Sgwd y Pannwr is a waterfall located in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly known as Brecon Beacons), South Wales. It is part of the Four Waterfalls Walk (Although it’s more a hike than a walk).
The waterfall Sgwd y Pannwr, Fall of the Fuller
Sgwd y Pannwr, like any other Welsh names are hard to pronounce for non welsh speakers (except maybe the Breton of France, who share Gaelic as a common root). The waterfall is also known as its direct translation “Fall of the Fuller”. It reflects the area’s historical connection to the wool industry, where fullers (workers who cleaned and thickened woolen cloth) used waterfalls in their processes.
Situated on the Afon Mellte river, Sgwd y Pannwr is the third waterfall on the Four Waterfalls Walk. It is downstream of Sgwd Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn (my favourite), before reaching Sgwd yr Eira. The waterfall is situated at an altitude of 180m, a drop of 40 m in elevation from the previous waterfall.
The waterfall is a wide curtain of water cascading over a smooth rock face, creating a broad flow. It must be very impressive to see after rainfall.
Just like with Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn waterfall, we were lucky, it was the end of the day, and we had the place to ourselves. That also explains why the photos are quite dark!
Bannau Brycheiniog, Brecon Beacons National Park
Brecon Beacons National Park (now called Bannau Brycheiniog) is part of the famous Four Waterfalls Walk, a scenic trail that takes hikers through forests and past several waterfalls along the River Mellte. The river name means “Lighting” because of its rapid rises and falls after heavy rain.
I’m a huge waterfall fan, as you can probably tell from my website, so visiting Wales was a must for me. Living in London, I took the opportunity to spend a few days exploring some of its most beautiful waterfalls. Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is known as “waterfall country,” so there was no way I was going to miss it!
Having grown up in the Alps, I’m used to hiking in the mountains and always dress for the terrain. It’s the same when I visit Saudi Arabia, different landscapes require different gear. Here in Wales, waterproof clothing is essential. Even if the forecast looks great, the weather can change quickly, and the trails can be wet and muddy. I always keep a spare set of clothes in the car. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Four falls trail
The Four Waterfalls Trail is a famous circular hike through woodland gorges, going past 4 of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons): Sgwd yr Eira, Sgwd y Pannwr, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, and Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn. Instead of visiting just one, I highly recommend following the Waterfall Link Path (green route). It’s the easiest way to see all 4 falls. The trail has beautiful views, but be prepared for narrow paths, steep steps, and uneven terrain. While the hike can be challenging in places, the reward is well worth it. Fun fact: Sgwd means waterfall in Welsh, so you’ll see it in many place names along the way!
How to get to Sgwd y Pannwr
Sgwd y Pannwr is located within Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and is accessible via the Four Waterfalls Walk. The best starting point is the Cwm Porth car parks, providing access to the trail. From there, follow the Waterfall Link Path (green route), which takes you past several waterfalls, including Sgwd Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, before reaching Sgwd y Pannwr. The hike to the falls takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Parking
The Cwm Porth Car Park is located near Ystradfellte, this pay-and-display car park charges £6.
