Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall
Tall Welsh waterfall and dramatic single-drop cascade
A single-drop waterfall in Powys, Wales-Pistyll Rhaeadr plunges roughly 73 metres; visitors hike adjacent trails, picnic and photograph the cascade.
Pistyll Rhaeadr at a Glance#
Address: Pistyll Rhaeadr, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Powys, Wales
Admission: Free
About Pistyll Rhaeadr#
Pistyll Rhaeadr is a waterfall in north-central Wales, located at the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant. The fall has a single drop of about 73 metres and is often cited among Britain’s highest single-drop waterfalls.
The main attraction is the dramatic single-drop cascade that plunges into a deep pool below; the site has marked paths and viewpoints both above and below the fall. Short walking routes connect the waterfall to the adjacent village and nearby country lanes, making it accessible for day visitors and walkers.
The waterfall has been noted in travel accounts and guidebooks since the 18th and 19th centuries and became a popular sightseeing and walking destination in that period. The immediate area remains largely rural and is managed for public access and conservation.
Pistyll Rhaeadr sits at the edge of the Tanat Valley and the Berwyn foothills in northern Powys, Wales, adjacent to the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant. It is reached by local roads from nearby towns and rural lanes.
- Height: The waterfall is a single drop of about 73 metres (approximately 240 feet), making it one of the tallest single-drop falls in the UK.
- Viewing points: Best views are from the designated upper viewing area near the village and from the base pool reached via a maintained footpath and steps.
What to See#
- Lower and upper viewpoints: A footpath and steps give access down to the base pool and riverside; there are also viewpoints and a public car park at the top near the village.
How to Get to Pistyll Rhaeadr#
Pistyll Rhaeadr is located off the A495 between Welshpool and Oswestry. From Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant follow local signage to the falls; there is a small car park and a short walk (around 10-15 minutes) along a signposted path. The site is best reached by car-public transport options are limited in this rural area.
Tips for Visiting Pistyll Rhaeadr#
- Start at the small car park near the A542 and follow the clearly signposted path; the footpath is short but can be muddy after rain.
- Visit after rainfall: the falls are at their fullest after wet weather, and the spray creates rainbows in sunlight.
- There is a modest tea room/tearoom near the approaches-use the facilities there before hiking the steeper path to the viewpoint.
Best Time to Visit Pistyll Rhaeadr#
Accessible year-round; spring and autumn offer dramatic flows and fewer visitors, while summer is easiest for walking.
Weather & Climate near Pistyll Rhaeadr#
Pistyll Rhaeadr's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -1°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1426 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 5° | -2° | 152 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 5° | -3° | 111 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.7h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 125 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 2° | 92 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 13° | 6° | 83 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 7° - 16° | 12° | 93 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 86 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 105 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 120 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 11° | 5° | 140 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 160 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 159 mm | overcast | 95% | 5.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |