Autumn Brecon Beacons Waterfalls walk - 13 miles

The Brecon Beacons National Park ( Bannau Brycheiniog ) is known as ‘Waterfall Country’ for the sheer number and variety of impressive waterfalls that dominate this wild, mountainous region.

Deep gorges cut through this scenic landscape, waterfalls tumble into clear pools perfect for wild swimming in the Brecon Beacons. Seek out old mining relics, the Brecon Beacons’ highest waterfall, and a secret waterfall that few have the chance to visit; walkers and wildlife lovers will be in their element in this unique destination.

Tickets for this event cost £15.00. This payment is non-refundable. It will only be refunded in the event of a non-weather related cancellation. *Tickets/spaces for this walk/event are pre booked and pre paid, please don't just turn up on the day with cash*

This more of a “Waterfall Country Grand Tour” rather than simply the usual tourist circuit.

Elevation 1800ft.

Highlights include - 

Sgwd yr Eira – “Waterfall of Snow” — probably the star attraction. The unusual feature is the natural ledge running behind the curtain of falling water, so you can actually walk behind the waterfall. The softer shale beneath harder sandstone has eroded back to create the recess. 

 Sgwd Clun-Gwyn – “Fall of the White Meadow” — a broad, powerful waterfall on the River Mellte, plunging into the wooded gorge below. It's the upper member of a particularly impressive sequence of falls.

Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn – Lower Fall of the White Meadow — very different in character: instead of one clean drop, the river tumbles down a series of rocky steps and cascades.

Sgwd y Pannwr – “Fall of the Fuller/Woollen Washer” — the Welsh name is a lovely bit of local history: it refers to fulling/washing wool, linking the waterfall with the area's traditional wool industry.

A Welsh temperate rainforest — the deep gorges create a permanently damp, sheltered environment covered in mosses, ferns and other moisture-loving plants. The National Park describes this as Welsh rainforest, a habitat far rarer globally than tropical rainforest.

The landscape was carved by water — the rivers Mellte, Hepste, Pyrddin and Nedd Fechan have cut deep gorges through layers of rock, creating the extraordinary concentration of waterfalls. The rivers eventually come together to form the River Neath.

Internationally important wildlife — Waterfall Country isn't just scenic; parts are protected as both a Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest, particularly because of the gorge woodland ecology.

There's human history hidden in the landscape too. Waterfall Country contains around 130 known historic sites, ranging from Craig y Ddinas hillfort and old industrial workings to Sarn Helen, the Roman road that skirts the area. Silica was also quarried here from the late 18th century and transported by tramroad for use in heat-resistant industrial bricks.

Bring plenty of layers. Also bring enough food and water to sustain you. We have the option of having a pint in The Angel at the end.

How to find us

On the Pontneathvaughan Rd, Glynneath, SA11 5NR. Before you get to the Angel Inn pub. Plenty of free parking along the road. What 3 words address - ///tanks.nanny.averts