Follow the spectacular Four Waterfalls Walk at Ystradfellte through ancient woodland to four magnificent falls, including Sgwd yr Eira and its unforgettable path behind the water.
Ystradfellte · South Wales
Four waterfalls. One unforgettable walk.
Follow the rivers Mellte and Hepste through ancient woodland and deep gorges to four magnificent falls, including Sgwd yr Eira and the extraordinary path behind the water.
Waterfall Country
The walk where the sound of water follows you through the woods.
This is one of the finest waterfall walks in Wales: a varied circular route through forest, river valleys and rocky gorges to four very different cascades.
The standout moment is Sgwd yr Eira. An established path passes behind the falling water, placing you between the rock and the roaring curtain of the waterfall. It is wet, slippery and completely unforgettable.
Interactive route
See the complete circular walk.
Open the map full screen, inspect every junction and keep a usable route available when you walk. Conditions and path surfaces can change after heavy rain.
Stay after the walk
Turn Waterfall Country into a proper South Wales break.
Compare current accommodation around Ystradfellte, Brecon and the wider national park. Move the live map to the area that suits your plans before opening the latest prices.
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Why it earns its place
The path behind the falling water is the moment that makes this route famous.
Broad ledges, hidden cascades and deep woodland gorges keep changing the view.
River noise, moss-covered rock and towering trees create a walk full of character.
It is long enough to feel rewarding without demanding an entire mountain day.
Stage by stage
Follow the route through Waterfall Country.
Use these stages alongside the interactive map. Mud, stone steps, uneven rock and slippery surfaces are part of the walk, particularly after rainfall.
Ystradfellte to Cwm Porth
Leave the village, pass the historic church and cross the River Mellte. The quiet lane leads towards Cwm Porth, where the entrance to Porth yr Ogof makes a worthwhile short detour.
Enter the woodland
Cross the road and follow the signs towards Sgwd Clun-Gwyn. The path joins the Four Falls Trail beside the River Mellte, with numbered waymarkers helping you through the forest.
Sgwd Clun-Gwyn
The Fall of the White Meadow crashes over a broad rock ledge into the wooded gorge. Slow down at the viewpoint and keep back from exposed or slippery edges.
Through the forest
Return to the main trail and continue through woodland as the path climbs before levelling high above the river. This is one of the quieter, more peaceful parts of the circuit.
Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn
A steep descent reaches Sgwd y Pannwr before the river path continues to Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn. The final approach is uneven and can become very slippery after rain.
Behind Sgwd yr Eira
The highlight of the walk. The established path passes behind the curtain of Sgwd yr Eira. Expect spray, wet stone and limited grip; take your time and do not crowd other walkers.
Return to Ystradfellte
Climb back to the main trail and follow the route towards Gwaun Hepste before using quiet country lanes to return to the village for a well-earned finish.
Finish with food or another night
Ystradfellte and the wider area offer useful places to eat and stay. Check current opening times before relying on one particular pub, cafe or accommodation provider.
Keep the water roaring
Discover eight of the best waterfall walks in the UK.
From Ingleton and Aysgarth Falls to Cwmorthin and Aira Force, continue through the complete Days Out Now waterfall-walk collection and find the next route worth travelling for.
The honest version
Beautiful after rain. Slippery for exactly the same reason.
Moderate, with repeated stone steps, steep descents and climbs, mud and uneven rocky ground.
- Walking boots with dependable grip
- Waterproof jacket
- Food and water
- Walking poles if useful
Keep dogs controlled near livestock, river edges and drops. Families need capable walkers who are comfortable with steps and slippery ground.
Rain gives the waterfalls more power, but also increases mud and risk. Check conditions and turn back if the route feels unsafe.
Sgwd yr Eira, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, woodland river crossings, moss-covered rock and Porth yr Ogof.
Check current parking, food, accommodation and opening information before leaving home rather than relying on old listings.
Add another experience
Things to do around South Wales.
If you are staying longer, compare live local tours and experiences. Add only what improves the trip; the waterfall walk remains the main event.
Activity links are tracked. Days Out Now may earn a commission from a qualifying booking, at no extra cost to you. Check live dates, accessibility, cancellation terms and meeting details with the provider.
Quick answers
Four Waterfalls Walk FAQs.
Can beginners do this walk?
Most reasonably fit walkers can complete it, but expect steep sections and uneven ground. Families with older children who enjoy walking should have no problem, provided suitable footwear is worn.
Is this one of the best walks in Wales?
Absolutely. The Four Waterfalls Walk is widely regarded as one of the finest circular walks in Wales and one of the UK’s greatest waterfall adventures.
Walking behind Sgwd yr Eira alone makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
What’s the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery and quieter trails, while winter and after rainfall provide the most powerful waterfalls.
Summer is the busiest period.
Is the walk dog friendly?
Yes, although dogs should be kept under control near livestock and on steep sections.
Is there parking?
Yes. Parking is available in Ystradfellte, where the circular route begins.
Additional parking is available at nearby Cwm Porth and Gwaun Hepste.
Is the Four Waterfalls Walk difficult?
It is rated moderate, with several steep climbs, stone steps and uneven woodland paths.
Good footwear is essential.
Can you walk behind the waterfall?
Yes. Sgwd yr Eira is famous because visitors can walk behind the waterfall via a natural path carved into the rock.
Take care, as surfaces can be slippery.
How long is the Four Waterfalls Walk?
The circular route is 6.6 miles (10.6 km) and usually takes around 3 hours 45 minutes, depending on stops and conditions.
For local businesses
Run somewhere brilliant near Waterfall Country?
Readers are already deciding where to stay, eat and explore around this walk. Suitable accommodation, cafes, pubs, attractions and activity providers can apply to be featured by Days Out Now.
Stay close. Start early. Hear the waterfalls before the crowds arrive.
Use the live accommodation map to compare current options near Ystradfellte, or keep exploring the complete Days Out Now waterfall-walk collection.
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