A must-do waterfall loop in the Brecon Beacons National Park
This enjoyable walk is the perfect circular walk to do during spring or summer looking from some shadow in the ancient woodland and some freshness passing close to the waterfalls. The fours waterfalls have Welsh names (Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, lower fall of the white meadow, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, higher fall of the white meadow, Sgwd y Pannwr, “fall of the fuller”, Sgwd yr Eira, ‘waterfall of snow’.) and they are all equally spectacular! This is the second most popular hike in the Brecon Beacons National park after the Pen Y Fan walk.
It is considered a moderate walk since the paths are muddy and slippery to reach the bottom of the waterfalls so pay attention to your trekking gear. The Brecon Beacons park is located only one hour away from Cardiff city but it feels like a world apart: you will step into lush fairy tale forests and see impressive waterfalls. Soak into nature, have a picnic listening to the water tumbling down and disconnect from daily life stress and tight schedules.
. Here is the All Trails’s map :
Facts About the Hike
Distance: 5 miles/ 8 km
Elevation Gain: 300 meters
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: moderate/difficult
Map: The hiking trails are well marked and easy to follow from the car park. You can start from these two car parks: Gwaun Hepste or Cwn Porth.
When to go: This hike is at its best during the spring/summer months to avoid cold temperatures and rain.
Bring: Hiking shoes, water, snacks or lunch, a waterproof light jacket (remember you are in UK!), and of course, your camera.
Getting to the start of the hike
By Car: The park is one hour away from Cardiff. You can start your hike from these two car parks: Gwaun Hepste or Cwn Porth.
On the trail
From the Four Falls car park, follow the homonym path directions, walk through the kissing gate and start entering the woodland.
Sgwd Clun-Gwyn: The thunderous waterfall
Once you entered the woodland, you will soon realise why this trail is so popular. The first waterfall you will come across is the Sgwd Clun-Gwyn. Be careful when taking the often muddy path descending the steep but short slope. This is the most accessible one, the closest to the car park and one of my favourites since the sound of the water resonates in the valley and creates a refreshing environment due to the small water particles in the air.
From the bird’s eye viewpoint, you can enjoy fine views over the water cascading down.
Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn: The surprise cascade
Going back to the main trail, follow the directions leading to the second fall. This time the descent is longer and slippery so pay attention. Remember to enjoy the landscape without rushing this wonderful hike. Once you reach the bottom, you will see the river flowing past you.
Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn is the smallest waterfall of the trail but not the less interesting. It is the most tucked away in the middle of the forest and it feels like being miles away from civilisation.
Sgwd y Pannwr: The step waterfall
From the Swgd Isaf Clun-Gwyn waterfall, get back on the main trail and head towards the third and highest waterfall. As you approach the fall, you will be guided by the roar of the waters so you can’t be mistaken.
This is a cascading waterfall, meaning that the water flows step by step down to the river bed.
Sgwd-yr-Eira: The biggest and most popular waterfall
Last but not least we have the Sgwd-yr-Eira waterfall. The path is the longest and the most strenuous one but you will be able to have a picnic on the rocks near the river bed and enjoy the views. This is the most famous and charming waterfall since you can walk behind the water curtain and see the water cascading down creating a sort of private cave and see the rainbow through the water very often!
If you have some spare time and you are not tired enough after this pleasant hike, explore a fifth waterfall nearby that feature in the latest Batman film. Here are the directions to follow the Henrhyd Fall Trail, another great hike in the Brecon Beacons National Park
More information about hiking in the Brecon Beacons Park
If this walk inspired you to explore this astonishing natural area even further, have a look at the guide for the best panoramic hikes in the Brecon beacon National Park. Whatever your level or preferences are, these guides will inspire you to find your next favourite trail!
50 Walks in Brecon Beacons & South Wales (AA 50 Walks series)
Brecon Beacons Outstanding Circular Walks (Pathfinder Guides)
Walking on the Brecon Beacons: A Walker’s Guide to the National Park
