Tag: brecon

Rambling on Together: An Extended Waterfall Adventure

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12 April 2025
Distance: 15.88 km
Elevation Gain: 420 m


Route: Dinas Rock → Pull Berw → Sgwd yr Eira → Sgwd y Pannwr → Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn → Sgwd Clun Gwyn → Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf → Sgwd y Bedol → Sgwd Gwladus

A week ago today, a group of us (Kerry, Gary, Johnny and I) embarked on an early morning adventure, setting off at 06:30 and arriving at Dinas Rock before 09:00, with a brief coffee and convenience stop in Merthyr Tydfil.

The plan was to walk an extended version of the Four Waterfalls Walk, and it delivered as we saw over 10 waterfalls.

We started the walk with a steep couple of climbs!



Our journey began with  Pull Berw, a serene introduction to the cascading wonders ahead.

The path to Sgwd yr Eira was both challenging and rewarding.

We witnessed some smoke and flames, along a ridge in the distance – wildfires. It’s sobering reminder of nature’s fragility.

Walking behind the curtain of water at Sgwd yr Eira was a highlight, offering a unique perspective of nature’s power.
Then we faced the 170 steps back up the path that tested our endurance.



The trail continued to Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn, where a steep scramble added an element of adventure.

Lunch at Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf provided a moment of respite, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water…until a lot of families arrived and we felt it was time to move on.

We then left the Four waterfalls area and headed onto the Elidir trail.

A delightful detour to Clyngwyn Farm Bunkhouse and Café offered a sweet treat. I had an ice cream. The misspelt “Barra brith” on the menu brought a chuckle(I need to learn not to correct people on spelling in their own language!), but the warm hospitality and delicious offerings made it a memorable stop.

The next stretch, past some farms and along a stream up to Pont Melin Fach didn’t feature waterfalls but was really pleasant and picturesque along the steam.

There started the new streak of Waterfalls – we saw the sixth waterfall of the day: Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf. And then so many that we stopped counting…


A surprise awaited us at Sgwd y Bedol—a lone swimmer embracing nature in its purest form! We didn’t need these sights! I’ll spare you the photo of the man to keep his privacy… But to be fair I don’t think he had any concerns about keeping himself private at all!

The final stretch led us to Sgwd Gwladus, where we once again walked behind the waterfall, just after an unexpected slip reminded me of the trail’s unpredictability. I didn’t get hurt. Just my ego bruised!

The Bannau Brycheiniog never ceases to amaze. Each waterfall, each path, and each unexpected moment contributed to a day filled with laughter, awe, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

I’d been there twice before but each time it feels different and looks different, depending on the seasons and the company.

Sharing this experience with Kerry, Gary, and Johnny made it all the more special.

Next walk will be more local.

Rambling on Together: Epic Dragon’s Back in Bannau Brycheiniog

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📍 Dragon’s Back, Bannau Brycheiniog, Cymru



Over a  week on and I’m still buzzing from this one—an absolutely epic day out on the Dragon’s Back! We went to Hay-on-Wye for the Riverside parkrun first which was really lovely.

This hike was everything: tough, wild, a bit cold at times, and utterly breathtaking.

We set out with high spirits and solid legs, and by the end we’d tamed the ridges and conquered the peaks. The climbs were no joke, especially up to Waun Fach (811 m), but every step was worth it for those views.

It felt like we were climbing for the first five kilometres. From the ruins of Castell Dinas (450 m) to the sweep of the Black Mountains from Pen y Grib (493 m), this route delivered in every way.

It was the third organised walk from the series but the second attended by friends.

As for the first one, I planned the route on paper maps, GPS Garmin device and OS Maps app. I sent a kit list, admin instructions including elevation and overall hole description, as well as a timed itinerary, and everyone was prepared. I also provided the customary flapjacks.

The company was brilliant (thanks Gary, Johnny and Gary!), the weather held, and the landscape felt like something straight out of a fantasy novel.

Being there, at the top of those hills brings me such joy I don’t know how to put it in words and pictures can’t show it either… it’s somehow awe for nature we are with, a sense of insignificance and impermanence that makes me feel free from daily worries. It just fills my happiness tank!

I haven’t stopped smiling since. This was a hike that reminded me why the mountains are my happy place.

Highlights:

  • Sweeping ridges  with huge views
  • A proper leg-burner with rewarding climbs (yes, it’s a positive!)
  • Sunshine, lovely friends, and moments of pure joy

Already planning to return. If you’re up for a challenge and love wild beauty, Dragon’s Back is calling!!

Diolch yn fawr! Hwyl!

Fighting the through-hike blues: a solo hike on the Ystradfellte four waterfalls trail

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The route

Just over a week has passed since my return from the Hadrian’s Wall Path walk, and I’ve been grappling with a weird sense of lethargy, perhaps a bit of post-hike blues. The thrill of the through-hike adventure had probably spiked my dopamine levels, and its abrupt end (+ a busy work week) left a void. To fill this, last night, I turned to the OS map, packed my bag, and decided to embark on another (smaller) journey – this time to Wales.

OS map for Ystradfellte area

After leaving the main road, the drive towards Ystradfellte was nothing short of surreal. The last two miles were through a landscape filled with low ferns and roaming sheep; it felt eerie. It was a scene straight out of a painting. It was starting to rain.

With a much smaller and lighter backpack than last week, I decided to hit the trail immediately, hoping for the clouds to part soon. My pack held the essentials – 1.5L of water, first aid kit, some food, spare socks, sun cream ( over-optimistic anticipation of the sun), and my battery pack. Equipped only with my fleece and cap for weather protection (I forgot my rain jacket), I stepped onto the trail.

Walking alongside a wall feels quite familiar 🙂



The trail to the waterfalls was a stark reminder of the impermanence of nature. The once healthy trees that lined the path looked damaged and diseased, a stark contrast from my visit almost two years ago. Their plight was painfully evident when compared to the picture that is on the main header of my site.

But the journey must go on, and it led me to the first waterfall, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, just after 10 o’clock. A serene stroll through a valley and a charming forest lead to this stunning waterfall, where the River Mellte gushes towards a drop and disappears below the cliff edge.



The drizzle persisted, making the stones leading to the waterfall viewing spot slippery. But, it was warm, and the drizzle was strangely refreshing.



Next came Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, a charming waterfall, secluded amongst woodland. The journey to it involved descending several flights of steep, muddy stairs, leading to a river nestled on a bed of black rock.

Following a muddy trail over the river from Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, I reached the highest waterfall, Sgwd y Pannwr. The sounds of rushing water could be heard before the fall even became visible. It flows down elegantly, step by step into the riverbed, a sight that leaves you in awe of its beauty. I love being by water and this felt just right.

I then went onto Sgwd yr Eira, the final and the largest waterfall on the trail. The descent to this waterfall was steep but with steps so not as strenuous. It rewarded me with a stunning view of the waterfall rushing down, a bit like a white veil. You can walk behind the curtain of cascading water! It felt very special.I didn’t get to experience this last time I visited so this was great!

After the short climb from the top of the fourth waterfall, I returned to the car park. In total the walk was just under 3 hours, covering 8.5km. The grey weather persisted, with fog and mist still hanging over the valley. But it was warm, and the drizzle was not an issue.



Deciding to make the most of my visit, I then went down to the cave, from the car park. The shift in temperature was noticeable as I descended the steps, the cold air bringing back childhood memories of visiting caves. Although it was getting busy and the car parks were full for the waterfalls walk, I had the cave to myself, engulfed in silence. It’s likely a place more suited for experienced visitors and maybe I wasn’t allowed to be there.



As I drove away from the valley, the weather decided to surprise me. Just a mile from the car park, I was greeted with beautiful skies and lovely sunny weather.

My next stop was Penderyn, where I picked up a present for a friend’s birthday. For anyone who enjoys a good whisky, I highly recommend stopping here. The lady in the shop was very helpful, and they offer visits every open hour, seven days a week.

On my way home, I stopped at Merthyr Tudful to charge my car and grab lunch.

This trip was a much-needed respite, but the next few weeks are going to be busy. My next hike might not be until late July, but I’ll post again soon about my plans for my next through-hike. Until then, keep exploring the outdoors!

Ystradfellte: the four waterfalls walk

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Walked with: Rod, James and Missy.

How I got there: car.

Map: https://www.strava.com/activities/6018335114

This was a trial hike in a few different ways. My first hike in a while, the first one I decided to document and the first one I tried to take photos on the DSLR camera (Nikon) rather than my phone.

We set off a couple of hours later than planned and arrived at Ystradfellte at about 12:00. I’d hoped to park at the pub The New Inn so we could eat there on the way back but the pub has clear signs not to park there, and it was closed. We’d passed a car park but that had a sign indicating it was full so we drove further and ended parking in a farmer’s field (they charged us £5 for the day) near the official parking called Cwm Porth. ///testy.different.chestnuts

There a cool cave, worth a look at before you start the walk. It’s called Porth yr Ogof and it’s just below the car park in the woods: ///rope.neon.mealtime

We then set off on the walk.
At this point, it’s past 12:00 and we haven’t had lunch. I didn’t mind too much because I’d been unwell in the morning so wasn’t too hungry. I’d had a slice of toast around 09:30 while walking the dog, at home, before we got in the car.
I’d brought some cereal bars so I gave one each to Rod and James , and I ate my yummy Trek oat bar.

As you’ll see on the map above, we made a few detours but it was a good walk and we’ll worth it for the beautiful sights.

At one point on the path, I fell on my backside and landed badly, hurting my shoulder – the bicep pain was horrible. It lasted for days after the fall, actually. As I write this, it still hurts when I use my right arm. With the lack of food, I became extremely tired. Then I lost Rod and James (they had my bag and mobile phone in my bag) so I got a little upset with exhaustion and pain.

But we carried on. We stopped a few times and I got my second Trek bar out; we shared it, just before the last stretch back to the car park.

We had good weather all along, which was quite lucky.

I’ll go back and do this walk again, starting earlier, taking food with me and maybe do it in the other direction.
I consider this one as a rehearsal 🙂