Devil's Bridge

The Three Bridges

Devil's Bridge (Welsh: Pontarfynach) is a tourist hotspot in Ceredigion just off the coast of West Wales, near Aberystwyth.

Get in

Parking at peak times can be difficult so the train is a good option.

By train

• 1 Vale of Rheidol Railway (Rheilffordd Dyffryn Rheidol), SY23 3JL, ☏ +44 1970 625819, fax: +44 1970 623769, info@rheidolrailway.co.uk. Narrow gauge steam railway run by a charitable trust. The line climbs up the beautiful Rheidol Valley to Devils Bridge (Pontarfynach) from Aberystwyth, taking about an hour in each direction.  

By car

The A4120 runs through the village, which can be reached from the A44 between Llangurig and Aberystwyth at Ponterwyd, or the A487 just south of Aberystwyth.

By bus

The T22 / YP22 from Aberystwyth and Cwmystwyth.

Get around

Basically a one-street town, with a short walk along narrow main road between the rail station and the falls.

See

The waterfall

• 1 Devils Bridge Waterfall (next to the three bridges). Welsh folklore says that one of the bridges was built by the Devil for an old lady. Take care on the steep steps as they can be slippery due to the spray and moss. Long decent and climb, walking shoes recommended, but well worth it for the spectacular falls in the tree-lined ravine. (updated Sep 2016)
• 2 Hafod Estate (Hafod Uchtryd) (parking with information board just past Hafod Church). Remains of landscaped estate in the wooded Ystwyth valley, with some excellent walks. Map and guide at the parking spot with honesty box for purchase or return at end of the walk. Church is also worth a visit for local history information. (updated Sep 2016)
• 3 Cwmystwyth Mines. This is considered the most important non-ferrous metal mining site in Wales. A site since the Bronze Age, ruins from 19th and 20th centuries can still be seen. (updated May 2017)

Eat

Close to the falls and bridge, attached to the hotel, is a small cafe and tearoom which serves light refreshments. The hotel also has a small restaurant.

• 1 Y Caban (across the road from rail station), ☏ +44 1970 890650. Tea room, scones and ice cream. (updated Jun 2018)

Sleep

• 1 Hafod Hotel, Devil's Bridge, Aberystwyth, SY23 3JL, ☏ +44 1970 890232, info@thehafodhotel.co.uk. A historic hotel that was built as a hunting lodge in 1700s, overlooking the Devil's Bridge Falls. Offers accommodation, tea rooms, restaurant and bar for guests, visitors and locals. The restaurant and bar has been refurbished (rooms to follow soon), and the new owners are providing and updated menu offering. (updated Sep 2016)
• 2 Woodlands Caravan Park, ☏ +44 1970 890233. 

Go next

• Aberystwyth
• Ponterwyd
• Pontrhydfendigaid