Nearest train station: Rheidol Falls, on the Vale of Rheidol Railway (from Aberystwyth)
The Vale of Rheidol, or Rheidol Valley runs through the beautiful Ceredigion landscape following the River Rheidol (Afon Rheidol) which offers some perfectly secluded wild swimming spots along the way.
This culminates at the spectacular Rheidol Falls, a series of waterfalls and pools along the river offering a refreshing swild swimming experience amidst beautfiful mountains and forests. These are easily accessed using the Vale of Rheidol Railway or by car coming from Aberystwyth.
While the Afon Rheidol has several swimming spots and waterfalls along the way, we’d recommend the spot that lies just beyond the Magic of Life Butterfly Farm, which is well signposted.
The area serves as a great day out with spots for picnics as well as hiking along the nearby hills.
How to Get to Rheidol Valley Falls
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this location by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode SY23 3NB into your sat nav. This will take you to the general area we’ve mentioned above, though you may need to do it the old-fashioned way as you near the destination. If you head from the village of Capel Bangor, take the little road south from the A44 (which signposts towards the Magic of Life Butterfly Farm). Drive past the power station (which is signposted too) until you get near the end of the tarmac road, which has a parking spot and perfect access to the wild swimming pool we’ve mentioned.
By public transport
If you’re coming to Rheidol Falls by train, this is a fun one as you’ll get to experience the steam-operated Vale of Rheidol Railway which weaves through the valley offering stunning views over the Afon Rheidol and its various waterfalls along the way. Get off at the Rheidol Falls stop (two stops before the end of the line, Devil’s Bridge) and then walk five minutes down the path from the station and over a bridge which will bring you around to the spot we’re talking about, just beyond the butterfly centre heading eastward.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway starts at Aberystwyth. Read more about it and its schedule here.
By bike
Being located in a valley, the area surrounding the swimming spot is quite hilly though this does of course offer opportunities for off-road and mountain bike enthusiasts.
Check out the Rheidol Cycleway, which stems from the habour in Aberystwyth and is a 17 mile track that leads you through the valley and onto Devil’s Bridge. It’s a challenging, hilly ride so why not break it up with a wild swim!
What else is nearby Rheidol Valley Falls?
Following the route of the Rheidol Railway and along the vale in general opens up nearby beauty spots such as Devil’s Bridge. As we’ve mentioned, there are some amazing wild swimming spots along the River Rheidol and a day out at Aberystwyth is definitely recommended.
If you’ve got a further appetite for wild swimming, then check out this swimming spot on the River Ystwyth not far away, near the village of Trawscoed.