A Breathtaking Adventure: Exploring The Four Waterfalls Walk, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons)

If you’re staying with us at Clyne Farm Centre in Swansea and looking for an unforgettable day trip, we’ve got just the place for you – The Four Waterfalls Walk in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) near Glynneath. Located just a 50-minute drive from Clyne Farm, these natural wonders are a must-visit, especially if you have kids or four-legged friends in tow.

We visited The Four Waterfalls in late September. The timing couldn’t have been better, as the falls were in full flow thanks to the recent rain, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

The adventure began with a scenic drive from Clyne Farm Centre to the Cwm Porth car park, which is one of the starting points for the waterfall trail. The journey itself is a treat, winding through the picturesque Welsh countryside, offering views of rolling hills and lush greenery. Cwm Porth is the only parking spot nearby with toilet facilities. It costs £5 for the whole day. There are volunteers on hand to give you any advice about the walk and you can buy a map there too. There is usually a food van parked up but bring your own supplies in case!

We set out from Cwm Porth to witness the stunning natural beauty of not one, but four waterfalls – Sgwd Clun-gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd-yr-Eira. If you haven’t guessed already sgwd means waterfall in Welsh!

The circular hike to explore all four waterfalls takes approximately four hours (with lots of stops), making it a manageable and enjoyable adventure for families and dog owners alike. While we didn’t have children or dogs with us on this trip, we could easily see how the trail is suitable for both. The path is well-marked, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility.

The highlight of the day was, of course, the waterfalls themselves. Each one had its unique charm, from the graceful Sgwd Clun-gwyn to the dramatic Sgwd-yr-Eira, where you can walk behind the waterfall and experience nature’s power up close. The sound of cascading water and the feeling of mist on your skin made the visit truly unforgettable.

Top tip: Put your coat on when you walk behind Sgwd-yr-Eira – we didn’t and we got soaked!

The best part? The Four Waterfalls is a year-round destination, so you can plan your trip based on your preferred season. Be it the lushness of spring, the vibrant foliage of autumn, or the frozen beauty of winter, this place offers a different, equally enchanting experience every time.

Most of the walk between the falls is pretty flat but there are some steep climbs up and down to each waterfall, and we suggest you take these sections slowly, especially when muddy. Walking boots are needed. We saw some visitors in flip-flops and casual trainers – not recommended!

So, if you’re staying at Clyne Farm Centre and want to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Wales, make sure to include a day trip to The Four Waterfalls on your itinerary. It’s a journey that promises adventure, serenity, and lasting memories for you and your loved ones – whether they have two legs or four!

Add a 5th waterfall: If you want to continue the waterfall theme why not also visit Sgwd Henrhyd (Henrhyd Falls). Henrhyd is the highest waterfall in South Wales at 90ft (27m). The National Trust car park is around a 25 min drive from Cwm Porth car park. Top fact: In the film The Dark Knight Rises, Sgwd Henrhyd was used in exterior location shots for the famous Batcave – Batman’s secret hideout!