Best waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons and Cambrian Mountains
This is waterfall country without compare. It goes without saying that after a blast of rain is the best time to visit, when the roar and power of water reminds us just how insignificant we humans are.
Sgwyd Gwladus
is the pinnacle of a walk down an extraordinary gorge of numerous waterfalls. If you go after a storm, the sheer velocity of water going down the gorge, with water gushing out of every orifice, alongside the roaring noise of the water, is out of this world. We park at Pont Melin Fach SN 908 105 although
on NRW that this car park is closed between March & October 2022.
Cwm Gwesyn waterfall.
A walk up Cwm Gwesyn a beautiful and typical Cambrian Mountains valley, owned by the National Trust, ending in a huge, tiered waterfall. You won't see many people, if any, and you can also swim in a pool under the top section. Plenty of stream side picnic spots on the way up. You can also extend this walk to carry on to the Beehive cairns on Drygarn Fawr, above. See my blog for the best route.
Devil's Bridge,
an iconic set of three bridges and a superb but steep waterfall walk in the Cambrian Mountains. There's an added bonus that you can eat and drink at the Hafod next door.
Cwm Rhaeadr,
on our doorstep and the tallest waterfall in Carmarthenshire. This is just a tiny section of it, it powers off the edge of a cliff into the forest below. You can do a full walk, where you can stand on the top of it and get fantastic views over to the Carmarthen Fans. Follow us on komoot for this route.
The perenially popular Four Waterfalls Walks is super but gets very busy in summer. You can now take a Park & Ride service to reach the falls and if you follow @visitbreconbeacons on social media, it will keep you posted on whether car parks are full, which is worth doing to avoid disappointment. Park at Cwm Porth or Gwaun Hepste. SN935123 or SN928124
In the middle of nowhere on a byway up to the Elan Valley, near the remote and beautiful Dolgoch Hostel is this beautiful waterfall, flowing from a heart shaped rock. You can park right next to it and you probably won't see a soul. SN 80563 57298
In the midst of the extraordinary landscape of Cwmystwyth an old mining village and one of the Cambrian Mountains' heritage sites, you'll find a huge waterfall tumbling down the side of a cliff above the ruined village on the left of this picture. Make a day of it and visit the Hafod Estate, Devil's Bridge Waterfalls and the wonderful Elan Valley. One of our recommended memorable drives out.
Henrhyd is the tallest waterfall in South Wales. It's a National Trust site and there's a longer walk you can enjoy down a wooded valley and passing by Melin Llech, a disused mill.
Blaen Y Glyn,
near Talybont Reservoir is a pretty walk through woods and open land. There's parking and a picnic area. Busy in high season as it is also the starting point to Fan Y Big and Cribyn. Nearest postcode CF48 2UT.
Cambrianescapes
How to start wild swimming: 121 open water swimming experiences and adventures in the Brecon Beacons
