5 of the Best Waterfall Walks in Bannau Brycheiniog

The Brecon Beacons is a mountain range in the South of Wales that has incomparable views of the rolling countryside, alongside its breathtaking waterfall walks. Areas of the Brecon Beacons are even known as Waterfall Country because of its sheer abundance of gorgeous cascades. 

In this blog, we have rounded up the top five waterfall walks in the Brecon Beacons for you to explore when you visit us here at Lake Country House.

Four Waterfalls Walk

The Four Waterfalls Walks is Brecon Beacons' most famous walking trail near Ystradfellte, Powys, in South Wales. The trail has stunning scenery and is the perfect spot if you’re interested in gorge walking. On this trail, you will venture through emerald green trees, wildlife, and the smell of fresh water, and along the way, you will pass four waterfalls that will make you feel like you’re in the Amazon: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd yr Eira.

The trail will see you walking for around four and a half miles, taking you deep into nature that will have you both in awe and feeling challenged as you venture through muddy areas and steep descents (but we can all agree it is more than worth it!).

Ystradfellte - Four Waterfalls Walk in Wales, UK. Credit: Rich Potts

Sgwd Gwladus

This waterfall walk really showcases the magical scenery of the Brecon Beacons. Sgwd Gwladus features 7-metre-high waterfalls, also known as the Lady Falls, where a trail takes you both around and behind the waterfall for the ultimate experience. The route begins at Pontneddfechan village, where you follow the Elidir trail to an iron gate until you see a signpost for Sgwd Gwladus.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, you have the option to head towards Sgwd Einion Gam. This area also has a Special Area of Conservation, as well as two Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Drone view of Sgwd Gwladys. Photo Credit: WhitcombeRD

Henrhyd Falls and Nant Llech

Henrhyd Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons. The waterfall flows after a heavy shower of rain, so it truly relies on nature to flourish. This waterfall is also the highest in South Wales, with a 90ft/27m drop. The trail starts at the National Trust car park near Coelbren and will have you walking for around 5.6km, leading you up and down adventurous paths. Bear in mind that you’ll need to wear appropriate footwear to avoid slipping and sliding!

Along the trail, you can visit Nant Llech, a beautiful valley surrounded by oak, lime, ash, and elm trees, before reaching the opening of a landslide that will make you feel like you’re in a hidden fairy tale land.

Henrhyd Falls near Coelbren in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Photo Credit: leighcol

Talybont and Blaen-y-glyn 

Blaen-y-glyn lies in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, bordered by spectacular mountains. This 7km walk starts at Blaen-y-glyn Uchaf car park and leads you down to two small waterfalls at the start of the trail. As you reach the banks of the Nant Bwrefwr River, you’ll find yourself deep in a valley with views of some of Wales’ most spectacular grassy mountains, including Pen Y Fan, Cribin, Fan Y Big and Corn Du.

If you fancy exploring even further, challenge yourself and witness some history by finding the hidden wreckage of a crashed WW2 bomber with a stone memorial nearby. Once you reach the end of the main trail, there is a steep climb that will reward you with exquisite views of the glacial valley.

A waterfall in Blaen-y-glyn near Torpantau, Powys, Wales, UK. Photo Credit: BerndBrueggemann

Pont Melin-Fach

Claimed as one of the best waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons, Pont Melin-Fach is located near a quaint stone bridge and is the starting point for a trail towards the valley of Cwm Need Fechan.

Within the first five to ten minutes of your adventure, you will find a wild swimming spot named Sgwd Ddwli. Here lies a tall and narrow waterfall that leads into a wider cascade, forming a luscious natural swimming pool where you and the family can dip your toes in the water – if you’re feeling brave. There is lots of wildlife in this area, including the dipper bird, a rare little, white-breasted songbird, which will either see flying around or taking a swim in the cascade itself.