Sgwd Henrhyd

Sgwd Henrhyd (Henrhyd Falls) is a waterfall outside the village of Coelbren in Powys, South Wales, inside Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, formerly known as the Brecon Beacons. Its drop of roughly 27 metres (90 ft) makes it the highest waterfall in the south of the country, and the land is looked after by the National Trust.

Where is Sgwd Henrhyd?

The falls sit in a wooded gorge cut by the Nant Llech stream, on the southern edge of the park and away from its main mountain ridges. Coelbren is the closest settlement, on the road linking Glynneath and Abercraf. Many visitors count the site as part of Waterfall Country, the area known for its river cascades.

What will you see?

The stream plunges straight off a rock lip into a shallow pool, framed by wet stone, ferns and moss. The cliff is undercut, so the path leads behind the curtain of water and you can stand between the rock wall and the falling stream. In high water it gets wet back there, and the ledges are slick with spray.

Film fans may recognise the spot: it appears as the entrance to the Batcave in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy.

How do you get to the waterfall?

Start from the National Trust car park just outside Coelbren, on the minor road towards Pen y Cae. Parking is free. A woodland path leads to the falls, around 1.5 km there and back. It is short but steep in places, with a flight of steps near the start, and the climb back out is harder than the descent. The main route is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Dogs are welcome on short leads.

Without a car it takes more effort. The X8 bus from Neath runs to Coelbren, and from the village it is about a mile on foot along Dol Henrhyd Road to the car park.

What should you bring?

Wear boots with decent grip, as the trail turns muddy after rain. A waterproof is worth packing because spray carries a long way and Welsh weather changes quickly. Take care behind the falls, where the stones are slippery.

When should you visit?

The falls run all year. After heavy rain the flow is at its most dramatic, though the path is tougher going. In drier spells it is easier to step behind the water. Autumn and early spring tend to be quieter in the gorge than the summer holidays.

Can you turn it into a longer walk?

Yes. The National Trust describes a longer loop along the Nant Llech that continues up the valley. If time is short, the out-and-back path to the base of the falls fits comfortably into an hour, photo stops included.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to visit Sgwd Henrhyd? The National Trust car park is free, and the walk to the falls needs no ticket.

How tall is the waterfall? About 27 metres, which makes it the tallest in South Wales.

Can you walk behind the waterfall? Yes, the rock is undercut and the path passes behind the stream. Watch your footing, because the surface is wet and slippery.

Is the walk suitable for children? The distance is small, but there are steep sections and steps, so young children need supervision and pushchairs should stay in the car.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, as long as it stays on a short lead.