**Welsh Village Grapples with Overcrowding After Post-Lockdown Tourism Surge**
The picturesque village of Abergwyngregyn in Gwynedd, North Wales, has long captured the imagination of artists, photographers, and those seeking natural beauty, thanks in part to the dramatic Aber Falls waterfall (Rhaeadr Fawr). Tumbling more than 120 feet against a lush Welsh backdrop, the waterfall is a magnet for visitors drawn to its calming spectacle. Yet, in recent years, the tranquil setting has given way to scenes of congestion and frustration, as the village struggles to manage crowds that have swelled since the Covid-19 lockdown ended.
Locals say their quiet community has at times become overwhelmed, with the surge attributed to three main factors: renewed interest in outdoor spaces following the pandemic, increased exposure on social media platforms, and periods of warm, inviting weather. Journalists visiting the area this week found that nearly every resident had a perspective on the growing dilemma.
Among them is Tony Hume, a 72-year-old who lives in a charming 19th-century cottage nearby. Mr. Hume explained that he now plans his outings to avoid traffic, often leaving earlier than he’d like just to complete simple errands. “At weekends, it can be impossible,” he remarks, describing journeys that take half an hour when they should require only minutes. His frustration, however, is not with the walkers and hill-goers who come to admire Aber Falls, but with the sheer volume of cars navigating the village’s tight roads and competing for the few available parking spaces.
In discussions with fellow community members, Mr. Hume floated the idea of a visitors’ parking ban within the village itself. Alternatively, he suggested an approach where visitors would park on the outskirts and use a park-and-ride bus system to reach the popular spot. He also cited pricing changes at a car park near Newborough on Anglesey, where increased parking fees had been trialled to deter excess visitor numbers – a strategy he believes could be successful if adopted locally.
The area’s allure is undeniable, according to Loz and Amy Farmer, newer residents with roots in Coventry. While charmed by their scenic surroundings, they readily acknowledge the mounting difficulties. Amy called for more prominent signage to warn drivers of the narrow roads and the chaos that may await, half-joking, “There’s nothing to alert you that you’re about to enter absolute chaos.” In efforts to preserve the village, her husband Loz sometimes picks up discarded rubbish left by careless visitors.
Aber Falls’ fame, it seems, has reached far further than the UK. Alan Owen, who runs Caffi Alma in the heart of Abergwyngregyn, spoke of welcoming visitors from as far afield as India. Promotional materials for the waterfall, he discovered, have made their way to Mumbai, boosting footfall for local businesses. Nonetheless, Mr. Owen, 77, believes the worst of the congestion is limited to a handful of weekends, such as bank holidays, and is hopeful that newly opened overflow parking areas – two private fields used as car parks – will alleviate the situation, although their use is strictly limited to 28 days each year.
Those in the café and hospitality sector see both sides. Mike, another Caffi Alma operator, values the brisk trade brought by tourists. He also emphasised that tourism supports local forestry jobs, indirectly helping maintain the village, something easily overlooked in debates about excessive crowds. Lynwen, serving at Caffi Yr Hen Felin Tea Room, agreed, stating they are pleased to welcome visitors but frustrated by the careless driving and inconsiderate parking. She noted that the presence of coaches, while shifting traffic away from the centre, sometimes hampers buses serving residents.
Some in the village see solutions in public transport. With up to five buses a day stopping at the entrance, Alan Owen suggests visitors could utilise these services instead of clogging local roads. Staff at both cafes further encouraged some self-awareness from tourists, saying if the village appears overwhelmed on arrival, it may be wise to seek out alternative attractions nearby, such as Betws-y-Coed or Penrhyn Castle.
Despite occasional headaches, Abergwyngregyn’s residents retain their sense of humour. Wendy, of Caffi Yr Hen Felin, recounted the time a visitor enquired about the “closing time” for Aber Falls itself – to which she quipped, “I turn the tap off at 3pm.” The tale underscores both the popularity of the location and the sometimes surreal encounters brought by mass tourism.
As Abergwyngregyn continues to navigate its newfound fame, locals, businesses, and officials face the challenge of balancing visitor enjoyment with the preservation of their beloved village. While the cascade will always beckon, the community hopes that creative solutions and a sense of mutual respect will return harmony to this verdant corner of Wales.