Tucked away in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Henrhyd Falls is the highest waterfall in South Wales.
Henrhyd falls trail
While it’s a short hike, it can be very slippery. After all, this is Wales, and it rains quite a bit. This also explains why it’s a paradise for waterfall lovers 🙂
The walk starts from the National Trust car park, passing through 2 gates and following the footpath down the slope to a junction at the bottom. There is a wooden bridge and a little further along the path some stairs, which were added after a landslide destroyed the original route.
A microclimate
The waterfall flows over Farewell Rock, cascading 90 feet (27m) into Graig Llech Gorge, a steep-sided valley that creates its own microclimate. This unique environment explains why moss and ferns thrive in the damp conditions. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Henrhyd Falls is located close to the village of Coelbren. It was used for the entrance to the Batcave in The Dark Knight Rises. It’s possible to walk behind the fall, there is enough room. But it’s very slippery as you can imagine.
How to Get to Henrhyd Falls
Henrhyd Falls is located near the village of Coelbren. The falls are easily accessible by car but not by public transport. The trail is well-marked—short but steep—so good footwear is recommended (at the very least, avoid white trainers when it’s wet! 🙂). I visited on a beautiful autumn day. The welsh weather is notoriously unpredictable, and that day was no exception. I came back to the waterfall a few hours later and the sun was setting. The colours started changing to warmer tones too.
From Henrhyd Falls to the Four Falls Walk: More Waterfall Adventures
Another place to explore after Henrhyd Falls is the Four Falls Walk, also located in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Be sure to check out these two stunning waterfalls: Sgwd y Pannwr and my personal favorite, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn.
