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Waterfalls Walk


by Metric Kate

Route details

Region: Brecon Beacons
Start at: Cwm Porth
Circular Route
Grid ref: SN928124
Difficulty: Medium
Scramble element: Walking
Grade:
Distance: 15.0 kilometres
Total ascent: 711 meters
Approx. time needed: 5 hrs
Map: OS Explorer OL12 Brecon Beacons National Park
   
OS
Road
Satellite
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Terrain
Profile

Legs
 
 
Leg:1
From:Cwm Porth
To:Pont Melin Fach
Distance:3 kilometres
Grid Ref:SN928124
Grid Ref:SN907105
Ascent:N/A
  
 
 
 
  From the carpark at Cwm Porth, cross the road and then take the footpath up the hill to the B4242 Ystradfellte Road. Cross the road and take the minor road for about 200m before turning left to the badly eroded green lane that descends steeply to the Nedd Fechan valley. Walk south along wooded slopes to Pont Melin Fach where you use the road bridge to cross the river.  
 
 
 
Leg:2
From:Pont Melin Fach
To:Pontneddfechan
Distance:7.2 kilometres
Grid Ref:SN907105
Grid Ref:SN900076
Ascent:N/A
  
 
 
 
  Now the cascading fun begins. Continue south along the right bank of the river, passing multiple waterfalls as the Nedd Fechan bounces down to the Neath Valley. The detour to the spectacular Sgwd Gwladys is well worth taking. After this detour the way becomes much easier as it turns into a well maintained path and you reach the village of Pontneddfechan just by the excellent Angel Inn. Refreshments available here, but book if you want lunch at a weekend!  
 
 
 
Leg:3
From:Pontneddfechan
To:Sgwd yr Eira
Distance:4.5 kilometres
Grid Ref:SN900076
Grid Ref:SN928099
Ascent:N/A
  
 
 
 
  Take the road straight through the village, following the river Mellte to your right, and at Dinas Rock take the permissive path that runs up the north side of the ridge and the footpath then countours along above the Mellte river. Keep an eye open for the Gunpowder Works which operated from 1857-1939. Continue north through forestry until you hear the waterfall of Sgwd yr Eira before you actually see it. A very steep set of giant-sized steps takes you down to river level.  
 
 
 
Leg:4
From:Sgwd yr Eira
To:Cwm Porth
Distance:3.5 kilometres
Grid Ref:SN928099
Grid Ref:SN928124
Ascent:N/A
  
 
 
 
  Now you have to take the old drovers' road behind the waterfall, so be prepared to get damp if the falls are running hard, and care should be taken if it's icy. Another set of giant steps will take you to a junction where you should take the left path to continue your walk along the river, admiring cascade after cascade. This is a rough path and Central Beacons Mountain Rescue have more call-outs to here than anywhere else in their area! Continue northwards along the river until you return to your car.  
 

Getting there

Take the A465 Heads of the Valleys road to Pontneddfechan, and turn onto the B4242 for several kms before turning right to take the unclassified road to Cwm Porth carpark (charge).

Facilities

Toilets at Cwm Porth
Pubs and public toilets at Pontneddfechan.
A 5 minute walk from the carpark will take you to Porth yr Ogof, one of the largest cave entrances in Wales, where the River Mellte disappears underground. Don't go into the cave system!

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