9 BEST Waterfalls in South Wales & the Brecon Beacons [+ Map]

South Wales, in particular the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, is full of steep gorges and receives plenty of rain which is the perfect storm for some seriously impressive waterfalls.

In fact, one particular area of the national park, around the village of Pontneddfechan, is known as Waterfall Country due to having so many waterfalls in such a small area.

As a Welshman, I’ve visited most of the waterfalls across the country. In this guide, I've curated a list of my favourite waterfalls in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons.

Map

Here's an interactive map of the best waterfalls to visit in South Wales.

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South Wales Waterfalls

1. Henrhyd Falls

Henrhyd Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Wales and probably the most famous. It can be found in the part of the Brecon Beacons called Waterfall Country.

The waterfall is found where the Nant Llech River plunges 27m (90 ft) over the cliffside into a small lagoon. The gorge has its own microclimate that has allowed lots of moss and ferns to grow making it feel extra magical.

The waterfall shot to fame when it was used as a filming location in the Hollywood blockbuster, The Dark Knight Rises, starring Christian Bale. The waterfall was used as the entrance to the Batcave.

You can walk behind this waterfall and feel the full force of it. There is a ledge to stand on although no cave like the movie (I have seen people camping behind it before though!).

Unfortunately, both times that I have visited this waterfall, it’s been during sunny spells so it doesn’t look as impressive in my photo. I recommend visiting after heavy rainfall to see it at its finest.

Henrhyd Falls is free to visit and can be accessed via a short 20-minute walk from the free National Trust car park. Whilst I found the walk relatively easy, it’s steep in places so may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties.

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2. Melincourt Falls

Melincourt Falls is a waterfall in the valleys of South Wales, just north of Neath. It is formed when Melincourt Brook, a tributary of the River Neath, plunges over the 24m (80 ft) drop.

The waterfall is just south of the Brecon Beacons which means that it’s much quieter than the waterfalls in the national park itself, although just as impressive.

Back in the 18th century, the waterfall is said to have inspired both the renowned English painter JMW Turner and the poet William Sotherby who had both visited the area.

To reach Melincourt Falls, there is a 15-minute walk through a woodland. The walk is easy but can be muddy. There is a free public car park at the start of the path right next to the road.

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3. Aberdulais Falls

This waterfall on the Afon Dulais in the Brecon Beacons is known for having one of Britain’s largest electricity-producing waterwheels, which used to power Aberdulais tin works.

The waterfall itself is around 6m (20ft) tall where the River Neath cascades down a rugged, rocky terrain into a gorge that was carved by meltwater thousands of years ago.

The waterfall has been used to create power since 1584 and still does to this day. It originally powered a copperworks which later became a corn mill and most recently Aberdulais Tinworks.

The waterfall, the water wheel, and the old tinworks are now under the care of the National Trust who have established a visitor centre at the site explaining the history of the region and why it was important in the area’s development.

*2024 Update: It appears that this waterfall is still closed for maintenance with no signs of a potential opening date - I'll keep this article updated.

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4. Sgwd Gwladys [Elidir Trail]

Standing at just 7m tall, Sgwd Gwladys might not have the impressive height of other waterfalls in South Wales, however, the way it crashes over the cliff edge into the large plunge pool below makes it a worthy addition to the list.

This waterfall is also within Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons and is one of the first waterfalls you’ll reach on the Elidir Trail (depending upon which direction you do the trail).

The main route for the Elidir Trail begins in Pontneddfechan and takes around 3 hours to complete (back to the car park). It's not a circular route so you return along the same path.

In English, Sgwd Gwladys translates as Lady Falls. Although the Welsh name for the waterfall is said to originate from one of the many daughters of Brychan, the legendary 5th-century King of Brecknockshire.

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5. Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf [Elidir Trail]

Another of the four waterfalls that make up the Elidir Trail is Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf, meaning Upper Gushing Falls. This is at the opposite end of the trail to Sgwd Gwladys so it will be the last one you’ll reach when walking the trail from Pontneddfechan.

The waterfall is found on the Afon Nedd Fechan where the river plunges about 4.5m (15ft) over the edge of the rock in a long curtain-like shape.

You can see the waterfall from the base or walk around the trail to enjoy it from the top too. This is a great picnic spot and I often see couples eating their lunch from the top of the waterfall (myself included).

It’s just upstream from its sister waterfall, Sgwd Ddwli Isaf which means Lower Gushing Falls. Since it’s part of the Elidir Trail, there is no charge to see Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf.

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6. Sgwd Einion Gam

Whilst the official Elidir Trail route as decided by the National Park Authority has 4 waterfalls, there’s actually a fifth hidden waterfall called Sgwd Einion Gam, sometimes known as the ‘secret waterfall of the Elidir Trail’.

The route to Sgwd Einion Gam begins near Sgwd Gwladys and takes around 35 minutes each way.

The waterfall isn’t disclosed on the official maps because it’s challenging to reach. It can be unclear at times and involves walking through the river twice, climbing over and under fallen tree trunks, and alongside steep river edges which could be dangerous.

If this hasn’t put you off, the waterfall is very impressive and at 26m (85ft) tall, it’s the second biggest in Bannau Brycheiniong (the Brecon Beacons).

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7. Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn [Four Falls Trail]

Sgwd Uchaf Clun Gwyn is one of the four waterfalls which make up the Four Falls Trail. This is one of the most iconic waterfall walks in Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons since it’s the terrain is very easy along well-trodden and mostly paved path.

The waterfall trail itself is a circular route, adding on the extra walk from the car park and it takes around 3-4 hours in total.

The name Sgwd Uchaf Clun Gwyn means ‘Upper Fall of the White Meadow’ and it’s found just upstream from its sister waterfall, Sgwd Clun Gwyn (Fall of the White Meadow).

These are the first two waterfalls on the trail, with Sgwd Y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira (see below) making up the rest. Find the full route here.

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8. Sgwd yr Eira [Four Falls Trail]

Sgwd yr Eira, which means ‘Waterfall of Snow’, is the final waterfall you’ll encounter on the Four Falls Trail in the Brecon Beacons.

At around 15m (50ft) tall it’s the largest on the trail and easily the most impressive.

The waterfall sits on the River Hepste and is unique from others on the trail in that you can actually walk behind the curtain of water and experience the power of it up close.

Find the full route for the Four Falls Trail (also known as the Four Waterfalls Walk) here.

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9. Nant Sere Waterfall

Nant Sere is a waterfall that sits on Pen Y Fan, the tallest peak in South Wales. However, don’t be faxed by this because the waterfall is easy to reach.

Simply park at Cwm Gwdi Car Park (free for National Trust members or pay-and-display) where there are two trails. Follow the trail which leads east to reach the waterfall, not the trail south which leads to the mountain summit.

In total, the trail is about 4km each way. Some of the trail is obvious whereas other parts might be a little difficult to follow.

It’s a great place to take a dip too since the splash pool beneath the waterfall is relatively easy to reach so remember to take your swim gear unless you fancy some skinny dipping.