enjoy the view

START

WALK Scene

www.walkscene.co.uk
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Vanishing Streams

the comings and goings of Afon Nedd and Afon Mellte and their tributaries

an underground stream resurges at Pwll Du

Highlights of this walk

rich woodland scenery
rivers and streams that vanish and reappear (classic limestone scenery)
caves, potholes and sink holes
dramatic waterfalls

For a condensed lesson in the features of limestone scenery you could hardly do better than follow these two rivers. But this is a delightful way to learn geography. The woodland sections provide a rich tapestry of light, shade and colour to the accompaniment of bird song and the sound of rushing water. Then, unexpectedly, the rushing sound fades as the river disappears underground only to resurge further down the valley.

Safety and Difficulty

This walk is relatively level (mostly near the 800 ft contour) but includes some scrambles (especially when the river level is high and you have to climb to the top of the bank). It is not particularly difficult in terms of effort and fitness, but it does require care and good footwear. OVERALL DISTANCE 7¾ MILES.

To use this guide

Review START Page (this one), check ROUTE and Map, check NOTES for points of interest, go and enjoy yourself!

Road Directions

From Brecon
Follow the A470 south towards Merthyr Tydfil. After passing the Beacons reservoir turn right onto the A4059. After about 6 miles turn sharp right, following the sign for Ystradfellte, then turn left at the next junction. Look out for another left turn about ¾ mile further on and follow that narrow lane down to a bridge (if you go over a cattle grid you have gone too far). The Pont Melin Fach picnic area is on the left across the bridge.

From A465 ("Heads of the Valleys Road")
Turn off the A465 onto A4109. At the traffic lights turn right towards Pontneddfecan (a brown sign points to "Waterfalls"). Turn left (following the "Waterfalls" sign again) and drive into Pontnedfechan, past The Angel Hotel. Turn left opposite the Craig y Dinas hotel (signposted to Ystradfellte). The road climbs steeply between houses then levels off slightly as it twists and turns its way up to the moorland. Cross a cattle grid and, soon after, notice a single power line crossing the road and turn left just after that (signposted Pont Melin Fach). This narrow road leads gradually down to the bridge over Afon Nedd. The car par/picnic area is on the left just over the bridge.

Car Parking

Start from the car park/picnic site alongside the River Nedd at Pont Melin Fach (National Grid Reference 908105). For such a remote spot this is a large Car Park and is provided with picnic tables.