Melincourt Falls (also known as Melincourt Waterfall) lies just outside of the village of Resolven in the Vale of Neath. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the ancient woodlands, it’s the tallest waterfall in South Wales and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors.
I recently visited the waterfall for myself, and in this guide, I’ll share essential information on parking, the trail, and what to anticipate during your visit. Plus, I’ll share some fun facts about its fascinating history and the wildlife that thrives in this picturesque setting.
About Melincourt Falls
Melincourt Falls is a waterfall found in the Melincwrt Nature Reserve where Melin Court Brook plunges 24m (80ft) over a layer of hard sandstone.
Despite being the tallest waterfall in South Wales, it is often overlooked by visitors as it is located just south of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and therefore sits just outside of the area known as Waterfall Country where the country’s most-visited waterfalls are found.
The area surrounding Melincourt Falls holds historical significance, as it contains the remains of an 18th-century ironworks. These remnants offer a glimpse into the region's industrial past and the activities that once took place there.
The waterfall has two names in Welsh which can be confusing:
- The first is ‘Rhaeadr Melin Y Cwrt’ which is a direct translation of its English name.
- It’s also known as ‘Sgwd Rhyd Yr Hesg’ which translates as 'Ford of the Rushes Waterfall'.
It’s common for waterfalls in Wales to have a different name in Welsh and English. Other examples are Aber Falls and Swallow Falls.
How To Visit Melincourt Falls
Melincourt Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls to visit and can be reached by following a path from the roadside to a viewing point.
Where to Park? There is a free car park at Melincourt Falls just off the B4434, just south of the village of Resolven. The car park is small but was near-empty when I visited in May.
- Postcode: SA11 4AP
- What3Words: loafer.perusing.hinders
- Google Maps: Use this pin
After parking, cross the road and follow the path directly opposite the car park, down the right-hand side of the white building. This is well signposted.
You’ll be following a woodland path so expect it to be quite muddy. However, as far as woodland paths go, it’s very well-maintained and fairly flat for most of the journey.
The walk from the car park to the waterfall is 600m (0.37 miles) each way. As a moderately fit person, it took me 8 minutes to reach the waterfall.
In total, allow around 30 minutes for your visit to Melincourt Falls from the car park and back again.
Visitor Information
How Much Does it Cost?
There is no charge to visit Melincourt Falls and it is open 24/7.
Can You Swim at Melincourt Falls?
No, there isn’t really anywhere to swim at Melincourt Falls as the splash pools are very shallow so you can only just dip your toes in.
If you are keen to get wet, just standing close to the waterfall is enough as it releases a spray of water into the air when it hits the rocks at the bottom.
What Facilities are at Melincourt Falls?
There is no toilet or any other facilities at Melincourt Falls.
Other Nearby Waterfalls To Check Out
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It doesn’t take long to visit Melincourt Falls, so we combined this with the Elidir Trail where we saw another four impressive waterfalls. The trail begins in Pontneddfechan which is just a 12-minute drive away.
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You could also consider the Four Falls Trail or Henrhyd Falls (the Batman Waterfall) which are also in Waterfall Country just north of here.
Melincourt Waterfall Walks
If the short stroll to the waterfall doesn’t quench your thirst for outdoor adventure, you can make the most of your visit with one of these alternative walks near Melincourt Falls:
- The Turner Trail – Joseph Mallord William Turner (better known as J.M.W Turner) visited South Wales in 1795 and captured many sketches of its industry and breathtaking waterfalls including Melincourt and Aberdulais. This walk along the river’s side takes you to both. It’s 5 miles in total and takes 2-3 hours. Find out more here.
ㅤ - Crynant Comminity Forest – Near Melincourt Falls and sharing the same car park is Crynant Comminity Forest. There is a recommended route of Melincourt and Crynant Forest on AllTrails but you can also visit the local council website to see waypoints and plan your own route.
Interesting Facts About Melincourt Falls
1. Melincourt Falls was shaped by ancient glaciers during the ice ages.
The powerful glaciers widened and deepened the valley, creating a unique landscape. The waterfall now hangs high above the valley bottom, and the stream's fast flow has carved a narrow and steep-sided gorge.
2. It is slowly moving upstream.
Over time, the underlying soft shale erodes faster than the hard sandstone at the top. When enough of the underlying shale erodes, blocks of sandstone will collapse along vertical joints, gradually shifting the waterfall's edge.
3. The waterfall has been a source of artistic inspiration for J.M.W Turner, among others.
Melincourt Falls has attracted the attention of renowned artists throughout history. J.M.W. Turner, a notable artist, visited the falls in 1794 and created a drawing that is now part of the Tate Gallery collection in London.
Thomas Hornor also painted the falls and ironworks, showcasing their beauty and historical significance.
4. The surrounding woodland is home to over 80 species of flowering plants.
The woodland around Melincourt Falls is filled with diverse flowers. Bluebells bloom on the woodland floor in spring, while Common Cow Wheat covers the upper slopes from May to August.
Moist areas near the waterfall host Opposite-Leaved Golden Saxifrage, Square-stemmed St. John's Wort, Tutsan, and Common Butterwort. These flowers bring vibrant colours to the woodland.
5. The reserve is home to Wales’ best-preserved ironworks
The ironworks at Melincourt Falls Nature Reserve is a remarkable historical site and one of the best-preserved ironworks in Wales. Established in 1708, it operated for a century, harnessing the power of the flowing water to facilitate iron production.
History of Melincourt Falls
Melincourt Falls is found in the Vale of Neath which was created by glaciers during the last ice age. As the years passed, the waterfall gradually shifted upstream due to the continuous process of erosion, shaped by the relentless forces of nature.
In the past, the area surrounding Melincourt Falls played a role in the industrial development of the region. An ironworks, now in ruins, once stood near the falls.
Recognizing the importance of preserving the natural environment and protecting the wildlife inhabiting the area, the Glamorgan Wildlife Trust (now Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales) purchased the land encompassing Melincourt Falls and established it as a nature reserve. This marked a turning point, ensuring the conservation and safeguarding of the unique ecosystem and biodiversity found in the vicinity of the falls.
Today, Melincourt Falls is cherished as a haven of natural beauty. The surrounding ancient woodland provides a sanctuary for a diverse range of trees and plants, including mature Sessile Oak, Birch, Ash, Rowan, and Sycamore.
The woodland floor bursts to life in spring with the enchanting carpet of Bluebells, and during the summer months, the upper slopes are adorned with the cheerful yellow blooms of the Common Cow Wheat. Ferns, mosses, and liverworts thrive in the moist and humid atmosphere, adding to the richness and biodiversity of the woodland.
The wildlife in the area is equally captivating. Birds of various species, such as Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Buzzards, Jays, and Dippers, can be observed throughout the year. During the summer, migrant birds like the Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler join the resident breeding birds, enhancing the vibrant avian community of the region.
Published: 1 June 2023