Melincourt Falls

Melincourt Falls is a waterfall of roughly 24 m (80 ft) near Resolven in Neath Port Talbot, south Wales. The brook drops over a rock ledge in a steep, wooded gorge that now forms a small nature reserve.

Where are Melincourt Falls?

The falls lie about 1.6 km south of the village of Resolven, in the Neath valley (Afon Nedd). They are fed by Melin Court Brook, a left-bank tributary of the river. The Welsh spelling is Melincwrt. Some people count them as part of Waterfall Country, although most of that area's falls sit several miles to the north-east, at the head of the Vale of Neath.

What will you see?

The brook plunges over a resistant band of Lower Pennant Sandstone. The result is one tall, striking drop, and after heavy rain the flow becomes noticeably more powerful. The reserve covers about 13 acres (5.3 ha) and is looked after by the Welsh Wildlife Trust (Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales). Dense woodland surrounds the site, and the path runs close to the water.

Visitors have been coming for at least two centuries. J. M. W. Turner is known to have painted the falls in 1794, which gave the regional Turner Trail its name.

How do you get there?

A free car park run by Neath Port Talbot council sits beside the B4434, opposite the reserve entrance. From there it is about 600 m to the falls each way, usually 10 to 15 minutes on foot. The trust maintains the path, but it turns very muddy after rain, so wear walking boots or wellies.

Entry to the reserve is free. There are no toilets or cafes at the falls; the nearest shops and food are in Resolven.

Want a longer outing? The Turner Trail loop is about 8 km (5 miles) and starts at Aberdulais, while shorter circular routes from Resolven cover around 6 km.

When is the best time to visit?

The falls look best after rainfall, which usually means autumn, winter and spring. In summer the leaf cover gives shade, though the flow can be thinner. Paths in the reserve have recently been closed because of undercut banks and fallen trees. Check the Welsh Wildlife Trust or Neath Port Talbot council pages before you set out.

Frequently asked questions

How high are Melincourt Falls? About 24 m (80 ft).

Is there an entrance fee? No. The reserve is free to enter, and so is the car park on the B4434.

How long should I allow? The walk takes 10 to 15 minutes each way, so about an hour covers a visit. With a longer ramble nearby, plan half a day.

Are the falls part of Waterfall Country? Some count them as such, but the main Waterfall Country falls are a few miles further north-east.

Is access always open? Not always. The trust has closed the paths for safety reasons, so check its website before you travel.