‘Waterfall Country’: the gorgeous area, two hours away from Bristol, full of waterfalls

Less than two hours away from Bristol is a stunningly beautiful area with a cluster of waterfalls. Located in the upper reaches of the Neath Valley in South Wales, Waterfall Country is situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Despite the high number of visitors in the peak season, the area – which has been designated as a Special Area of ​​Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – has managed to retain its natural beauty and tranquility. Last year Neath Port Talbot Council received more than £17 million to help the area reach its potential, with some of the funding going towards the creation of visitor accommodation, a visitor center with a public toilet and a farm/shop in village.

The rivers Mellte, Hepste, Pyrddin and Nedd-fechan wind their way in deep, tree-lined gorges over a series of dramatic waterfalls before joining to form the River Neath. The Four Falls Trail, a non-stop circular walk, is a good way to explore the area, reports WalesOnline.

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Walking paths wind through tree-lined gorges, around four huge waterfalls and emerald moss, and through ancient forests. The dog-friendly walk starts at either Gwaun Hepste or Cwm Porth car parks, the latter being a slightly easier walk.

All paths are managed by the National Park Authority and Natural Resources Wales, which means there are numbered signs, colored arrows directing the different paths, gravel paths and barrier fences guiding the way to the falls. The route from Cwm Porth is around six miles, takes around 3-4 hours and follows a countryside of farmland, narrow bridges and the River Mellte.

The easiest waterfall to access is Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, which only takes 15 – rather uneven – steps to reach the lookout point. At nine meters, this is the smallest of the four waterfalls, but it is still impressive.

From Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, the path takes walkers to Sgwd y Pannwr, but you have to climb over 90 steps, following moss-covered boulders and wooden walkways. WalesOnline describes this waterfall as “the most charming”.

Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn – the farthest part of the Four Falls Walk – can be reached via a wooden boardwalk from Sgwd y Pannwr. The fourth waterfall – Sgwd yr Eira – is also the largest.

The descent path has 170 zig-zag steps, but there are also a few picnic tables, making it the perfect place to rest.

Also in the area, just south of the village of Neath Resolven, off the A465, is a stunning 80m waterfall surrounded by beautiful bluebell woodland. Located just outside the Land of Waterfalls, the Melincourt Waterfalls Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve is sometimes overshadowed by other nearby natural attractions.

But located south of the national park, this is a hidden gem with a lot to offer. Access to Melincourt Falls is fairly easy, making it perfect for all ages and those who don’t fancy a huge trek to see some spectacular Welsh scenery.