6 Amazing things about Brecon Beacons Waterfall Walk
Waterfall Country is the name of a region of the park in the Vale of Neath. There are several waterfalls to discover in Waterfall Country, which is a part of the Forest Fawr section of the Brecon Beacons and a UNESCO Geopark.
1. Brecon Beacons Waterfall Walk
The Black Mountain, The Central Beacons, Forest Fawr, and The Black Mountains make up the four main regions of the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales, which spans 519 square miles. The Brecon Beacons are covered in waterfalls, the bulk of which are in Waterfall Country or the Fforest Fawr region.
We list fantastic hikes in this guide so you may take in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons waterfalls. These pathways provide shelter from the elements on rainy days and are the ideal places to cool off on hot days. Enjoy their mighty might and lose yourself in the myths that surround them.
2. Walking Trails
Three rivers—the Mellte, Hepste, and Nedd-fechan—have cut their way through soft rocks in the south-western side of the Brecon Beacons National Park to build steep, wooded gorges with caves and some of the most impressive waterfalls before joining the River Neath. The name “Waterfall Country” refers to this stunning and well-known location.
This lovely area of the Brecon Beacons National Park may be explored on a number of waymarked walking trails. Expect crowds because the Four Falls Trail is the most well-known and popular route to the falls.
The trail is a lengthy, difficult trek, so you should plan at least three hours, plus snack breaks, to complete it. You should also anticipate undertaking some up-and-down walking on uneven ground. Make use of amenities before you leave because there are no restrooms along the way. It’s wise to keep track of the parking lot you use, so you don’t go to the wrong one when you come back at the end of the day!
3. Visiting the waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons
The Black Mountain, The Central Beacons, Fforest Fawr, and The Black Mountains make up the four main regions of the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales, which spans 519 square miles. The Brecon Beacons are covered in waterfalls, the bulk of which are in Waterfall Country or the Fforest Fawr region.
This book includes a list of excellent hikes that allow you to take in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons waterfalls. These pathways provide shelter from the elements on rainy days and are the ideal places to cool off on hot days.
There is a clearly designated trail that leads to Sgwd-yr-Eira just on river Heptse from the Cwm Porth parking lot. Toilets are present, but the parking lot demands payment. There are detours on the way that leads to a number of other waterfalls across the River Mellte. Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, and Sgwd y Pannwr are the names of these waterfalls.
Families can use this designated trail. Most of the trail is level, although there are several sections that descend to the waterfalls themselves. If you’re travelling with kids, we suggest making a beeline for Sgwd-yr-Eira and stopping at the other waterfalls if you still have the energy on the way back.
While every waterfall along this trail is stunning, the walk’s high point is Sgwd-yr-Eira, or “fall of snow,” as it is known. The main draw of these falls is the ease with which one may stroll along the rocks behind the thundering cascade.
You should be aware that the rocks are damp and slippery and that you may get soaked from the spray.
1. Trail of Sychryd
The most attractive waterfall on this list, Sychryd Falls, is conveniently close to the parking lot. A well-maintained route leads to a perspective of the Sgydau Sychryd cascades through the wooded ravine from the south side of the parking lot. The simplest waterfall trek in the Brecon Beacons, this easy track is suitable for wheelchairs and sturdy buggies.
Another trail that offers complete access to the waterfall itself is located on the north side of the parking lot. This trail has a steep ascent over rocky ground and is treacherous when rainy. The trail is about a kilometre long. At the bifurcation, be sure to use the right trail because the wrong trail will take you to Sgwd-yr-Eira.
Canyon walkers frequently ascend the river and hide behind the waterfall in the gorge, which leads to Sychryd Falls. The waterfall pool is a great place to cool off on hot days.
Spend some time admiring the enormous Bwa Maen rock in the parking lot. And it serves as a rock buttress. Climbers like to use this rock for their routes.
2. Falls at Blaen-y-Glyn
In the centre of the Middle Brecon Beacons is Blaen-y-Glyn. The tallest peak in Britain, Pen y Fan, is located here. View this site to find out more about the several trekking routes that lead to Pen y Fan.
Follow the clearly indicated trail into the woods toward lower Blaen-y-Glyn from the higher Blaen-y-Glyn parking lot. Take pleasure in the wooded route as it takes you to the River Caerfanell, where you can observe a number of stunning waterfalls. Caerfanell Falls is the name of the tallest of the waterfalls.
To return to the parking lot, go back the way you came. Return to the parking lot and make your way to the exit to see the little waterfall you passed on the way in. The Nant Bwrefwr river, a tributary of the Caerfanell, is where these falls are located.
Alternately, park in the lower parking lot to take advantage of a less taxing walking loop. Follow the gravel path that runs along the river’s left side as you leave the parking lot. A multi-level waterfall is on your left after a ten-minute stroll.
After a short distance, take the right branch, as indicated by the signage. You can follow this to arrive at the main Blaen-y-Glyn waterfall. Cross the bridge, then proceed downstream down the river, encountering numerous cascades along the way.
When the trail comes to an end, go through the gate and across the stone bridge to go back to the parking lot. The Central Beacons’ best walks, including ones to Fan y Big, Waun Rydd, and the crash site of the Wellington Bomber, all begin at Blaen-y-Glyn.
3. Henryd Falls
This waterfall might be recognised as Batcave from The Dark Knight Rises. This Brecon Beacons waterfall walk is simple.
The falls are only a 700-meter descent down a pretty steep trail from the parking lot. After a lot of rain, this waterfall is at its most breathtaking. Although it is conceivable, it is not advised to walk behind the falls. Watch out for falling rocks and stay away from areas after significant rain.
4. The Waterfalls Walk of Elidir
The Elidir trail region provides opportunities for adventure for more seasoned hikers as well as family-friendly waterfall treks. My favourite waterfall hike in the Brecon Beacons is this one.
From the settlement of Pontneddfechan, proceed along the Neath River through a number of cascades until you reach the bridge. After making a left turn and moving down the river’s right bank, you will soon arrive at Sgwd Gwladus (Lady’s Fall). Stepping stones that are perilously placed allow you to go behind this waterfall if you’re willing to get your feet wet.
Return to the bridge from Sgwd Gwladus and take the route that branches off to the left to continue walking. Follow the Nedd Fechan river toward Pont Melin-Fach to see Sgwd-y-Bedol, a stunning triad of waterfalls (horseshoe falls). To complete, go back the way you came to Pontneddfechan.
5. Einion Sgwd Gam
You can learn more about the Welsh Romeo and Juliet—a tragic love story associated with Sgwd Einion Gam & Sgwd Gwladus—in my Elidir Trail guide. Sgwd Einion Gam is referred to as the secret waterfall since it must be reached via unmarked trails and river crossings.
Take the Elidir Trail from Pontneddfechan and follow the signs to Sgwd Gwladus. On the right side of the river, there is initially a well-travelled path to follow, but this doesn’t last long!
The two times that this trail crosses the river should be very visible. The first crossing is at a river bend, where a limestone wall blocks your way. Then, continue along the river’s left side for a few hundred metres before you are compelled to cross it again.
The path ascends above the river across a steep exposed cliff after the second river crossing. You could also choose to stroll upstream in the river if it makes you feel more at ease.
After that, the trail descends once more to the brink of the river, where Sgwd Einion Gam is immediately visible. The waterfall features a substantial main fall, as well as a more modest series of cascades below.
After a lot of rain, you shouldn’t try this hike because the river will be dangerous. Only experienced hikers should attempt this walk since it is an unapproved trail.
6. Falls of Melincourt
A beautiful little waterfall close to the Brecon Beacons, Melincourt Waterfall is located just outside of Waterfall Country. Cross the street from the parking lot and proceed along the footpath that is marked with signs and begins next to the restroom building. This well-travelled road leads directly to the base of Melincourt Falls after a gradual ascent.
You can prolong this stroll by taking a route that diverges to the left from the main trail as you head back toward the parking lot. Take this path as it ascends in a zigzag pattern to another path, then turn left. Once more, you will be moving toward the waterfall. This path leads to the top of the waterfall as well as to a collection of smaller cascades that are located above the main waterfall.
7. The Waterfall at the Blue Pool
The Tef Fechan river, which originates on the southern slopes of Pen y Fan, has a small waterfall known as The Blue Pool. When the road crosses the Taf Fechan river on Pontsarn Road at the Aberglais Inn, there is a layby where you may park if all you want to do is observe the waterfall. You will find the Pontsarn Viaduct above, but you must continue for a few hundred metres on the west bank of the river to see the falls. Wild swimming is very common in this area.
Before descending to a walkway along the river, the trail originally travels beside the canal. Follow this trail alongside the river and take in the stunning limestone rock formations and cascades along the way.
The trail enters a meadow after 3 kilometres and takes a right turn, climbing a set of steps that leads to Pontsarn road. Embark on the road, then take a left to follow it across the Pontsarn Bridge. Turn left to get off the road and back onto the trail right after you reach the bridge. The stunning waterfall and Blue Pool can be found on the left.
By using this route, you can circle back to the beginning while this time taking the north bank of the river. The path descends to a wooden bridge after 2 kilometres that must be crossed.
8. Waterall Nant Sere
In the valley, north of Pen y Fan & Cribyn, lie the Nant Sere waterfalls. The path leading to these falls begins at the Cwm Gwdi parking lot, which also serves as the starting point for the Pen y Fan climb over the Cefn Cwm Llwch peak.
This hike begins at the parking lot and meanders through an old forest before contouring all around the base of Cefn Cwm Llwch. The trail then makes a southerly bend to start the hike along Cwm Sere once it reaches the northernmost point of the ridge.
Walking along this lovely glacier valley offers breathtaking views of Cribyn & Pen y Fan’s more sedate sides. The waterfalls themselves consist of several cascades, including two notable larger waterfalls. On hot, bright days, swimming pools all along Nant Sere offer the ideal opportunity to cool off.
4. Accommodations in the Brecon Beacons
There are a number of charming market towns & villages in the Brecon Beacons that can be used as a base to explore the national park. There aren’t many big chain hotels, but you may choose from a number of bed & breakfasts, inns and taverns, as well as glamping and camping options. Also, there are many places for the car park.
The town of Brecon is a great choice for a central location. The charming Camden Lodge B&B offers first-rate service and spacious, spotless rooms with lovely views of the hills. Try the Usk & Railway Inn at Sennybridge to get a taste of the charm of a cosy neighbourhood bar. For mountain cyclists seeking to venture up into the hills, this is a fantastic place.
Choose the Ty Croeso Boutique B&B, a stunningly restored Victorian building close to the small town of Crickhowell, if you’d prefer to be based close to the Black Mountains in the east. Cwtch Bach, a stunning stone-brick vacation home in the west, is ideal for touring the Black Mountain region.
Try the Cuddfan for a luxurious glamping experience. Its bell tent, which is situated along the shores of the river Grwyne, provides a true retreat back into nature. Check out this guide to travelling in the Brecon Beacons for additional ideas on luxury camping.
5. Additional Details:
Please be mindful of the following important details:
Many of the roads that encircle waterfalls are single-track, very narrow, and have few passing spaces. On small lanes, be prepared to move over and reverse.
If at all possible, we advise using the free park & ride service through Glynneath to Pontneddfechan as well as the Gwaun Hepste parking lot. Between Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, September 4, 2022, the service will operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Parking lots are small, quite crowded, and frequently filled before noon. Do not park on sidewalks or verges; only do so in approved parking areas. You should be aware that parking illegally will result in a fine. Make sure you take change with you to pay for your parking, as most parking lots only accept cash. There are only a few restrooms near the parking lots, and there are none at the falls.
The parking lots are far from the waterfalls. It takes a long, rocky hike to get to the falls. Wheelchairs, pushchairs, and buggies cannot access the falls. Where indicated, always heed one-way warning signage. On the day you are going, keep an eye on Brecon Beacons’ social networks for significant announcements.
6. Final Note
Enjoy their mighty might and lose yourself in the myths that surround the Brecon Beacons waterfall walk. One of the most well-liked waterfall treks in the Brecon Beacons is the four falls path, which is located in the middle of waterfall country. In addition to being the longest walk here on the list, it also features stops at four lovely waterfalls. You can visit the sgwd yr eira waterfall walk, the fourth and final waterfall, visit four waterfalls walk and keep on enjoying.
Keep an eye out for wildlife; There are various entrances to the Nature Reserve, but the best loop starts on the well-maintained trail at the base of Cefn Coed High Street. Park your vehicle there and leave through to the North gate. Once you have crossed the street, you will notice an informational sign as well as an archway that serves as the trail’s entrance.