Devil's Bridge Waterfalls
Sightseeing attraction | Aberystwyth | Wales | United Kingdom
Hiking trails to the waterfalls
The Devil's Bridge Waterfalls are an impressive natural attraction near Aberystwyth in Wales, UK, located about 12 miles inland from the coastal town. These spectacular waterfalls are situated in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and are considered one of the "must-see" natural wonders in Wales. They consist of the 300-foot high Mynach Waterfalls, deeply nestled in an ancient, wooded gorge and have been attracting visitors since the 18th century – including the famous poet William Wordsworth, who immortalized the "Torrent at the Devil's Bridge" in his works.
Natural attraction in Wales
A characteristic feature of this attraction is the three bridges that have been built one above the other, spanning the gorge. The lowest bridge is believed to date back to the 11th or 12th century and is traditionally attributed to the monks of the nearby Strata Florida Abbey. The middle bridge was constructed in 1753, while the top one, an iron structure, was added in 1901. This extraordinary architecture is not only a technical marvel but also steeped in a fascinating legend: The Devil himself is said to have built the first bridge. According to tradition, the Devil visited Wales to see the beauty of the landscape and encountered an old woman who couldn't retrieve her cow from across the river. He offered to build a bridge on the condition of receiving the soul of the first living being to cross it. However, the woman outsmarted him by letting her dog be the first to cross the bridge, causing the Devil to disappear in shame and never return to Wales.
Cultural attractions in Aberystwyth
The waterfalls themselves are a natural phenomenon created by the erosion of the River Mynach, a tributary of the larger River Rheidol that flows through a deep, wooded valley towards Aberystwyth. The Mynach Waterfalls consist of multiple stages and cascades, forming one of the highest drop heights in Wales. Visitors can explore this natural spectacle via two different walking trails. The longer nature trail takes about 45 minutes and descends deep into the gorge, passing by the waterfalls and the three bridges. This circular route includes steep sections like the "Jacobs Ladder" with 100 steps, as well as views of the impressive cascades and the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you also pass the "Robbers Cave," a small cave that once served as a hideout, and can use a free telescope to view the Gyfarllwyd Falls on the Rheidol River, as well as the surrounding forests and the Cambrian Mountains. The shorter trail, the "Punchbowl and Three Bridges Nature Trail," takes about 10 to 20 minutes and leads to a viewpoint where you can see the three bridges and the large holes carved by the river into the rock – the so-called "Punchbowls."
Architecture of Devil's Bridge
The surroundings of the Devil's Bridge Waterfalls are a paradise for nature lovers. The area is part of an ancient oak forest rich in mosses, lichens, and other plants, providing a stunning backdrop of lush greenery and dramatic rock formations. The paths, however, are challenging, with uneven, steep steps that require sturdy footwear and some physical fitness. They are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, and in rainy or icy conditions, the paths can become slippery and dangerous.
