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Location: Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Who remembers that scene at the end of ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, where Robin discovers the Batcave behind the superb, gushing waterfall?
Actually I did not recall this until my sister mentioned it and I had to watch the scene on Youtube, but if you’re a mega-fan then you may already know that the location of that 27m wall of water is in the Brecon Beacons, Wales!
I wanted to see it simply because I’ve seen the tempting brown tourist sign pointing the way for a few years now as I drive up to visit my grandmother. Ben didn’t exactly take much convincing, and so we packed up my pink Osprey backpack and away we went in my adventuring Micra, Ladybug, to explore Henrhyd Falls – the tallest falls in South Wales!
If you’re looking for more great places to hike in Wales, check out my photo diary of Three Cliffs Bay, one of my favourite hikes!
The Backpack:
If you’re looking for an excellent daypack for your hikes or travels, I really do recommend this Osprey pack. It’s the Tempest 20l one for women (Ben likes to wear it too!!), and it’s honestly the comfiest backpack. Designed specifically for women in mind, it has a wide hip strap that really does send the weight to your hips. The chest strap also helps alleviate the weight from your shoulders, and the shoulder straps are wide and nicely padded. There’s plenty of storage space, plus a back section for a camel-pack if you use one, and straps to slip hiking poles into. I like to store a raincoat in the front little pouch too.
I honestly wouldn’t recommend this if I didn’t love it, as it is an investment, but one 100% worth making! I’ve tried a lot of backpacks over the years, and I’ve now had my Osprey one for years. You can get your own Osprey Tempest 20 backpack here! Unfortunately it doesn’t look like they do the pink one anymore!
Now, let’s go explore Henrhyd Falls together!
(If you’re in the Swansea area and instead want some ideas of pushchair-friendly walks as opposed to hikes, then check out our list here!)
Getting there:
From Swansea follow the A4067 to Abercraf, and turned onto the A4221 and turned left into the village of Coelbren. From there, road signs will point you in the right direction for the carpark next to the falls.
If coming from Cardiff direction, it would be easier to follow the A470 to Abercynon, turn off onto the A4059 then the A465 towards Glynneath, then join the A4019 and follow the road until the turnoff to Coelbren.
Things to note:
Cost:
The steep steps and bridge that lead towards the waterfall
It says its £5 for an overflow carpark. This is right next to the actual carpark… which is free of charge (at least, it was when we were there in mid-April). If you are visiting during peak season and school holidays I would suggest getting there nice and early if you don’t want to have to use the overflow carpark. Seeing the falls themselves is free.
Facilities:
There are NO toilet facilities here. There is a burger van called Mystic Food next to the carpark if you get peckish!
Suitability and accessibility:
It is NOT suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The path is steep and uneven, and there are stairs to get the waterfall.
Difficulty:
To see Henrhyd itself, it’s easy and quick, just be cautious on the slippy gravelly bits.
To follow the rest of the trail – moderate, with risk of slips and falls and loose rocks along the path.
Best time to visit:
I mean, it’s never a bad time to visit a waterfall, right?
We went in mid-April and thanks to our delightful Welsh weather it DEFINITELY doesn’t rain much (ahem ahem, cough cough), and the waterfall looked spectacular. I can imagine that a hot summer’s day would feel very cooling there, unless it hasn’t rained for a long while. I wouldn’t recommend visiting after a dry spell, as there won’t be much power in the waterfall. Personally I would love to return in the autumn to explore Henrhyd Falls, and see them surrounded by golds, reds and browns – I bet it’s absolutely stunning!
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Now it’s time to explore Henrhyd Falls!
When you come out of the carpark, there is a map showing you the route down to Henrhyd Falls, and the route that goes beyond it if you want to see a series of smaller falls. From there you cross the small farm track to the latched gate with the National Trust sign on it – do make sure to close the gate behind you! And then it couldn’t be easier, you simply follow the path down through the woods. It gets steep at times so take care. At the bottom there is a signpost, take the left turn, up onto the footbridge with the steep steps (hold the handrail!) and there it will be ahead of you!
There were a few photographers there and a couple of fellow walkers, but it was mostly really quiet, and we wandered around, soaking it all in for as long as we wanted to. There are some giant logs to sit on, and some steps leading down to the river. We sat for a while, taking photos and just enjoying the view. It really is quite something. I felt like I was in a fairy glade – all the trees budding green around me, the moss clinging to the rocks, the rock walls enclosing us in the mystical atmosphere. It was lovely.
It is entirely possible to go behind the falls too. Just follow the path on the right hand side and be extra cautious on the slippery rocks! At 8 months pregnant, I opted not to do this. Although I’d love to return and experience the waterfall from a different perspective! You can swim in the pool below the waterfall, though the path down gets muddy and slippy, so be careful.
What next?
Exploring down the river track, where you can find more falls and rapids
Once you’ve soaked in enough waterfall spray, you can retrace your steps over the footbridge to the signpost. Turning right takes you back up the hill to the carpark, and going back continues along the Nant Llech trail. We did carry on for a little bit – the trail skirts the river and allows for views of smaller falls along the way. It’s incredibly pretty, but not very well maintained, and is muddy, slippy and stony at points.
We went to the next small falls, after scrambling over a fallen tree, stayed for a little bit sitting on a boardwalk listening to the river cascading down a small dip, and then headed back. Looking ahead I decided the risk of slipping was too great for me, so we turned around. Again, I’d love to go further down the trail, but not at 8 months pregnant! If you do want more information on the Nant Llech walk, check out this National Trust link.
And if you want see more falls?
Neath County is THE place in South Wales to see waterfalls! You can do the famous Four Waterfalls walk that includes Sgwd yr Eira, and another one you can walk behind. There’s also the Elidir Trail not so far from Henrhyd. It starts at Pontneddfechan near Glynneath, so on route back towards Cardiff! I have yet to visit, but there are multiple waterfalls and swimming holes along this trail to appreciate!
If you’re looking for more amazing places to hike in South Wales, check out this blog post about the stunning Three Cliffs Bay in the Gower!
Chat with me!
Would you visit and explore Henrhyd Falls? What’s your favourite waterfall? Let me know in the comments!
