Pontneddfechan Waterfalls

[poppiesrara]

Stunning walk through the waterfall country of the southern Beacons. Probably picked just the right weather (after a fair bit of rain to awaken the falls, following a long dry spell - some of the paths were more than muddy enough as it was) and there are some dullish spells (cross-country between the two valleys and then the marshy forest walk-out from Sgwd yr Eira) and very testing stretches (especially the scramble up from the Lower Cilhepste Falls). But an unmissable route still, and a real thrill to walk behind two of the finer falls.

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Side falls leaving Pontneddfechan

Afon Nedd

Sgwd Gwladus

Behind Sgwd Gwladus

Sgwd Gwladus

Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls

Lower Sgwd Ddwli

Lower Sgwd Ddwli

Upper Sgwd Ddwli

Sgwd Clun-gwyn

Sgwd Clun-gwyn

Sgwd y Pannwr

Lower Cilhepste Falls

Lower Cilhepste Falls

Sgwd yr Eira

Sgwd yr Eira

Sgwd yr Eira

Sgwd yr Eira

Cwm Nedd

Afon Mellte valley

Falls behind Craig y Ddinas

Much of this route is well-marked and easy to follow, but the marking includes the closure of the paths (for 'erosion control' and 'safety') recommended in some written descriptions of walks around here, especially the route along the Afon Mellte passing Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn. I honoured the firm instructions of the blocked paths, but outside that it's definitely worth going off the main route to visit and pass behind Sgwd Gwladus (a real highlight) and also to follow the lower reaches of the Afon Hepste below the honeypot of Sgwd yr Eira.

[Mal Grey]

Lovely, thanks.

I haven't been there for years, must get back sometime. I second your advice to explore off the main route, though the several "Deaths Have Occured" signs I remember might put some off! With a little care, there are no real problems.

[clivegrif]

Ah, one of my favourite parts of Wales. Spent many a happy day with my camera in these parts.

Very nice!

[Alteknacker]

As you say: stunning! Truly, it doesn't all have to be about peaks.

The waterfall pools remind me of my childhood in the Yorkshire Dales: waterfall pools were always swimming pools!

Weren't you tempted...???

[ChrisW]

What an interesting route Pop, I didn't realise we had such wonderful falls lurking back home, let alone a whole bunch of em on one route Awesome to walk behind a waterfall...got me thinking now about where I can find one to do the same with over here. Lovely shots of what must have been a really enjoyable hike