Henrhyd Falls and Nant Llech walk
Discover the tranquil surroundings at Henrhyd Falls and the Nant Llech river valley as you take this adventurous walk to the highest waterfall in South Wales.
Total steps: 5
Total steps: 5
Start point
National Trust car park near Coelbren, grid ref: SN853121
Step 1
Start your walk from the National Trust car park and pass through two gates, following the footpath down the slope to a junction at the bottom. Turn left and cross the wooden bridge, walking up the steep steps to the footpath at the top. The bridge was built in 1985 by a team of international volunteers, and the steps were added in 2001 following a landslide that destroyed the original path. Continue along the footpath to the waterfall. Henrhyd Falls is the highest in South Wales at 90ft (27m). Take care as the spray from the falls can make the ground slippery. Once you've taken time to enjoy the spectacular waterfall, retrace your steps back across the bridge to the path junction.
Step 2
Go straight ahead, following the footpath with Nant Llech on your left-hand side. The trees that cling to the steep sides of the valley are mainly sessile oak and ash, although you can also find small-leafed lime, alder and wych elm. Many of the mature ash trees have been affected by ash dieback and we may see these disappear in time. Keep following the footpath and just after you cross a boardwalk, a smaller waterfall can be seen on your left.
Step 3
Keep following the footpath until you pass through a gate which marks the end of National Trust land. Then cross a small bridge and continue to follow the path down the valley. After about 15 minutes, you'll cross the site of a former large landslide. These features are part of the natural processes that have helped create the dramatic landscape of this steep gorge.
Step 4
Continue along this path until you reach the site of the disused watermill – the Melin Llech (these buildings are private property, please do not enter). From Melin Llech, continue past the bridge on the left and follow the track uphill for about 75ft (23m). Join the footpath on your left and continue along this path to a kissing gate and minor road, cross the road and bear right to another kissing gate on your left.
Step 5
Pass through the kissing gate then follow the path until the River Tawe comes into view. This river flows all the way to Swansea and into the Bristol Channel. You have now reached the midway point of the walk. You can now return to the minor road by the path that you have just followed. At the road, you can either turn left uphill and follow the lanes back to the car park or, retrace the whole route back to Henrhyd Falls following the path by the Nant Llech.
End point
National Trust car park near Coelbren, grid ref: SN853121
Trail map
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Get in touch
Pont ar Daf car park (access to Pen y Fan), Near Storey Arms, Libanus, Powys, LD3 8NL
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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