Waterfalls galore in the Brecon Beacons
A moderate walk (riverside) in national park Brecon Beacons in Neath Port Talbot (Castell-nedd Port Talbot), Wales, about 11.30km (7.02 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 3:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
182m (597ft)
Descent
140m (459ft)
Max. Elevation
250m (820ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
322m (1056ft)
Start & End
Glenneath (bus stop)
Distance
11.30km
(7.02mi)
(7.02mi)
Duration
~3:45h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
This walk is a highlight of South Wales - a series of spectacular waterfalls in the forests of the Brecon Beacons. The town of Glynneath is easy to reach by bus from Swansea, Neath and Merthyr Tydfil. Some buses also stop in Pontneddfechan, in which case you can skip the first leg of this route. It's a great walk at any time of year, especially after rains. It's a good family walk, but beware that some sections can be quite slippery and the banks are steep.
Walk Functions
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Waypoints
OS Grid SN882064
Start of the walk. From the town, head for the bridleway on the south side of the Afon Nedd. Follow this for 2km to the village of Pontneddfechan, the start of the waterfall walk.
OS Grid SN903076
Stay on the bridleway which heads east before you reach the village.
About 2.36 km (~1.47 miles) from 
OS Grid SN927098
The bridleway continues through the forest, heading slightly uphill, to the first spectacular waterfall of Sgwd yr Elra, which means 'Spout of Snow'. The path heads behind the waterfall, which was an old route shepherds used to cross the river.
About 3.34 km (~2.08 miles) from 
OS Grid SN925105
Follow the footpath heading north to the second and third waterfalls - Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn and Sgwd Clun-gwyn. The ground around here is very steep and signs advise you to take the detour path. Just north of Sgwd Clun-gwyn is a footbridge across the river. Turn right when you reach the road.
About 0.67 km (~0.42 miles) from 
OS Grid SN908104
Head along the road for 200m and opposite the church is a footpath heading to Pont Melin-fach, where the route joins the Nedd Fechan river.
About 1.69 km (~1.05 miles) from 
OS Grid SN899091
The path follows the river past the Scwd Ddwli waterfall and carries on south past smaller falls to a junction with the Afon Pyrddin. Follow the river bank a short distance to the Sgwd Gwladus and Scwd Einion Gam falls. Cross the river either by the footbridge or the stepping stones.
About 1.58 km (~0.98 miles) from 
Back to PontneddfechanOS Grid SN900077
The final leg again follows the river bank, back to the village of Pontneddfechan. The Angel Inn is worth a visit for a pint after a great day's walking. Retrace your steps back to Glynneath to catch the bus home.
About 1.44 km (~0.89 miles) from 
