Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk

This spectacular walk visits four of the finest waterfalls near Ystradfellte in the Brecon Beacons, passing through the beautiful woodland gorges of Waterfall Country and following riverside trails beside the Afon Mellte. Along the way you'll encounter a succession of dramatic waterfalls, rocky gorges and rushing water, making this one of the best waterfall walks in Britain.
The popular trail starts from the Gwaun Hepste car park, just south east of Ystradfellte.... There is a good-sized parking area here, along with a picnic area, and from the car park you can pick up the trails leading to Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd-yr-Eira. Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn is particularly impressive, with the Afon Mellte plunging through the gorge in a powerful torrent. Sgwd-yr-Eira is another highlight and is probably the most photographed of the waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons. A path leads behind the curtain of thundering water, providing one of the most memorable experiences on the walk.
There are numerous smaller waterfalls and cascades scattered throughout the surrounding woodland, which forms part of the area known as Waterfall Country. The scenery is particularly atmospheric after heavy rain, when the rivers are swollen and the waterfalls are at their most powerful.
There are some challenging sections along the route, particularly around the rocky and uneven gorge paths, although the main footpaths are generally well surfaced and maintained.
The bottom half of the trail is on a circular loop with other trails branching off if you would like to extend the walk. You can see these on either of the detailed walking map links below.
To continue your waterfall walking in the area try our longer Brecon Beacons Waterfall Walk. The 11 mile circular walk visits the Pontneddfechan Waterfalls and the Neath Waterfalls, to the west of the four falls.
Postcode: CF44 9JF
Pubs and More Info
The New Inn is located just to the north of the car park. They serve a fine Sunday dinner and have a nice garden to sit out in on warmer days. There's also a covered, heated Terrace if the weather is not so good. You can find them at postcode CF44 9JE for your sat navs.
The area can also be explored on the Porth Yr Ogof Walk. This starts from the alternative Cwm Porth car park where you'll find the impressive Porth Yr Ogof. Here the Afon Mellte travels for a short distance under ground.

Ordnance Survey Map OpenStreetMap OS Map (Mobile GPS) OpenStreetMap (Mobile GPS)

Interactive Map

Route Video

Nearby Routes

Brecon Beacons Waterfall Walk Porth Yr Ogof

Photos

Sgwd yr Eira

Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn, Afon Mellte

The Waterfalls at Ystradfellte

Sgŵd yr Eira, a waterfall on the Afon Hepste near the village of Ystradfellte in the Brecon Beacons National Park. A public right-of-way leads from one side of the river to the other, behind the falling waters. These fall are well known for being the falls behind which you can walk. The 'falls of snow' plunge over a hard band of sandstone whose overhang protects the walker from the full force of the water.

Footbridge over River Mellte. This bridge allows access to the main waterfall walks from the west side of the River Mellte.

Sgŵd Uchaf Clyn Glyn. This is the upper of the two Clyn Glyn waterfalls as seen from above on the west river bank walk.

Steps to Sgwd yr Eira

Car park at Ystradfellte. This car park in the village makes an alternative start point for the walk. Ystradfellte is chiefly known in history as the place where the Welsh nobleman and rebel leader Llywelyn Bren surrendered at the end of his revolt of 1316. As well as being a popular place for hiking the surrounding area is renowned for its caves and karst scenery, making caving a popular activity. 

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