Elan Valley is known for its dams and reservoirs, but it also has two secret waterfalls you can visit. They are so secret, that they don’t even have names. It doesn’t take long to reach them with the first waterfall just 15 minutes walking and the second one a further 4 minutes.
I recently visited myself, and in this guide, I’ll share step-by-step instructions along with GPS coordinates and photos so that you know exactly what to expect.
How To Reach the Elan Valley Waterfalls
1. Start at Garreg Ddu dam
The best place to park to reach the Elan Valley waterfalls is at Garreg Ddu dam which is where you’ll find Nantgwyllt Church. There are plenty of places to park along the side of the road and near the dam.
I wouldn’t advise trying to drive closer to the waterfalls as it’s a single-track road with nowhere to park.
2. Head down the road next to the reservoir to reach the first waterfall
To reach the first waterfall, walk along the road which goes immediately right when you’ve crossed over the dam (assuming you are coming from the visitor centre).
Follow this road for around 15 minutes to reach the first waterfall. At one point, you’ll see a walking path veer to the right, take this turning for the fastest route.
After around 15 minutes of walking from the dam, you should reach the first waterfall (shown below). The path is family-friendly and suitable for both bicycles and pushchairs.
The waterfalls are not marked on Google Maps but I’ve dropped a pin here which you can follow to the first waterfall: https://goo.gl/maps/VTopgFkmtvMGSiRh6
3. Cross the bridge and follow the small path to the second waterfall
Once you’ve reached the first waterfall and have taken adequate selfies, cross the wooden bridge which will take you back up to the road.
To reach the second waterfall, cross the road and follow the small path leading up alongside the river. It takes only 4 minutes to reach the second waterfall.
Here is a Google Maps pin for the second waterfall: https://goo.gl/maps/WCxaeg9ETGx43fZW7
Keep in mind that the path to the second waterfall is not family-friendly. It's very narrow with steep drops by the river, so I wouldn't recommend it for younger children or those with mobility issues.
This is not a circular route, so you'll have to return along the same path. Allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour for your visit in total.
Published: 11 November 2022