Sgwd Gwladys

Sgwd Gwladys (also spelled Sgwd Gwladus, and known in English as Lady Falls) is a waterfall on the Afon Pyrddin, close to the village of Pontneddfechan in South Wales. It sits inside Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, in the area known as Waterfall Country.

Where is Sgwd Gwladys?

The fall lies on the Pyrddin river in Powys, at roughly 51.7715 N, 3.6014 W according to Wikidata. The nearest settlement is Pontneddfechan, at the foot of the upper Vale of Neath. This stretch of the valley, between Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte, is what people call Waterfall Country: an unusually large number of falls can be visited on foot along the Nedd Fechan, Pyrddin, Hepste and Mellte rivers.

What will you see?

Lady Falls is a slender cascade dropping over a rock lip in a wooded gorge. Published heights vary. The Ordnance Survey guide gives about 7 m, as do waterfall-specific sites, while other write-ups quote about 20 ft or even 40 ft. The gap probably comes from different ways of measuring, so treat it as a drop of several metres. One description highlights a pronounced rocky overhang above the plunge pool.

The surrounding gorge is thick with trees, mossy boulders and small streams. Soft, overcast light suits photography, and the fall looks its best after rain, when the river carries more water.

How do you get to Lady Falls?

Start in Pontneddfechan. Walking route sites describe the falls as part of the Elidir Trail. Sources disagree on whether Lady Falls belongs to the popular Four Waterfalls Walk: some lists include it among the four, while others name Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira for that loop. Check a current route map before setting out.

Paths in the valley can be muddy and slippery, particularly after rain. Wear shoes with good grip and keep off wet rocks beside the water.

When should you visit?

The falls can be visited all year. Autumn, winter and spring usually bring higher water and a stronger flow. Summer offers the greenest scenery and drier paths, though the flow may be lighter. Mornings tend to be quieter than weekend afternoons.

What else is nearby?

The same part of the national park holds more waterfalls on the Nedd Fechan, Mellte and Hepste, including Sgwd yr Eira, famous for the path that passes behind its curtain of water. Pontneddfechan and, further up the valley, Ystradfellte make good bases for a half-day or full-day outing.

Frequently asked questions

Are Sgwd Gwladys, Sgwd Gwladus and Lady Falls the same place? Yes. They are alternative spellings of the Welsh name and its common English name.

Which river does it fall on? The Afon Pyrddin, near Pontneddfechan in Powys.

How high is it? Sources differ; the most common figure is about 7 m, with others mentioning around 20 ft.

Is it on the Four Waterfalls Walk? Sources are not unanimous. It appears both on the Elidir Trail and in some lists of four falls, so confirm the details of the route you plan to follow.