Waterfalls of the Vale of Neath

I cannot call to mind a single valley that in the same extent of country comprises so much beautiful and picturesque scenery and so many interesting and special features as the Vale of Neath. That’s what the famous 19th Century naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace wrote when he first experienced the Vale of Neath. He summed it up pretty well.

The ‘special features’ he refers to are the series of beautiful and dramatic waterfalls blessing this valley. There is nowhere in Wales with as many spectacular waterfalls in such a small area as this part of South Wales known as ‘Waterfall Country’. Here, the rivers Mellte, Hepste and Neddfechan have worn away the soft rocks to create steep wooded gorges full of caves and waterfalls. These beautiful secluded woodlands on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, contain a series of picturesque tumbling streams and falls. Each with their own unique character, these falls are some of the loveliest we have encountered and offer the potential for some wonderful photography.

Together we will follow the Elidir Trail along the River Nedd Fechan, taking in the falls en route. Sgwd Gwladus (Lady Falls), with its delicate cascade is one of the most beautiful. We will also take in Sgwd-y-Bedol (the Horseshoe Falls), shaped in several levels of semi-circular ledges. A little further upstream the water cascades over Sgwd Ddwli Isaf and Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf (the Lower and Upper Gushing Falls) which after heavy rain, truly live up to their name.

We will also visit nearby Melincourt Falls; a spectacular 80 feet (24 m) high waterfall and known to have inspired J. M. W. Turner to paint them in 1794. This is the ideal workshop if you are looking to master the capture of water.