Waterfalls is a spectacular waterfall attraction at Devils Bridge in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains. It is one of the 'Must See' natural features in Wales, located 12 miles inland from the coastal town of Aberystwyth.

The 300ft Mynach Waterfalls are set deep withing the ancient wooded gorge and have attracted many thousands of visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth who wrote about the “Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge”. Today, Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail provides a unique opportunity to see this great natural feature in the Mynych (translates as the 'Monks River'), a tributary of the larger Rheidol River, which runs in a deep, wooded valley towards Aberystwyth and the Cardigan Bay coast.

Technically, Devil's Bridge waterfalls can be classified as a segmented or tiered falls with five major drops and intervening cascades add up to a 91 m total drop, which is among the highest in Wales. The Nature Trail is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I) and is home to many types of mosses and lichens. It is also an excellent example of an ancient Sessile Oak woodland. A guide book indicating interesting aspects of the Nature Trail is on sale at the entrance kiosk when attendant is on duty.

The Devil's Bridge Fall Nature Trail take approximately 45 mins and is a challenging circular walk that takes you deep into the wooded gorge with spectacular views of the 300ft Mynach Waterfalls. The shorter 3 Bridges & Punchbowl trail will take approximately 10 minutes. These walks are challenging and consists of many steep steps of natural stone, mainly slate, and can be slippery when wet and appropriate footwear must be worn. Please note that due to the geology of the Rheidol Gorge, the walks are not necessarily suitable for the elderly, disabled, asthmatic, or for those who suffer from vertigo or heart conditions.

However, there is a level tarmac path in the new viewpoint area thus making it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs to be able to view the three bridges. The pushchair and wheelchair access is open during school holidays or by prior arrangement or by asking the waterfalls attendant for the gate code.

All dogs must be kept on the lead and if your dog is large then it may struggle to enter through the turnstile with you. The steep steps are also difficult for dogs with short legs and you may end up having to carry your pet.

Tearooms & Gift shop are at entrance to walks and are open from Mid Spring to October

THE LONG NATURE TRAIL
On the 45 minute nature trail walk you will see the spectacular waterfalls and the view of the 3 bridges, built one on top of the other, which span the breathtaking woodland gorge. Follow in the footsteps of the monks of past, along the path and descend Jacobs Ladder (100 steps). Cross the humped bridge spanning over the Mynach river at the bottom of the waterfalls and begin to ascend the other side of the gorge. Go into Robbers Cave, an old hideout place next to the waterfall.

Whilst catching your breath at the end of your walk, take time to use the Free Viewing Telescope. Enjoy a close up view of the Gyfarllwyd Falls on the Rheidol river, the surrounding woodland and distant Cambrian Mountains or a Red Kite soaring high above. The exit is opposite the Hafod Hotel.

PUNCHBOWL AND THREE BRIDGES NATURE TRAIL
This is a short ten minute walk where you descend down to the river to view the punchbowl. Here you can see how the force of the river Mynach has carved beautiful, large pot holes into the rock. From this view point the Three Bridges built one on top of the other tower overhead and are an awesome sight.

THE LEGEND OF DEVIL'S BRIDGE
According to legend, the original Devil’s Bridge was built by the Devil himself. He constructed the bridge for a little old lady in exchange for her soul, or the soul of the first person to cross....

Use the U-turn box to listen to how the old lady outwitted the Devil to save her cow. Which is how Devils Bridge got it's name. Hear some traditional Welsh harp music or select the information about the history of our area.

Free car park, Gift shop, light refreshments and W.C only available during main season.

The walk is Not suitable for wheel chairs or pushchairs or people suffering from health problems due to many steep, uneven steps.

BY STEAM TRAIN
The Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway runs from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge. From the station it is a 5 minute walk to the Waterfalls attraction. Turn left out of their car park pass the Hafod Hotel and bear left over the bridge. The entrance kiosk is on the left.