8 of the best waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons
Fortunately all that rain we get here in Wales has its benefits and in the Brecon Beacons National Park we are blessed with an abundance of wonderful waterfalls of all shapes and sizes.
Although they may not be situated in luscious jungles or be basking in thirty-degree heat, they are often shrouded in romance, myth and legend and are arguably some of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in the world, especially those that you can stand directly behind.
Within this blog post I have highlighted 8 wonderful waterfalls within the Brecon Beacons which you must visit.
Although they are spread all across the National Park the majority of them are located in Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons, so if you want your fill of waterfalls head there first.
Key information before visiting the waterfalls
Lots of these waterfalls have very limited facilities at the car park or on route, so use the loo before you set off and pack some snacks and water.
These waterfalls can get very busy, especially in the peak summer months, if you want them at their quietest and when they are the most impressive consider visiting during the wetter months
For the wild swimmers amongst you I would also recommend packing a pair of swimmers a towel as almost all of these have some form of pool you can take a refreshing plunge into. Just remember to use you best judgement before getting in.
I will always recommend wearing appropriate and grippy footwear alongside a waterproof coat even if its dry.
1 - Henrhyd Falls
Waterfall height: 90ft
Distance to Waterfall: 500m
Accessibility: Easy
The crown Jewel of the Brecon Beacons and arguably the finest waterfall in Wales. When it is in full flow there are not many waterfalls which can match this for its size, beauty and power.
Henrhyd Falls is so impressive it doubled up as the entrance to Batmans ‘batcave’ in the final scene one the Hollywood blockbuster ‘the Dark Knight rises’
Set with a deep wooded gorge, the 27m/90ft waterfall is the highest in South Wales. The car park is free and is located a short distance (< 800m meters) from the waterfalls via a steep but well maintained and signposted path.
What makes this waterfall even more incredible is the fact there is a path that allows you stand directly behind the waterfall.
Unfortunately, there is no hidden batcave behind the waterfall but it is still an incredible experience, just pack some waterproofs as if there’s been heavy rain you’ll get wetter than an otters pocket.
2 - Sgwd Einion Gam
Waterfall height: 70ft
Distance to Waterfall: 3km one way
Accessibility: Difficult
The 70ft Sgwd Einion Gam, aka ‘the fall of the crooked anvil’, is the second-highest waterfall in South Wales and is located deep in the heart of Waterfall Country.
Its imposing and encircling cliffs and lower set of falls make this waterfall one of the most impressive and mysterious within the Brecon Beacons.
Many don’t know where this waterfall is actually located, despite it being only half a mile upstream from the extremely popular Sgwd Gwaldus.
In fact, the first time I attempted to find it I turned around as I wasn’t even sure this place actually existed.
Sgwd Einon Gam is also part of the Elidir trail, a majestical woodland walk in the heart of waterfall country.
I have written a detailed blog post below outlining the walk and how to reach the elusive falls.
3- Sgwd yr Eira
Waterfall height: 30ft
Distance to Waterfall: 2.4km One way
Accessibility: Moderate
Sgwd yr Eira, or ‘Waterfall of Snow’ is a broad, 50ft waterfall which can resemble a curtain of water after a heavy period of rain. What makes the waterfall so special is the path which allows you to walk directly behind the waterfall.
Again, If the rainfall has been heavy I would recommend packing a decent waterproof jacket and some grippy shoes as you will get rather moist
The waterfall is part of part of the magical Four falls trail in the heart of Waterfall country in the Brecon Beacons.
This 6.5km circular loop cuts through some the ancient woodland of the Brecon Beacons and stops by four spectacular waterfalls: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Y Pannwr and the magnificent Sgwd yr Eira.
The route is well maintained, well signposted and not at all difficult making it suitable for even young children.
I have written a dedicated blog post on the Four Waterfalls walk route below, including the best place to park and a more adventurous and alternative route to get back to the start point.
4 - Sgwd Gwladus
Waterfall height: 30ft
Distance to Waterfall: 2km one way
Accessibility: Easy
The white lady falls is a spectacular cascade of water which flows 10m over a lip of sandstone.
As well as being able to peer over the edge of the sandstone lip, you are able to walk behind the waterfall, but you do run the risk of slipping and falling in (which may actually add to the enjoyment of other people’s walks).
You can also go swimming beneath the falls, however, whatever you don’t jump off the lip into the water. The water depth, and what's lurks beneath the murky water is constantly changing, with all the fallen trees and deforestation in the area there could easily be a large branch beneath the water.
For a detailed guide to Elidir Trail including where to park check out my blog post below.
5 - Sychryd Falls
Waterfall height: 10ft
Distance to Waterfall: 870m one way
Accessibility: moderate
A stones throw from the main visitor centre in the Brecon Beacons Waterfall Country lies Sychryd gorge, a small secluded set of falls traversed by a wooden footbridge.
This isn’t the biggest or most impressive set of falls in the Beacons but its secluded nature, fairytale-esq surroundings, and lack of other visitors make it a perfect waterfall to visit if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
For the adventurous amongst you, Theres also two abandoned silica mines which you can explore, so pack a head torch and let your inner child run wild.
6 - Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn
Waterfall height: 5-15ft
Distance to Waterfall: 1.6km one way
Accessibility: Moderate
Another Beauty of a waterfall located on the Four Falls trail in the Brecon Beacons.
In fact this one slightly pips Sgwd yr Eiria as my favourite waterfall on the walk.
Translated to the ‘lower fall of the white meadows’ this is actually a sequence of waterfalls, separated by several ledges and deep pools which you can actually swim in.
You can view the falls from below, from above, and if you read my guide below from the other side of the river.
7 - Melincourt Waterfall
Waterfall height: 80ft
Distance to Waterfall: 500m one way
Accessibility: Very easy
A lesser known, 80ft high waterfall located just outside of the Brecon Beacons national park boundary near the town of Resolven.
Under-appreciated and under-visited, It’s a beautiful set of waterfalls (there is a smaller waterfall to the right if the main falls) which shares a resemblance to the mighty Henrhyd falls. Unfortunately, you cannot walk behind this waterfall, but its secluded location and lack of visitors certainly make up for this.
The waterfalls are extremely easy to access from the free car park. Simply cross the main road and follow the path alongside the eastern bank (right-hand side) of the river upstream for 500m.
To find out where to park check out my guide below.
8 - Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls
Waterfall height: 30ft
Distance to Waterfall: 700m one way
Accessibility: Easy
Set in the heart of the Central Brecon Beacons this a is a series of around 15-20 cascades which tumble down the River Caerfanell.
I’d recommend visiting these waterfalls if you are tackling the Pen-y-Fan horseshoe or visiting Pontsticill or Talybont Reservoirs
Only one of the waterfalls has a name and that is the 30ft, single drop Blaen y glyn waterfall which cascades down into a small rocky gorge before flowing out and under a small wooden footbridge.
Although it is not the biggest waterfall in the beacons its still impressive stature combined with the short but tranquil woodland walk which gets you to the falls definitely makes it worthy of a visit.
If you continue upstream you will also stumble upon numerous other waterfalls which vary in height between 3 to 15 ft. These are far more secluded and spill into easy to access plunge pools making them perfect for wild swimming in.
Parking is available in either the Upper or Lower Blaen-Y-Glyn Car parks and you can reach the main waterfall in a 10-15 minute walk.
You can also combine a visit to these waterfalls with a hike up to an old WWII Wreckage and the impressive but hilariously named Fan-y-Big. The 8 mile loop can take between 3-5 hours and can be found below.
Fan y Big
There we have it, 8 of the best waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons which you must visit.
Let me know in the comments below which is your favourite and if I have missed any out.
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For more travel, & photography inspiration around Wales check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite regions below.