Water Features: Waterfalls of South Wales
Jul
South Wales is rich in waterfalls. Slip on your walking shoes, pack a flask, and take time to admire these calming wonders of nature for free
Melincourt Falls
Situated in the Vale of Neath, Melincourt Falls sits at the end of a short walk from the car park.
It has been drawing visitors to the site for over two centuries, and it has been said that the falls inspired the artist JMW Turner to paint them. At over 80 feet high, the falls certainly catch the eye as they plunge off Melin Court Brook, a left-bank tributary of the River Neath.
Considered one of the easier of the Welsh waterfalls to visit, the experience is further enhanced by a gentle stream that gurgles through the vegetation.
The falls can be accessed from the public footpath that sits on the B4434 Resolven to Tonna Road. It’s situated about a mile south of Resolven.
Henrhyd Falls
The path leading to the highest waterfall in South Wales is maintained but even so, it is best to treat it with caution as it does get hilly and wet in places.
Its 90 feet drop marks it out as one of the finest in what is considered ‘Brecon Beacons Waterfall Country.’ The falls occur where the small river Nant Llech drops over the faulted edge of a hard sandstone known as the Farewell Rock.
The area was surveyed by the Canadian geologist William Logan in the 1800s. He discovered early fossilised trees that are now on display outside Swansea Museum.
If you’re a fan of Batman, you might also recognise it from the 2012 film, The Dark Knight Rises, staring Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Hardy.
Sgwd yr Eira
Translated from the Welsh, meaning Waterfalls of Snow, Sgwd yr Eira is one of the most well-known waterfalls in South Wales.
It is located on the Afon Hepste and is part of the Four Falls Walk that sits between the villages of Ystradfellte and Pontneddfechan.
The falls are famous for having a footpath that leads behind the falling water, although this can be closed after periods of heavy rain.
You can take a 2.5 mile walk from Pontneddfechan to the falls, passing through woodland on a series of footpaths with some moderate climbs on the way.
Caerfanell Falls
Along the upper reaches of the Caerfanell River, and its tributary Nant Bwrefwr can be found a series of around 20 waterfalls over a two-mile stretch.
Caerfanell Falls is one of the largest in the vicinity, and is easily accessible from one of the area’s official car parks. The river and the surrounding cascades are renowned for their clear waters. The falls are also a popular destination for visitors and walkers all year round.
Sgwd Einion Gam
Also known as ‘the fall of the crooked anvil’, Sgwd Einion Gam is located deep in the heart of Waterfall Country. And with a 70ft drop, it is the second-highest waterfall in South Wales.
Its location is challenging to get to, meaning that it’s one of the lesser visited waterfalls in the area. You can leave the car at the visitors centre at Pontneddfechan and follow the Elidir Trail Route to the falls.
Sgwd Ddwli Isaf
Meaning ‘Lower Gushing Falls’ in Welsh, Sgwd Ddwli Isaf is a pretty waterfall on the Nedd Fechan in Brecknockshire, and one of several celebrated falls on that stream.
Located in the famed Waterfall Country, these falls drop about 30ft in two tiers, and are sometimes referred to as the Rainbow Falls, due to the rainbows that sometimes appear when the conditions are right. Fossils of ancient plants can also be made out on some of the smoother rocks but these can become dangerously slippery when wet so take care.
Visitors can make their way to the falls from the Waterfall Centre, which has plenty of parking and provides a great base for hiking and walking in the area.
Clydach Gorge
The River Clydach flows from the southern slopes of Llangattock Mountain to the River Usk near Gilwern, a journey of around six miles.
About two miles of this is what’s known as Clydach Gorge, a deep valley steeped on either side by wooded slopes. The area contains a number of caves as well as a handful of waterfalls.
Walkers will also encounter disused railway tracks and abandoned buildings, a nod to the area’s industrial past.
Pistyll Rhaeadr
Pistyll Rhaeadr is an enchanting waterfall in the Berwyn Mountains, just inside the Welsh border, west of Oswestry and Shrewsbury if you fancy a day trip. And at 240ft high, it is Britain’s tallest single-drop waterfall and has been captivating those that visit it for generations.
The falls are a great excuse to explore the surrounding Berwyn Mountains and the falls themselves have selection of nearby amenities, including tearooms and accommodation.
Blaen-y-Glyn
While not the biggest of waterfalls, Blaen-y-Glyn near Tredegar, still has the power to impress those that visit it.
The trail to the falls can be a challenge and should only be attempted on drier days when the rocks aren’t as slippery. The walk starts near the north end of Talybont Reservoir below Cerrig Edmwnt, and takes about two hours to complete.
