Waterfalls

Waterfall Country

April 22, 2019 By Valerie Davies

One of the joys of the Brecon Beacons are its waterfalls. They are spread thoughout the park and during periods of high rain they can turn into raging torrents yet on other days they become tranquil slow moving cascades. The most popular area is known as the 4 waterfalls walk but there are many other lesser known ones with equal charm but a lot less people!

Waterfall Country, known in Welsh as Coed-y-Rhaeadr (Wood of the Water), lies within the triangle formed by the villages of Hirwaun, Ystradfellte, and Pontneddfechan and on the rivers Mellte, Hepste, Pyrddin and Nedd-Fechan, tributaries of the River Neath. Here, old red sandstone and a long belt of outcrop limestone have created a highly distinctive environment of wooded gorges, caves, swallow holes and waterfalls.

The area contains two Sites of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation with fine specimens of sessile oak and ash trees and over 200 species of mosses, liverworts, and ferns. It is also of historical significance, as it contains the legacy of man’s attempts to make a living from this landscape. It receives around 300,000 visitors a year, including walkers, outdoor groups, photographers, climbers, cavers and canoeists.

The most famous waterfall is Sgwd-y-Eira, the Snow Waterfall, on the River Hepste, where a natural path leads right behind the curtain of water.

There are many trails to follow including the circular walk taking in the 4 waterfalls walk which takes about 3-4 hours without rushing.

Elan Valley

July 19, 2017 By Valerie Davies

The Elan Valley is just 22 miles from the coach house over a glorious mountain road. It consists linked dams and lakes supplying water to Birmingham. The dams in full flood look like a series of waterfalls flowing down the side. The area is a haven for wildlife.

It is also a very good place to view the night sky with no light polution being so remote.

We were also very lucky to come across one of the sheep roundups. Approximately 4 times a year the hill farmers get together and round up all their sheep from the hills. On this occasion it was to shear the sheep. It is quite a sight to see man horse and dog working together and a few quads but that is progress?

Year of Legends – 3

May 15, 2017 By Valerie Davies

There are many beautiful waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons but one of the most secluded are Sgwd Gwladus and Sgwd Einion Gam on the River Pyrddin near Pontneddfechan.

These two waterfalls also have a traditional Welsh love based legend attached to them hence their names.

Brychan of Brycheneiniog, a Welsh 5th century prince, had 24 daughters the youngest being Gwladus.

She fell in love with Einion but her love was unrequited. Tormented with sadness she mysteriously became immortalised and her spirit flows freely in this serene waterfall.

Einion was also immortalised in the tall crooked cascade of Sgwd Einion Gam. This drops 20 metres into the pool below. Unlike Sgwd Gwladus there is no path and the River Pyrddin must be crossed several times to reach the waterfall.

Ystradfellte Caves and Kilns

February 25, 2016 By Valerie Davies

Today I went to the Ystradfellte area to see the caves, kilns, burial mounds and standing stones.

The village is very close to the main car park for the 4 Waterfalls walk. There is a pub, The New Inn, which servers meals, snacks and drinks all day which might be very welcoming after a day walking in this area. There is also a small post office attached to the village hall.

The moorland in this valley extends as far as the eye can see and everywhere you look there are remains of the lime kilns, from the basic impression in the ground to the larger brick lined example in the picture. The remains of the burial mounds often collapsed in the middle with a tree growing there are a reminder of the people who lived here a long time ago.

There has been much speculation as to the purpose of the standing stone Maen Llia situated further up the valley towards Heol Senni. What ever it’s real reason for being there it has an amazing view of the valley. One of the most photographed features in this area and quite busy during the summer months.

Finally we visited Porth yr Ogof caves. Access to the caves is only with an expert guide as they are extensive and filled with a fast flowing river at certain times of the year.