The Four Waterfalls Walk is a famous trail located near Ystradfellte, Powys, in South Wales. The trail boasts stunning scenery and access to ‘The Four Waterfalls’ in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The four falls are: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd yr Eira.
Where is the Four Waterfalls Walk?
The Four Waterfalls walk is located in an area of the Brecon Beacons National Park, known as Waterfall Country. There are two different car parks available, both are cash only, pay and display car parks. The area is known as ‘Waterfall Country’. Therefore, Ystradfellte is a keen spot for gorge walking enthusiasts.
Car Parking
There are a couple of car parking options at the Brecon Beacons waterfall trail. However during peak it is very busy with tourists.
Cwm Porth car park (CF44 9JE)
Cost: £4 for the full day
Gwaun Hepste car park (CF44 9JB)
Cost: £4 for the full day
How long is the Four Waterfalls Walk?
The 4 Waterfalls Walk is around 4.5 mile. However, depending on which point you decide to start, the route will vary slightly in length. Here is a breakdown of the distance and the estimated time it will take you to complete the walk directly from the car park.
Four Waterfalls Trail from Cwm Porth car park
- Distance: 8.8km round trip, including all link trails
- Time: 3/4 hours
Four Waterfalls Trail from Gwaun Hepste car park
- Distance: 9km round trip, including all link trails
- Time: 3/4 hours
How hard is the Four Waterfalls Walk?
This intermediate walk is perfect for all different levels of walkers. The Brecon Beacons Waterfall Walk is dog friendly so bring along your furry companions for a fun adventure.
Brecon Beacons Waterfalls Map
The Four Waterfalls
The Four Waterfalls Walk is a circular trail that lets you discover four spectacular falls; Sgwd Clun-Gwyn waterfall, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn waterfall, Sgwd y Pannwr waterfall, and Sgwd yr Eira waterfall.
Each waterfall boasts its own charm and character, offering scenic views. The Four Waterfalls Walk takes you through a peaceful forest, made even more majestic by the distant bubbling sound of the falls. This circular walk includes some muddy and steep descents, but it’s worth it.
The Four Waterfalls are best enjoyed throughout the spring and autumn, where their beauty can be truly appreciated.
Waterfall 1 – Sgwd Clun-Gwyn
The Four Waterfalls Walk begins with a serene stroll through the peaceful valley, before coming across a forest steeped in charm and mystery. As you move through the forest, you will arrive at the pebbled woodland path that leads to the first waterfall, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn.
With a short, steep ascent to the cliff edge, this stunning waterfall is the easiest to access and is the closest to the main forest trail. You can admire the River Mellte gushing towards the drop, and disappearing below the cliff edge.
Waterfall 2 – Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn
After heading back onto the main woodland trail, there is a small path that leads to the second and third waterfalls. Be prepared to descend several flights of steep, muddy stairs, before reaching the river nestled on a bed of black rock.
Partially hidden behind a large tree, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn is the smallest waterfall overall, and yet, the most charming. Secluded among ancient woodland, this waterfall oozes character and charm.
Waterfall 3 – Sgwd y Pannwr
To get to Sgwd y Pannwr, you must follow a muddy trail over the river from Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn. As the highest waterfall, the sounds of rushing water can be heard before the fall even becomes visible. After carefully climbing over some small rocks, you will reach the foot of Sgwd y Pannwr. Elegantly flowing down step by step and into the riverbed beside you, Sgwd y Pannwr will have you in awe of its beauty. You can swim in the waterfall plunge pools, as a result, in the summer months you’ll see many youngsters jumping from the rocks!
Waterfall 4 – Sgwd yr Eira
The fourth and final waterfall on the ‘Four Waterfalls Walk’ can be reached via a path off the main woodland trail. The descent to Sgwd yr Eira is the steepest and by far the most strenuous. After reaching the river you will be presented with a narrow riverside, that is peppered with rocks you will need to climb over.
Rushing down like a white veil, Sgwd yr Eira is the largest waterfall on the 4 falls trail. For an even more unique experience, you can walk behind the curtain of cascading water.
After making the journey up the steep steps back to the main woodland path, you will then follow the country lane as it loops back to the car parks.
