The Four Waterfalls walk is a captivating woodland walk exploring the Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons. As its name suggests, this circular walk lets you discover the four falls of Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd-yr-Eira. All different and unique in their own way, these cascades along the River Mellte enchant and delight with their roaring sounds and tumbling waters.
The Waterfall Country is an hour away from Cardiff and a top place to visit in South Wales. The Four Waterfalls walk takes you through peaceful forest, rendered even more so by the soft bubbling sound of the falls. The circular walk is challenging and includes muddy paths, steep descents to and strenuous ascents from the cascades. The waterfalls are best enjoyed in spring or autumn when the falls are roaring and spectacular.
Location: Neath, Brecon Beacons, South Wales
Walk difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 3 to 3 ½ hours
Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km)
Waterfall 1: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn
The Four Waterfalls walk first leads you along a pleasant country lane and follows a delightful stone wall. The stroll across the peaceful valley enjoys a touch of the characteristic wilderness of the Brecon Beacons, but I found the landscape of the Waterfall Country more serene than the breathtaking Brecon Beacons Mountains. In the valley, you can’t actually see the mountains, but you can feel their majestic pull.
The walk then takes you through a charming forest, from where you can hear the enchanting sound of the cascading waters. As you speed up your pace, stirred on by excitement, you reach the pebbled woodland path that leads to the first waterfall, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn. The descent to the cliff edge is steep, but short. The first waterfall is the easiest to access as it is the closest to the main forest trail.
From the bird’s eye viewpoint, you can admire Sgwd Clun-Gwyn cascading over the rock. You can watch with awe the River Mellte rushing towards the drop, gracefully arching over it and then disappearing below the cliff edge. You can feel the majesty of the Brecon Beacons and the Waterfall Country.
Waterfall 2: Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn
Back on the main woodland trail, you then follow another small path that leads to the second and third waterfalls. The descent to the river is long and steep and is made via sharp flights of steps and a muddy path. When you reach the bottom, you’re greeted by a large river rushing past you on its bed of black rock. On the riverside, you can admire the pools and rock formations carved by the powerful water.
You first glimpse the first section of the Swgd Isaf Clun-Gwyn waterfall, a small and quaint horseshoe of cascading water. You then notice the second part hidden behind a large tree. Viewed from the cliff top, the gushing water elegantly falls to the river below. This is the smallest waterfall and yet the most charming by its size and its setting in the heart of the woods.
Waterfall 3: Sgwd y Pannwr
From the Swgd Isaf Clun-Gwyn waterfall, you then follow a muddy trail up the river. Thankfully, wooden planks have been laid out over the muddy forest floor to help you navigate the trail more easily. As you approach the third and highest waterfall, Sfwd y Pannwr, you hear its incessant roar. The last few feet of the trail are spent carefully climbing over small rocks.
As you reach the foot of Sgwd y Pannwr, you’re struck with awe by the majestic beauty of the cascading waterfall. The water flows step by step down to the river bed and swirls past you. On the ledge by the River Mellte, you can’t quite seem to glimpse the top of the waterfall. As you make your way back along the muddy trail and up the steep steps to the main woodland path, you wonder what the fourth waterfall will have in store.
Waterfall 4: Sgwd-yr-Eira
From the main woodland trail, you then take another small path down steep steps to the fourth and final waterfall, Sgwd-yr-Eira. The descent to this waterfall is the steepest and the most strenuous. When you reach the bottom, you are once again greeted by the large flowing river. However, this time, the river side is very narrow and peppered with rocks you need to climb over.
Sgwd-yr-Eira is the largest waterfall and the water tumbles down like a white veil. The highlight of this waterfall is that you can walk behind the curtain of cascading water. The walk to the side of the waterfall is along an uneven path of rocks that is very slippery. Once you reach the waterfall, you can fully appreciate the force of the flowing water. As you walk behind the tumbling cascade, you are once again awestruck by the majesty and charm of the waterfall.
After walking back up the steep steps to the main woodland path, regularly stopping to catch your breath, you then follow the country lane as it loops back to the car parks. After a short ascent, the path opens up and you can enjoy lovely views of the valley and the surrounding mountains of the Brecon Beacons. This is a lovely end to an enchanting walk.
The Four Waterfalls walk details
The walk is 6 miles (9.7km) long and takes approximately 3 to 3 ½ hours to complete with lots of stops to admire the falls.
The walk is 6 miles (9.7km) long and takes approximately 3 to 3 ½ hours to complete with lots of stops to admire the falls.
The Four Waterfalls walk is a circular walk, and starts and finishes at two Brecon Beacons National Park car parks: Gwaun Hepste and Cwn Porth (CF44 9JF).
The Four Waterfalls are in Neath, Brecon Beacons, South Wales. The postcode is CF44 9JF.
The only way to get to the Four Waterfalls is by car. Unfortunately, you cannot get there by public transport, buses are very limited in the Brecon Beacons.
From Brecon, take the A470 road towards Cardiff, then take the A4059 road. Before you reach the village of Penderyn, turn right towards Ystradfellte and follow the signposts for the falls.
From Abergavenny, take the A465 road towards Swansea and at Hirwaun, take the A4059 road. After driving through the village of Penderyn, turn left towards Ystradfellte and follow the signposts.
From Cardiff, take the A470 road towards Brecon, and at Merthyr Tydfil, take the A465 road towards Swansea. At Hirwaun, turn right on the A4059 road, and after going through Penderyn, turn left towards Ystradfellte and follow the signposts.
From Swansea, take the A4067 road to the M4 motorway. Drive east towards Cardiff on the M4, then take the A465 road towards Abergavenny. At Glynneath, take the Pontneddfechan road, go through the town and follow the road to the signposts for the falls.
For the Four Waterfalls, you can park at the Gwaun Hepste or Cwm Porth car park (CF44 9JF). Gwaun Hepste is the biggest and main car park. Both car parks are pay and display, and parking spaces are limited, so I would recommend getting there early.
Alternatively, you can park for free at the Comin y Rhos car park (SA11 5US). This car park is very small, but is the closest to the falls.
At both main car parks, you can view the route for the walk on notice boards as well as buy printed maps in the shops. The walking route is easy to navigate and clearly signposted throughout the trail.
Find the walk map and download the GPX file: Four Waterfalls walk on outdooractive.com
You can cut the walk short and only visit a couple of waterfalls. The closest fall to the main car parks and to the main forest trail is Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, while the furthest waterfalls from the main path are Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd y Pannwr.
You do not need to pay an entrance fee to visit the falls, however you do need to pay for the main car parks.
Toilets and small shops are located at both main car parks. There are no other toilets or facilities on the walk.
The Four Waterfalls walk is not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or bikes, as it includes steep steps.
The main forest path is made up of smooth pebbles, well maintained and easy to walk on. The riverside trails to the base of the falls are uneven, slippery, muddy and made up of rough stones, so please take extra care. The paths can get muddy in wet weather and near the waterfalls.
Dogs are allowed at the Four Waterfalls and in the Brecon Beacons national park.
You can swim in the river and natural pools at the Four Waterfalls.
Things to do near the Four Waterfalls
In the Waterfall Country, there are many waterfalls to visit. The second most popular waterfall walk is the Elidir trail to visit the Sgwd Gwladus fall. You can find the walk route and map on breconbeacons.org.
The Brecon Beacons also offer breathtaking walks across enchanting valleys, through wild moorlands and up majestic peaks. From the famed Pen y Fan Mountain to the Llyn y Fan Fach lake, you’ll enjoy magnificent scenery with every step you take. Explore the striking national park with the Brecon Beacons walk guides.
Share this guide:
Pin this for later:
Are dogs allowed please?
Hi Claire, I believe that dogs are allowed on the Four Waterfalls walk, as well as in the Brecon Beacons national park. I hope you enjoy the waterfalls.
Hi we are planning to go to four waterfalls is it better to take the accommodation near Glynneath town or Pontneddfechan village or Cardiff ? We are taking train from London Paddington what you can suggest ?
Hi Emmie, it all depends whether you would prefer staying in a small town in the Brecon Beacons or in the city of Cardiff, and if you have easy access to a car. I hope you enjoy the Waterfall Country!
Any idea/tips on how to get there by public transport? It is pretty discriminatory if the only access is via car.
Hi MG, I’m afraid the only way to get to the Four Waterfalls walk is by car. Public transport in the Brecon Beacons is very limited.
I was there yesterday and they are taking card payments.
Tip: once you pay for this car park, you can use the same ticket to stop at the cave car park – 2-5min walk to the cave with the widest mouth in Wales – an easy win.
Hi Anya, thank you for the update and the tip! I hope you enjoyed exploring the beautiful Waterfall Country.
Hello
Really excited to do the four waterfall walk (looks like stunning scenery), is it easy to navigate the walk (scared I’ll get lost 🙈)? Also any suggestions where to stay overnight close by?
Thanks
Carly
Hi Carly,
Yes, the walk is easy to navigate with clear paths and signposts dotted throughout the walk. It’s usually busy, so you can always ask for directions if needed.
I’m afraid I don’t know anywhere to recommend to stay close by.
Have fun exploring the four waterfalls!
Hi, we are looking to do the four waterfalls walk.I am 16 weeks pregnant.How big are the ascents and descents? I am not sure if I can do the walk.Please suggest.
Hi Pratibha, the Four Waterfalls walk includes three sets of long and steep ascents and descents. The total ascent is around 920 feet, or the equivalent of 90 flights of stairs. I’m afraid I’m not able to comment on the suitability of this walk for you, it depends on your level of fitness.
looking forward to hearing from you our trouble is we are getting on does your site give easy options regards jules and wendy doherty
Hi Jules and Wendy, the Four Waterfalls walk does include steep descents and strenuous ascents. The paths and sets of steps are well maintained and easy to walk on. I’m afraid the ascents and descents are unavoidable if you wish to explore the Waterfall County.