Laura Mackenzie
09 September 2022
Known as Waterfall Country, the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons is home to some of the best waterfalls in South Wales. From the tallest waterfall in Wales to Batman’s Bat Cave, Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons waterfalls are filled full of magic and mystery just waiting to be discovered.
It’s not just waterfalls that can be found here! Waterfall Country is part of Fforest Fawr, a UNESCO Geopark packed full of layers of ancient rock! You’ll also discover striking wooded gorges and captivating caves as well as gorgeous forests and fascinating species of woodland ferns and mosses.
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For more inspiration on things to do in the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons just take a look at our complete Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons guide. Or for even more wonderful Welsh waterfall inspiration, take a look at our guide to Snowdonia waterfalls and waterfalls in North Wales.
If you want to follow in the footsteps of these wonderous waterfalls, then we have a luxurious range of holiday cottages in the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons for you to rest up at after a day’s adventuring.
Four Falls Walk - Ystradfellte
The famous Four Falls Walk is a beautiful woodland trail located near Ystradfellte.
This dog-friendly route is home to some stunning scenery and offers access to four amazing Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons waterfalls. It’s 5 miles long and will take about 3 to 4 hours to complete from one of the two car parks.
The four waterfalls just waiting to be explored are Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd yr Eira.
These waterfalls dive headfirst into clear waters creating a splash of excitement at the end of a gorgeous woodland walk.
Sgwd Clun-Gwyn Waterfall
The start of the Four Waterfalls Walk is a scenic stroll through an idyllic valley into a mysterious forest full of wonder and awe.
Follow the quaint pebbled woodland path to the stunning Sgwd Clun-Gwyn Waterfall and admire the River Mellte surging towards the drop and disappearing below the edge of this impressive cliff.
Highlights
- The thundering sound of the falls after heavy rain
- Gorgeous woodlands, riverside and farmland
- Visitor and information centre with WCs and shop
Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn Waterfall
Head back to the main woodland trail and follow the small path to the next two beautiful Brecon waterfalls.
Expect several flights of steps and muddy stairs before arriving at the river which is nestled on a bed of dark black rock.
Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn is the smallest of the four waterfalls but is one of the most mesmerising, nestled among beautiful ancient woodland and flowing down in neat stages, tumbling one after another.
Highlights
- Ancient woodland
- Cascading falls
- Mesmerising scenery
Sgwd y Pannwr Waterfall
Follow a muddy trail over the river from Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn to discover the beautiful Sgwd y Pannwr Waterfall.
This is the highest of the four Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons waterfalls on the Four Waterfalls Walk, so the gush of the falls can be heard well before it can be seen!
Sgwd y Pannwr flows elegantly down over each step creating the prettiest picture, well worth the pleasant walk.
Highlights
- We believe it’s the best of the four waterfalls on this trail
- A beautiful sight that flows gracefully over each stage
- Hear the rush of this amazing sight before you see it
Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall
One of the most famous Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons waterfalls due to being able to walk behind it, Sgwd yr Eira is an amazing sight to behold.
Sgwd yr Eira translates as 'fall of snow' and we can see why as it tumbles over the edge into the welcoming pool below.
Sgwd yr Eira is a gorgeous end to the Four Waterfalls Walk and is one of the top highlights of the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park.
Highlights
- Walk behind this magical fall
- Translates as 'fall of snow'
- A fabulous end to the Four Waterfalls Walk
Henrhyd Falls
Henrhyd Falls is South Wales’ tallest waterfall standing proudly at 88 feet!
This tall beauty is also a star in its own right, setting the scene for the Batcave in the Hollywood Batman blockbuster, The Dark Knight Rises.
You can also disappear behind this curtain of cascading droplets just as Batman did en route to his incredible hideout.
Peak behind this beautiful Brecon Beacon waterfall and be enclosed in a lively space where daylight sparkles in the darkness, and the water above plunges into the wooded Graig Llech Gorge.
Highlights
- Starred in a Hollywood blockbuster
- It’s South Wales’ tallest waterfall!
- Walk behind this cascading beauty for an alternative view
Sgwd Gwladys and Sgwd-y-Bedol waterfalls
The Elidir Trail is a moderate 1.3-mile trail that starts at Pontneddfechan Village or Pont Melin-Fach car park if walking the trail in reverse.
It’s reputed that the entrance to a magical fairy kingdom lies along the trail that wanders upstream on the right of the River Pyrddin to Sgwd Gwladus, the Lady Falls.
Head back to the bridge and keep left along the Nedd Fechan river and you’ll reach Sgwd-y-Bedol, the Horseshoe Falls.
Uniquely shaped in several layers of semi-circular ledges, it’s clear to see how this wonderful waterfall got its name.
Highlights
- The unique horseshoe shape
- You could search for the magical fairy kingdom entrance
- A moderate to fairly moderate walk
Blaen y Glyn Waterfalls
The striking Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls are made up of multiple cascading falls that can be found in the north-east of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park.
This 2-mile stretch of the Caerfanell River is home to around 20 waterfalls that wind their way through wooded gorges and can be seen from the paths that run alongside.
Whilst there are multiple waterfalls in this region, you may be surprised to find out that it’s only Blaen y Glyn that has an official name.
Highlights
- Multiple cascading falls
- Around 20 waterfalls in the area
- Found in the north-east of the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park
Stay safe!
Prepare well for your waterfall visit and you’re sure to enjoy a magical day out.
Map of beautiful Brecon Beacon waterfalls
Stay in Waterfall Country
Abercynafon Farm Barn
Relax in one of our luxurious cottages after exploring these beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons waterfalls for a day. We have cottages for families, dog-friendly holiday properties, large group properties and romantic retreats where you can get away from the day-to-day.
Browse our cosy Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons cottages and find the perfect waterfall getaway for you and your favourite people.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.