■Distance: 5½ miles/8.8km ■Time: 3½ hours ■Grade: Moderate
WALK THE WATERFALLS
Located in the Fforest Fawr section of Brecon Beacons/Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, this waterfall walk is the region’s second most popular attraction to Pen-y- Fan mountain, and with good reason. Stunningly beautiful in all seasons, the falls are even more spectacular after a period of heavy rainfall. Starting with a tranquil riverside walk, the intensity builds with each passing cascade. The first is the often-noisy Sgŵd Clun-Gwyn. Then you reach the broad and enchanting Sgŵd y Pannwr, which is close to Sgŵd Isaf Clun-Gwyn – a series of falls and pools and a popular place for cold water swimmers. The final waterfall is the finest of the lot – Sgŵd yr Eira (Waterfall of the snow), where a natural ledge allows you to actually walk behind the cascade for an entirely different perspective. Once back at the car park, you can cool down at Porth yr Ogof (Gateway of the Cave), which has the largest cave entrance in Wales.
1 Start
Leave car park gate and take (L) path directly opposite. Ignore sign for cavers. Keep R of fence. Come to grassy area and continue L of the river (Afon Mellte) – some parts can be muddy with tree roots exposed. A pretty gate breaks up this section before arriving at a gravel path. Continue in same direction. Shortly after, keep R at fork ignoring sign for waterfalls, as we will be coming back this way. Walk past bridge and follow signs for Sgŵd Clun-Gwyn (waterfall). Up rocky steps continuing uphill staying close to L of fence when in view. Head down to see first waterfall.
2 1 mile/1.6km
Head back up to main path and R past signpost 16 over stream. (The trail will now be signposted in numerical order until the last waterfall.) Stay on main footpath. At signpost 25 turn R downhill under trees as we head to the next two waterfalls. These paths are slowly being resurfaced at time of walk, but take care along this steep stretch, more so on steps. Come to the river with the Sgŵd y Pannwr on L. Turn 180° past signpost 30 over boardwalk and rocks to see the picturesque Sgŵd Isaf Clun-Gwyn. An outstanding view can b
