Welcome

The three bridges
The Three Bridges from the Punchbowl side

The Waterfalls in Autumn
The Punchbowl in winter
The Punchbowl in the winter

The Waterfalls in Spring
 

Devils Bridge Falls is a world-famous tourist attraction in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and 12 miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth. These unique waterfalls have attracted many thousands of visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth who wrote about the “Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge”. Today, the Falls Nature Trail provides a unique opportunity to see this great natural feature in the Rheidol Gorge.

CUSTOMER WARNING  For your own safety we do not advise that you visit the nature trail waterfalls walk during high winds or when the paths are icy.  Please check the weather forecast before you visit.
 
 
 
During February and the beginning of March the Waterfalls Walk and the shorter Punchbowl Walk are open via access through the turnstiles.  To operate the turnstiles use the coin or contactless method of payment.  Once the WIFI has recognised the payment ( this can take about 15 seconds ) the RED light over the turnstile will turn GREEN.  The GREEN light indicates that you have 30 seconds to walk through the turnstile (facing the steps on the other side). It will bleep at you to get your attention.  DO NOT keep trying your card as you may get charged twice.  Just wait for the word approved to show on the card payment screen.  If there was an issue with the payment and you got charged twice then please email us on [email protected]  When there is ice on the paths or high winds we recommend that you do not enter the walks.
 

Step 1. Approach the turnstile

 

Step 2. Decide on payment method

Step 3a Wait for card to be authorised

Step 3b Card will be approved

Step 4. When the green light shows walk forward through the turnstile within 30 seconds

Step 5. Help yourself to a map of the walk

 

There are two walks to choose from:

1. NATURE TRAIL, WATERFALLS & 3 BRIDGES

Winter price £4.00 per person.  Entrance ONLY through the turnstile 

Manned hours from Mid March to Mid November  Adult £4.75  Student and SC £4.00  Child £3.00 

This walk takes a minimum of 45 minutes. (long walk)
Difficult walk. 675 steep uneven natural stone steps.

The start of this walk consists of a view of the 3 bridges one on top of the other.  You then follow the path through the ancient oak woodland deep down into the Rheidol gorge.  At the halfway down point there is a viewing gazebo from where you can enjoy views of the 300ft Mynach waterfalls.  Leading onwards and further down the gorge the path and steps get steeper.  The last run of downward steps consists of ‘Jacobs’ Ladder’ where there is a flight of 100 steps all in one run.  Once you have descended down Jacobs’ Ladder you will cross over the ‘humped bridge’.  You are now halfway around the walk but will need to ascend back up the other side of the gorge.  All the way up the steps there are views of the Mynach waterfalls and there are stopping places where you can rest and enjoy the view.

Click here to purchase tickets in advance of your visit. Advance tickets only available from Saturday 23rd March 2024 onwards.

 

If you are arriving by steam train and only have one hour in Devils Bridge we do not recommend that you attempt to do the waterfalls walk due to lack of time.  The short punchbowl and 3 bridges walk would be suitable.

2. PUNCHBOWL & 3 BRIDGES

£2.00 per person through the turnstiles

This walk takes 10 to 20 minutes. (short walk)
Moderate walk. 220 slate steps

The Punchbowl walk has been extended to include a new seating area with views of the 3 Bridges.  The nature corner has bird boxes, feeders, and nature habitat piles; look out for the delightful selection of fairy doors. Use the wind-up box to hear the story of Devil’s Bridge and the history that surrounds the area.  On display, there is a selection of old postcards and photos and a section of the original Victorian balustrade dated 1901.

From the new level area, there is a sloped path leading you to the original punchbowl walk which comprises of 220 steps and therefore this area is not suitable for wheelchair or pushchair access.  The steps lead down to the Punchbowl viewing point where you can see the turbulent water crashing against the worn-out rock.   Look up from here to get the full expanse of the 3 Bridges built one on top of the other.

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.

No online advanced tickets are available to purchase for this walk.

Parking is free in our customer car park but you are limited to 4 hours.  No overnight parking is allowed.  There is a free overflow car park just 200 meters up the road at The Woodlands Caravan Park or alternatively, you can use The Hafod hotel car park by turning up the hill by the AA Box.

If you are arriving by steam train from Aberystwyth and only have one hour in Devils Bridge we do not recommend that you attempt to do the waterfall walk due to lack of time.  The short punchbowl and 3 bridges walk would be suitable.  We also recommend that you use the w.c facilities at the train station in Devil’s Bridge before heading to us as the queues for our customer w.c can be quite lengthy at times, especially in the summer when we are busy.  See www.rheidolrailway.co.uk for more information.

Refreshments and food are available from the Hafod Hotel opposite the exit to the waterfall walk. See www.thehafod.co.uk for more information

Tearooms & Gift shop at the entrance to the walks.

Dogs must be kept on the lead.  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.  If you can leave your dog at home or in a safe place then it might be best, as dog owners seem to miss out on the views as they are concentrating on their pet and the steps more than the walk. Some dogs pull on the lead which is a dangerous combination with steep steps!


There is an attendant at the entrance to the waterfall walk from 9.45 am to 5.30 pm but hours do vary depending on high or low season.  When there is no attendant on duty you can pay by debit card or coins and enter through the turnstiles.  The turnstiles have 90-degree arms and large dogs will not be able to squeeze in with you.    During the school holidays and peak times, there will be an attendant on duty at the new Punchbowl viewing point and seating area.

Customer Warning

The steps are natural stone, mainly slate, and can be slippery when wet. Fallen twigs and leaves can create a natural hazard on the path and steps. Be aware of trip hazards such as tree roots and loose stones. It is essential that appropriate footwear is worn. When there is ice on the paths or high winds we recommend that you do not enter the walks.  We can not be held responsible for those who attempt the walk during inappropriate weather or for visitors who stray off the nature trail path.

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.  The amount of steps makes it unsuitable for pushchairs or for carrying babies in a sling or backpack. If you are not used to physical exertion then this walk could be too strenuous for you. Children must be accompanied by an adult.       For more information, see the Walks page

The paths are not lit at night therefore please allow plenty of time to complete the walk before it gets dark.


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Cambrian Mountains

Top 100 Tourist Attraction

Walkers are welcome here

Member of Mid Wales Tourism

In association with Sprit Of The Miners

Member of Pentir Pumlumon

Devil's Bridge Falls Calendar and Price List