Brecon Beacons Waterfall walk: A memorable experience

Wild about waterfalls? Well the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales is the place to go. This fantastic landscape has a number of spectacular waterfalls and there are trails here that cater to all levels of physical ability and fitness, so a Brecon Beacons waterfall walk can be enjoyed by anyone. Below we tell you where to go and how to plan your walk.

Waterfall Country

On the south-west edge of the national park is an area known as Waterfall Country which is designated as both a Special Area of Conservation as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There is no clear-cut boundary for this area but it generally lies between the villages of Ystradfellte and Pontneddfechan.

This area features a number of caves and gorges through which the rivers Nedd, Mellte, Pyrddin and Hepste all flow, creating beautiful waterfalls. You can visit a single waterfall or, because some of the waterfalls are located close together, you can opt for a walk that takes in a number of waterfalls.

Sgwd yr Eira and the 4 Falls Trail

Sgwd yr Eira, or the waterfall of snow, is the most renowned waterfall in Waterfall Country and is created by the river Hepste. An exciting highlight when visiting this spectacular waterfall is the natural path that passes behind it, allowing you to see the flow of water up close and from a completely different perspective.

This waterfall can be visited as part of the famous 4 Waterfalls Trail, a walking route that takes in four of the best waterfalls in the region. The walk can be adapted to vary in length, from 1.5 miles to 9 miles depending on what you want to see. You need to walk at least 4 miles to see all 4 waterfalls and be sure to wear sturdy shoes, but you will be well rewarded for your efforts. Don’t miss it.

Sgwd Einion Gam and Sgwd Gwladys

The Afon Pyrddin river boasts two waterfalls known as Sgwd Einion Gam and Sgwd Gwladys, or the fall of crooked Einion and the lady’s falls respectively.

Sgwd Einion Gam is difficult to access and involves five river crossings to reach it so this one should only be attempted when the river is low. However, its dramatic appearance and height make it well worth the effort.

Sgwd Gwladys waterfall on the other hand can be accessed easily via a footpath from the village of Pontneddfechan and forms a picturesque sight flowing over a rock lip into a plunge pool below.

Henrhyd

Near the village of Coelbren is the highest waterfall in Brecon Beacons National Park. Known as Henrhyd waterfall, this stunning waterfall is around 90 feet high and an awe-inspiring sight. The waterfall can be accessed via a 3.5 mile walk. Care should be taken when visiting this waterfall as it is accessed via a steep footpath that leads onto a narrow footpath which becomes increasingly wet and slippery the nearer you are to the waterfall.

Safety considerations

Whichever waterfalls you choose to visit it is important to pay attention to your surroundings. The paths can be very slippery so you should wear comfortable sturdy walking boots that have a good grip. Stay clear of the edge of waterfalls and footpaths and if you are walking with children make sure to keep an eye on them as their eagerness to explore may make them less aware of their surroundings.

Other activities and attractions

A visit to the Waterfalls Centre in Pontneddfechan is an ideal place to begin your waterfall adventure. There is an interactive exhibition which provides great insight into the history of the waterfalls and the location is also handy as the starting point for a number of paths that lead to the waterfalls. You can also follow the Powder Trail to the ruins of a gunpowder works, the remnants of Pontneddfechan’s industrial history.

Since you’re in striking natural landscape why not extend your explorations to other parts of the national park, such as Pen Y Fan which measures 886 metres in height and is the highest point in South Wales. The lovely Llangorse Lake is Wales’s second largest natural lake and great for watersports and fishing. The numerous caves in the national park are also great for exploring, though with a number of the caves it is advisable to be accompanied by a qualified caving guide.

A trip to gush about

With the exceptional beauty on offer along the Brecon Beacons waterfall walks you won’t be able to stop the flow of conversation when telling others about your trip on your return. This truly marvellous landscape is sure to amaze, so make sure you bring a camera as you’ll definitely want to take a part of it home with you.