Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales
Ystradfellte

Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk from Cwm Porth —Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales
Ystradfellte

Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk from Cwm Porth —Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park

Easy

4.7

(371)

2,925

hikers

Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk from Cwm Porth —Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park

02:00

7.25km

120m

Hiking

Embark on the Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk from Cwm Porth, an easy 4.5-mile (7.3 km) hike through the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park. This route, which takes around 1 hour and 59 minutes to complete, guides you through ancient woodlands, rolling fields, and serene riverside paths, offering 394 feet (120 metres) of elevation gain. You will discover four impressive waterfalls, including the iconic Sgwd yr Eira, where you can walk behind the curtain of water. Expect diverse terrain with some muddy and rocky sections, especially near the waterfalls, which add to the adventure.

To begin your journey, head to the Cwm Porth car park, a popular starting point that often provides facilities like toilets. It is wise to arrive early, particularly during peak seasons, as parking spaces can fill up quickly. While the overall trail is rated easy, be prepared for some steep descents and ascents on uneven steps when approaching the waterfalls directly. Sturdy, grippy walking boots are highly recommended for navigating these sections safely, especially after rain.

This trail is a highlight of "Waterfall Country," an area known for having one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in Wales. Beyond the four main cascades, you will encounter lush woodlands, hidden plunge pools, and smaller cascades, creating a tranquil atmosphere. For the adventurous, there are opportunities for wild swimming in some of the plunge pools along the route, adding a unique element to your hiking experience.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

125 m

Porth Yr Ogof Cave

Highlight • Cave

Porth Yr Ogof (gateway to the cave, in Welsh) boasts the largest entrance of any cave in Wales at over 55 feet (17 m) wide and almost 16 feet (5 me) tall. The cave is managed by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and is adjoined by a visitor centre and a pay and display car park, which is a handy place to park to explore the waterfalls.

Tip by

2

1.65 km

Afon Mellte Footbridge

Highlight • Bridge

This footbridge across the Afon Mellte is located just north of Sgwd Clun Gwyn. The bridge is located on the connector trail leading from Porth Yr Ogof car park to the Four Falls Trail. This is a nice, easy, and very popular walk.

Tip by

3

1.83 km

Sgwd Uchaf Clun-Gwyn Waterfall

Highlight • Viewpoint

The first waterfall most hikers encounter when exploring 'Waterfall Country' in the Brecon Beacons is Sgwd Uchaf Clun-Gwyn, meaning ‘upper fall of the white meadow’. Comprising two sets of falls, a few hundred metres apart, the upper falls are the highest and thunder dramatically into the River Mellte below. The lower falls are a picturesque series of cascades that flow into the steep gorge below.

Tip by

4

2.53 km

This is the main viewpoint for Sgwd Uchaf Clun-Gwyn Waterfall on this side of the river. The viewpoint is small but you have a great vantage point looking right down the throat of the waterfall. Careful of the big drops about you, sure footing is required, especially when the trail is wet.

Tip by

5

2.71 km

Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn

Highlight • Waterfall

Sgwd Isaaf Clun-Gwyn means ‘lower fall of the white meadow’. While the higher falls a few hundred metres up the River Mellte are very dramatic, the lower falls are a picturesque series of cascades that flow into the steep gorge below.

Tip by

6

3.15 km

Sgwd y Pannwr

Highlight • Waterfall

Sgwd y Pannwr - 'fall of the fuller' or 'fall of the woollen washer' in Welsh - is the lowermost of the three much-loved falls on the Mellte. Like something from a Jungle Book scene, this waterfall is as dramatic as it is beautiful.

Tip by

7

4.25 km

Sgwd Yr Eira

Highlight • Waterfall

Sgwd Yr Eira is the star attraction of the Brecon Beacons' much-loved 'Waterfall Country' walk. Meaning 'fall of snow' in Welsh, it tumbles over the 50 foot (15.2 m) tall cliff like a beautiful veil of water. What makes the waterfall so special is that you can walk behind it for a truly incredible thing to experience. Do take care when walking behind the falls, though, as the path is rocky, wet and slippery. Make sure you have decent walking boots and waterproofs.

Tip by

B

7.25 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.43 km

597 m

203 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.30 km

1.52 km

409 m

< 100 m

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (260 m)

Lowest point (180 m)

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Friday 8 May

16°C

6°C

30 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

This route was planned by komoot.

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Print

Share

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Nearby routes

Moderate

4.8

4,719

Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk

02:44h

7.56km

450m

Trail Reviews

Ana
September 27, 2023, Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk from Cwm Porth — Brecon Beacons National Park

Some amazing waterfalls.. jusr be aware.. part of the route is currently closed.. from both sides.. i have posted the position on the map. There is no indication to why or how long it will be closed. There is a fallen tree closer to the start of the Cwn Porth, and its necessary to climb over the wired fence to get around. Obviously im sure in time both of these issues will be sorted... i still give this a 10 for its beauty..

We reached the entrance through a sheep meadow. Initially, the path along the river was very natural. Other parts, however, are easy to walk. The final waterfall, however, can only be reached via a steep staircase. All in all, this tour is highly recommended. If you like, you can also visit the exuberant waterfalls.

Translated by Google

Very enjoyable hike. Plenty of wildlife. Moderate to strenuous in places walk. We'll sign posted throughout.

No matter the weather, the waterfall trail is always a good option. Get there early, as the parking lot fills up quickly. I had to skip one waterfall due to time constraints. The trail is well signposted, and National Park staff are at the parking lot with lots of tips for the hike. More on this soon in the Gipfelglück blog.

Translated by Google

Komoot is on one with this, we weren't that fast, it was much higher elevation and certainly much longer!

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy