Waterfall Country — a hidden wonderland in the southwestern corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Four rivers (Mellte, Nedd Fechan, Pyrddin, Hepste) carve over a dozen spectacular waterfalls through ancient oak woodlands and sandstone gorges, making it one of the most photographed natural wonders in Wales. The Four Waterfalls Walk is just 5.5 miles long, yet links four distinct waterfalls: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and the highlight Sgwd yr Eira — where you can walk behind the curtain of falling water and feel the roar above your head. A 15-minute drive takes you to Henrhyd Falls (27m), South Wales' highest waterfall, which served as the entrance to the Batcave in The Dark Knight Rises. In the evening, return to Ystradfellte village and warm yourself by the fireplace of a historic pub with a locally brewed ale — the perfect end to a misty day of exploration.
Start from Cwm Porth on the Four Waterfalls Walk, walk behind the curtain of Sgwd yr Eira, and end your day by the fireplace of a historic pub in Ystradfellte village
Start from Cwm Porth car park in the morning and follow the Four Waterfalls Walk, visiting Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd y Pannwr before reaching the grand finale — Sgwd yr Eira, where you can walk behind the curtain of falling water on a sandstone ledge and feel the roar above your head. In the afternoon, drive to Henrhyd Falls (South Wales' highest single-drop waterfall at 27m), where you can also walk behind the cascade — it was used as the entrance to the Batcave in The Dark Knight Rises. End your day back in Ystradfellte village with traditional Welsh cawl and a locally brewed ale by the fireplace of a historic pub.
A historic pub in the heart of Pontneddfechan village and the official start of the Elidir Trail. With 17th-century stone walls and a fireplace burning year-round, a locally brewed ale and the signature Welsh Lamb Pie will chase away all cold and fatigue after your hike. The pub also serves traditional Cawl stew and homemade apple crumble. It's the classic rest stop in Waterfall Country and the weekly meeting place for the local hiking club. Average £12-20 per person.
A hidden gem tucked beside the hilltop church in Penderyn village, with a Google rating of 4.7 stars. From the outside it looks like a typical Welsh country pub, but inside it serves creative cuisine approaching Michelin standards — local venison tartare, Brecon blue cheese mousse, smoked trout pancakes are signature dishes. The head chef insists on using ingredients sourced within a 20-mile radius, even the bread is hand-baked with stone-ground flour from a neighbouring farm. About a 1-hour walk from Ystradfellte, or a 10-minute drive. Average £20-35 per person.
A forest cafe midway along the Elidir Trail, just a 5-minute walk from Sgwd Gwladus waterfall. Run by a retired teacher couple, the menu is simple but warming — homemade Welsh Bara Brith scones, hot apple juice and handmade sandwiches are the perfect energy boost for hikers. Summer terrace seating overlooks the Pyrddin River, while winter bookshelves by the indoor fireplace are filled with Welsh folk tales. The best place to slow down and chat with fellow hikers. Average £5-12 per person.
A mobile food truck at the Henrhyd Falls car park, open 10:00-20:00, the perfect refuelling stop after visiting South Wales' highest waterfall. Signature hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows, paired with a classic Welsh "Rock Pool Cake" (an energy bar made with local honey and oats), is a sweet reward for hikers. Picnic tables beside the truck face the forest gorge — with luck you might spot a peregrine falcon circling above the waterfall. Average £5-10 per person.