Four Waterfalls Walk
With many waterfalls spread across Wales the Brecon Beacons is the only place where a cluster of these are located within short proximity of eachother. The four waterfalls walk is a must for hiking enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. We stayed at the Forest Lodges at Garwnant which was only a short drive away.
Parking
We started our walk from Gwaun Hepste Car Park – Post Code CF44 9JF. Upon arrival we were greeted by wardens who assisted on viewing and translating the map and pointing out key milestones and junctions on the toue ahead. You can pay to park at the machines with a card, we took cash just incase as we had read on some forums it was coins / cash only. Cost of Parking was £6.00. Portaloos were also available aswell as a temporary trailer with water and refreshments. Both guys were ever so friendly and very knowledgeable and passionate about the area. We arrived around 08:00 to get started ahead of the weekend rush and there was plenty of parking available at this time. The alternative car park that many choose is Cwm Porth Car Park.
Waterfall 1 – Sgwd Clun-Gwyn
The walk starts along a wide gravel path and then starts to wind downhill through a beautiful enchanted forest resembling something out of a movie. Tall conifers line the horizon with large stones and boulders scattered around. Some of these have been used as markers and seats with natural flat tops. The first waterfall on the route is Sgwd Clun-Gwyn translated to ‘Fall of the white meadow’. The path to the viewing point was easily found and well signposted however we were only able to view from the top. The path to the base had become quite dangerous and trecherous with signs up and fencing around to block the path. It appeared as though repair work was in progress to restore the safety of the path. Stepping stones were carved out to form a path with tree roots overlapping so care and attention was required at all times. We were still able to get a great view of the water descending and the amplified sound of the water crashing off the sandstone rocks.
Water fall 2 – Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn
Following the path for a few kilometres along winding gravel paths leads to the second signpost for Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn translated to the Lower Fall of the White Meadow. There is quite a descent to reach this next waterfall crossing over multi terrain. Decking steps have been introduced to improve the safety on some of the steeper drops. I would argue that this waterfall is the best out of the four as there are actually four spillways or ledges all flowing into a single point where all can be viewed from standing on boulders in the centre of the river. The water zig zags down with a range of drop points as the water almost grinds to a halt lower down, before gathering more momentum on its onward journey. The lush green vegetation and striking trees create a stunning backdrop as your eye is drawn upto the heavens. Moss covered boulders line the edges with eroded rock faces keeping them shaded. The sun light pokes through as you extend your view Northwards. This really is quite a magical view and very popular with photographers. Numbered marking on the face of stones on the right hand side indicate various viewing points. Please take care on this section as the rocks are wet and greasy and very very slippery.
Waterfall 3 – Sgwd Y Pannwr
Located very close to Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn along a muddy path with rounded stepping stones you will reach Sgwd Y Pannwr, translated to Fall of the Fuller. Alternatively you can traverse the rocky river bed where the water has sculpted and carved its way through the bedrock. Very differrent in form to the previous two waterfalls, multiple ledges at different heights lead your eye across the face of the rock with water entering the plunge pools below at various speeds. Total drop is estimated to be in the region of 12 metres high. A popular selfie spot near the top edge is a safe place view with an unmarked rocky descent down to the bottom to get a more complete view. A plunge pool at the bottom makes this quite inviting for the braver people. Care must be taken as this water can be extremely cold at times.
Waterfall 4 – Sgwd Yr Eira
The final waterfall on this trail is equally quite epic with the added bonus of being able to pass through the actual watrefall. What an experience ! You will get wet so be prepared. Sgwd yr Eira also known as the Waterfall of Snow is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons. The image below highlights the scale of the Spillway at the top which is in fact three seperate sections. When there has been heavy rainfall this may well merge into a single super spillway. This image stood out for me as it perfectly captures the beautiful natural flora and fauna that is thriving in this particular micro climate. The contast between the lush green tones and the white water splash makes for great viewing in the moment.
The primary stone that features in all four of these waterfalls is predominantly Sandstone, dating back to the carboniferous period, some 350 million years ago. It’s not just the water and the rocks that make this area so stunning but the natural backdrops and the scale and volume of such beauty concentrated within a small area makes this truly unique. The river that connects all of these is the Afon Hepste which runs wholly through the Brecon Beacons. Passing through many counties, the majority of the park lies within Powys. Once you visit you will just keep wanting to return to this beauty spot.
We travel to many quarries in England and Wales sourcing slate specifically for ponds and waterfalls so clients can create their own natural waterfall and cascades in their own private space. Browse our dedicated Waterfall section on the website with many sizes and varieties to choose from. If you have a design in mind or need something bespoke created please do not hesitate to contact us.