enjoy the view

NOTES

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Sgwd yr Eira

Brecon Beacons 4 waterfalls walk

Notes and points of interest

Afon Hepste is a tributary of the Mellte and would receive no special note were it not for its scenic setting and its dramatic plunge over the falls of Sgwd yr Eira.

Afon Mellte is a tributary of the River Neath (Nedd) and distinguishes itself by carving its way through an impressive cave system before tumbling down a staircase of three large an memorable waterfalls. Its waters attract Dippers and other birdlife. With luck you might even glimpse one of the local mink.

Sgwd yr Eira The curtain waterfall of Sgwd yr Eira has been formed where the Afon Hepste river leaps over a 50 foot cliff between high banks. Its unusual feature is that a narrow path runs behind the watery curtain and it is possible to walk behind the falls. The track was once used by sheep farmers. 'Eira' means snow, an allusion you will easily understand if you see the falls in full, white flow.

Sgwd y Pannwr is the lowest of the three falls on the Afon Mellte and tumbles over an elongated shelf that gives it a Niagara-like appearance (though nobody would pretend that it compares in size with that famous wonder). The pool below the falls is calmer than most sections of this river, due to a sharp curve in the river that slows down the flow. In some conditions it may be safe for bathing (but always take care and never risk bathing alone).

Sgwd Isaf Clwn-gwyn many people miss this cascade, which is reached via a dead-end diversionary route. It is neither the largest nor the most unusual but is certainly pretty enough to make the effort of the walk worthwhile.

Sgwd Clwn-gwyn the topmost and the highest of the falls on this walk, Sgwd Clwn-gwyn tumbles about 40 feet over two ledges. The edge is well fenced on the side where the main path runs. Direct access to the falls is possible from the other side of the river (reached via a footbridge that you pass on the route).

Cave there are many places where you can see rivers flowing out from the mouth of a cave. The unusual feature here is that the water flows into the cave to begin an underground journey before emerging from another tunnel. The entrance is large and the water is shallow in most seasons. Providing you wear suitable boots it is possible to enter the cave and see where its side tunnels lead away into the darkness.

Potholing this spot is popular with potholers and you may find that their transport has taken all the available parking spaces. Have patience, this is called the Cavers' Car Park. The cave has several possible entrances, but most climbers enter by means of the small rocky hole alongside the path close to the road.