8 Breath-taking Brecon Beacons Waterfalls and Walks

In our guide to Brecon Beacons waterfalls, we have included eight of the most breath-taking examples of cascades, along with the best trails you can take to enjoy them.

Littered with towering mountains, shimmering rivers and colossal cascades, The Brecon Beacons National Park is truly something from a fairytale! Known as ‘Waterfall Country’, those who visit this Welsh national park will be spoilt for choice with the number of waterfalls that await them!

From hidden cascades to popular wild swimming spots, our selection of Brecon Beacons waterfalls is sure to impress.

Continue reading to find the best Brecon Beacons waterfalls and walks… 

1. Sgwd Yr Eira | Fall of the Snow Waterfall

First on our guide to Brecon Beacon waterfalls is the breath-taking, Sgwd Yr Eira, also known as the Fall of Snow Waterfall.

This impressive cascade is often considered to be the star attraction in Waterfall Country and with its beautiful veil of water tumbling down over 50 feet, it is little wonder why!

To find this waterfall, park up in the village of Pontneddfechan and follow the Afon Mellte northeast. From here, you meander through the wooded gorge before stumbling upon the Afon Sychryd where two other waterfalls await.

After a moment or two here, continue on this Brecon Beacon waterfall walk and discover Sgwd yr Eira. If you are feeling brave, take the footpath that runs behind the water for a unique experience.

Car park: Pontneddfechan village
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

2. Henrhyd Falls

You would be forgiven for thinking that this striking waterfall in Wales belonged to a far-flung destination! However, in fact, this Brecon Beacons waterfall can be found tucked on the western edge of the Welsh national park.

If you are feeling adventurous, begin your Brecon Beacon walk from the National Trust car park before following the footpath down the slope. After crossing the wooden bridge, you will be rewarded by the thunderous roar of the highest waterfall in South Wales, Henrhyd Falls.

Once you have soaked up this Welsh tropical scene, make your way down the Nant Llech valley. Here, you may catch a glimpse of local wildlife before paying a visit to Melin Llech, a disused watermill.

This Brecon Beacons waterfall walk can be completed in under three hours and promises a photogenic day out for all! It is certainly a place that you wouldn’t believe is in the UK!

Car park: National Trust Car Park,  SA10 9PH
Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

3. Sgwd Gwladys | Lady Falls

Positioned on the Afon Pyrddin, near the village of Pontneddfechan is Sgwd Gwladus, a 7-meter high waterfall set amidst enchanting scenery.

From the village follow the linear path along the Afon Neath for approximately 30 minutes before reaching the natural setting. Here, you will find an exceptional opportunity for wild swimming in Wales within the deep forest pool. Choose to simply dip your toes, splash about or swim beneath the waterfall!

After your walk or swim, head back to the village where there are a handful of pubs to linger over a pint!

Car park: Pontneddfechan village
Distance: Over 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy

4. The Sychryd Gorge

The next set of Brecon Beacons waterfalls can also be found to the east side of Pontneddfechan. This South Wales hidden gem is tucked away in the gorge and forms part of the southern boundary of the national park.

Sychryd Cascades is bordered by steep and overgrown wooded slopes, creating a fairy-tale-like scene. On this short but scenic walk, you will be treated to three falls; Sychryd Cascade, Sychryd Falls and Upper Sychryd Falls.

As you walk along the River Mellte, you will spot a number of landmarks, which are well-worth admiring! Find the large limestone outcrop of Bwa Maen before Dinas Rock, which is a large cliff face.

Car park: Pontneddfechan village
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Moderate

5. Talybont Waterfalls

To enjoy this beautiful collection of Brecon Becason waterfalls, take on our next challenging hike beginning at Blaen y Glyn Uchaf car park.

Immediately after leaving the car park, you will be greeted by the first waterfall before walking along the bank of Nant Bwrefwr. Along this section of the walk, you will catch glimpses of a number of waterfalls, each one varying in size.

Once you reach the valley, the path starts to steepen taking you up the mountain ridge. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded by the sight of the glacial valley, promising to be a majestic moment!

Car park: Talybont-on-Usk, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2UT
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

6. Sgwd Einion Gam | The Fall of the Crooked Anvil

Our next UK waterfall is in fact the second-highest waterfall in South Wales, resting at the heart of Waterfall Country.

The best way to see this Brecon Beacons waterfall is via the Elidir trail, a short yet scenic trail that most can enjoy. This waterfall walk begins in the village of Pontneddfechan and legend has it that, it retraces the footsteps of a local lad, Elidir, who discovered a cave that led to a fairy kingdom.

Follow the signposted path before walking along the right-hand bank of Afon Pyrddin to Sgwd Gladys. On this route, you will also catch glimpses of Sgwd Ddwli Isaf and Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf cascades before continuing along the river.

Once the river bends to the left and you reach an overhanging cliff face, you will need to cross the river. Unfortunately, there isn’t a designated path to this waterfall, so please use your own judgement when crossing.

Car park: Heol Calch, Neath SA11 5US
Distance: 3.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

7. Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn

Our next Brecon Beacons waterfall walk takes in the beauty of Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, which is located on the Afon Mellte south of Ystradfellte.

The best way to reach this waterfall is via the famous ‘Four Waterfalls Walk’, which visits Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd yr Eira. Leaving the car park, the walk begins with a lovely stroll through the valley before passing through a pebbled woodland path that leads to the first waterfall.

Afterwards, head back to the main woodland track before climbing several flights of steep and muddy stairs. At the top, you will reach the river and hidden behind the large tree is this awe-inspiring waterfall.

From here, you then visit the elegant Sgwd y Pannwr and the enchanting Sgwd yr Eira, which’s descent is by far the most strenuous on the path. With Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn being the second waterfall on this walk, you could always retrace your steps back to the car to make the trail shorter!

Car park: Cwm Porth car park, CF44 9JF
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

8. Sgwd y Pannwr | Fall of the Fuller

Located on the majestic River Mellte is the secluded waterfall and pool of Sgwd Pennwr. The best way to reach this cascade is via the ‘Four Waterfalls Walk’.

As you follow along the famous path, the sound of the roaring waterfall can be heard before the cascade becomes visible. Carefully climb over some rocks to reach the foot of the fall, where you will be truly in awe of its beauty.

As dramatic as it is beautiful, this Brecon Beacons waterfall offers a majestic landscape for more wild swimming in Wales opportunities.

Car park: Cwm Porth car park, CF44 9JF
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Brecon Beacons Waterfalls Map

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