Forest bathing at Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve

Coedydd Aber is a National Nature Reserve in the valley above Abergwyngregyn, between Bangor and Llanfairfechan. The woods are mainly oak, hazel and alder, with ash and wych elm; the alder is still coppiced in rotation. At the head of the valley, Aber Falls, Rhaeadr Fawr, drops from the Carneddau into a deep basin. Bluebells and wood anemones flower in spring, and hawthorn and crab apple blossom on the open hillside in May.

The Aber Falls Walk is about 2.3 miles there and back, climbing gradually on a wide path of compacted stone with some loose gravel; it may suit some wheelchairs and pushchairs. The small pay car parks by the stone bridge fill quickly, so the free car park on the edge of the village, a mile's walk away, is often easier. For a quieter visit, come early, and stop under the trees on the way up rather than only at the falls.