Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk
5 miles (8 km)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.
Walk Report October 11th 2026 By Mark Ellison:
We arrived at Cwm Porth early, hoping to get ahead of the crowds, and were glad we had made the effort.... The car parks around the Four Waterfalls area can fill surprisingly quickly, particularly at weekends and during the summer holidays. The approach along the narrow country lanes also needs a little patience, as passing places are limited and reversing may be necessary if you meet another vehicle coming the other way. Once parked, we checked the route and set off through the woodland, following the well-marked paths towards the River Mellte.
The first thing that struck me was how different the walk felt from the photographs I had seen beforehand. After a prolonged dry spell, the waterfalls were carrying much less water than their dramatic publicity pictures suggested. They were still attractive places, with the river tumbling over layers of rock, but the experience clearly depends on recent rainfall. I imagine the falls would be much more powerful after a wet spell, although the paths would also be muddier and the rocks more slippery.
The route takes you through a mixture of woodland, rocky river valleys and more open stretches of path. There is plenty to notice between the waterfalls, from moss-covered rocks and exposed tree roots to the little streams running down towards the river. We heard birds calling from the trees and saw small birds flitting through the branches, while the damp banks and leaf litter looked like ideal habitat for frogs and other small woodland creatures. It is worth keeping your eyes open rather than concentrating only on reaching the next waterfall.
Sgwd Clun-Gwyn was an impressive early stop, with the water spreading across the rocky ledges before dropping into the gorge below. The path down towards it was steep and muddy in places, and I was pleased to have proper walking boots with a decent grip. The falls are best appreciated from a safe viewpoint rather than trying to scramble over the rocks for a photograph. We took our time here before climbing back up to the main trail, which was a useful reminder that the waterfall detours add considerably to the effort of the walk.
Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn was another highlight. Reaching the lower viewpoint involved a particularly slippery descent, but it was worth seeing the water moving through the narrow rocky setting. The gorge feels enclosed, with dark rock, tree roots and vegetation crowding the banks. Conditions underfoot were uneven, and there were a few places where I was glad to take things slowly and let other walkers pass. Although the main trail is manageable for many people, the steep steps and side paths make the full circuit considerably more demanding than a simple woodland stroll.
The most famous stop is Sgwd yr Eira, where the path leads down towards the waterfall that visitors can traditionally walk behind. It is an unusual experience to see the curtain of water from the other side, looking out through the falling stream, but the approach involves a steep flight of steps and the ground can be wet and treacherous. It was also the busiest spot on our walk, with people waiting for photographs and groups gathering near the water. I could see why it has become so popular on social media, although the crowds made it harder to enjoy the place quietly. We decided not to rush or squeeze into an unsafe position just for a picture.
One thing I would stress is that this is not necessarily a peaceful, secluded walk, especially on a sunny summer weekend. The waterfalls attract a lot of visitors, and narrow paths can become congested where people stop to take photographs or descend to the river. Arriving early on a weekday is probably the best option if you want a more relaxed experience. Even then, the main attractions are well known, so it is worth expecting to share them with other walkers rather than imagining an untouched wilderness.
We carried water and snacks, which proved useful as the walk took several hours once we had explored the waterfall viewpoints. There is a food van at times near the parking area, but I would not rely on it being open, so taking something with you is sensible. There are no convenient bins along the route, and visitors should be prepared to carry their rubbish, including dog waste, back out with them. We saw how easily a popular beauty spot could be spoiled if everyone left things behind.
The walk is often described as moderate, but I would qualify that. If you stay on the main paths and visit fewer waterfalls, it is possible to make the outing shorter and easier. Completing the full route, with its repeated descents and climbs, is much more tiring, and the steep steps can be difficult for anyone with mobility problems. Dogs may also struggle with some of the steps, particularly smaller dogs, and this is not a route for pushchairs. Good footwear is essential, and I would avoid attempting the steep waterfall approaches in poor conditions unless you are confident on rough ground.
Despite the crowds and the low water levels, I enjoyed seeing the different character of each waterfall and exploring this distinctive part of the Brecon Beacons landscape. The Four Waterfalls Walk is popular for good reason, but it is best approached with realistic expectations: allow plenty of time, be prepared for steep and slippery sections, and remember that the waterfalls change considerably with the weather. For a quieter visit, choose a weekday and start early; after rain, the falls may be more dramatic, but the paths will need even more care.
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.
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