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Rhondda Cynon Taf

Rhigos

Attractions and Places To See around Rhigos - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Rhigos include a variety of natural landscapes, particularly its renowned waterfalls within the Brecon Beacons National Park. This region offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including easy walking trails near Rhigos that explore its river valleys and gorges. Visitors can discover several natural monuments and viewpoints, making it a popular destination for those seeking family friendly attractions Rhigos. The area provides a rich natural environment to explore.

Best attractions and places to see around Rhigos

  • The most popular attractions is Sgwd Yr Eira, a waterfall that is a star attraction of the Brecon Beacons' 'Waterfall Country' walk. It is notable for allowing visitors to walk behind the 15.2 m tall curtain of water.
  • Another must-see spot is Sgwd Gwladus Waterfall, a waterfall formed where the Afon Pyrddin drops 6 m. Visitors can go around the back of this waterfall, and it is considered a safe place for swimming in the summer.
  • Visitors also love Sgwd Uchaf Clun-Gwyn Waterfall, a viewpoint and waterfall comprising two sets of falls. It is often the first waterfall encountered when exploring 'Waterfall Country' and features upper falls that thunder into the River Mellte below.
  • Rhigos is known for its numerous waterfalls, scenic trails, and natural monuments. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from dramatic cascades to tranquil river walks.
  • The attractions around Rhigos are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 500 upvotes and over 300 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: June 20, 2026

Sgwd Yr Eira

Highlight • Waterfall

Sgwd Yr Eira is the star attraction of the Brecon Beacons' much-loved 'Waterfall Country' walk. Meaning 'fall of snow' in Welsh, it tumbles over the 50 foot (15.2 m) tall cliff like a beautiful veil of water. What makes the waterfall so special is that you can walk behind it for a truly incredible thing to experience. Do take care when walking behind the falls, though, as the path is rocky, wet and slippery. Make sure you have decent walking boots and waterproofs.

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Sgwd Uchaf Clun-Gwyn Waterfall

Highlight • Viewpoint

The first waterfall most hikers encounter when exploring 'Waterfall Country' in the Brecon Beacons is Sgwd Uchaf Clun-Gwyn, meaning ‘upper fall of the white meadow’. Comprising two sets of falls, a few hundred metres apart, the upper falls are the highest and thunder dramatically into the River Mellte below. The lower falls are a picturesque series of cascades that flow into the steep gorge below.

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Sgwd y Pannwr

Highlight • Waterfall

Sgwd y Pannwr - 'fall of the fuller' or 'fall of the woollen washer' in Welsh - is the lowermost of the three much-loved falls on the Mellte. Like something from a Jungle Book scene, this waterfall is as dramatic as it is beautiful.

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Sgwd Gwladus Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

This is just a beautiful walking area. If you do the 'full' 20km waterfall walk you can take in most of the waterfalls in this area that are on the rivers Mellte, Hepste and Nedd Fechan. You can start at a variety of points around the route that has car parking namely Ystradfellte, Porth Yr Ogof or Pontneddfechan. Otherwise just do the best sections of the walk. For full details of the route click here: komoot.com/tour/257832316

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Henrhyd Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Henrhyd Falls is the highest waterfall in South Wales and is a breathtaking sight to behold. The stunning waterfall plunges 90 feet (27 m) into a wooded gorge. It is possible to walk behind the waterfall but take care as the rocks can be slippery.

Graig Llech Wood surrounds the waterfall and is home to much wildlife. Keep a lookout for birds such as woodpeckers, tree creepers, warblers and wrens. The damp and heavily wooded gorge is also a haven for mosses, liverworts and lichen. For this reason, it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The area is managed by the National Trust.

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Tips from the Community

Stefan G.
June 15, 2026, Sgwd Gwladus Waterfall

Impressive waterfall. You can also walk well underneath it.

Translated by Google

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Clive G
October 31, 2025, Sgwd y Pannwr

The view you are most likely to see is from the top of the falls, to the side. There is a rock shelf that provides a good view for this view. In the summer you will also find people jumping off this shelf into the plunge pool below! There are other views that can be reached down a gully and then along a rough path that takes you to river level.

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Amazing place. Must visit in vacation. I am so excited to go there. Beautiful waterfall. https://www.my-milestonecard.com

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such a beautiful waterfall. Looks amazing and so peaceful weather. I loved it. https://www.my-milestonecard.com

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David Howells
February 19, 2024, Sgwd Yr Eira

Sgwd yr Eira is the most impressive waterfall in the Pontneddfechan area. It is a high, broad, and powerful waterfall that resembles a curtain of water when it is in full flow. The fact that you can walk behind it just adds to the beauty of this amphitheatre you find yourself in. To get there, however, you have to take around 170 steps that go down the steep side of the valley to the river bed. If this worries you somewhat, just take your time when you go down and when you come back up. In addition, at the bottom, the path that goes to the waterfall is rocky and slippery, and if you walk behind the waterfall, it will be a bit wet, so a waterproof might be necessary.

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David Howells
February 11, 2024, Sgwd Yr Eira

The Four Waterfalls Walk is my idea of heaven. Hidden away in a quiet corner of the Brecon Beacons, there is a famous waterfall trail that takes in four great waterfalls, it is located near the quaint village of Ystradfellte. The trail has stunning scenery, and the main access to it is from the car park at Porth yr Ogof, or the Cwm Porth car park, to give it its proper name. The Four Waterfalls are all spectacular in their own different ways, and they are Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd yr Eira.

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FARID L
January 24, 2024, Henrhyd Falls

Henrhyd Falls in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, is the tallest waterfall in southern Wales with a drop of 90 feet. It lies on National Trust land, in the traditional county of Brecknockshire. The nearest settlement to it is Coelbren, on the road between Glynneath and Abercraf.

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hopsi
August 12, 2023, Sgwd y Pannwr

With a bit of luck, you will see groups of brave people throwing themselves into the waterfall from above. Spectacular!

Translated by Google

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly attractions around Rhigos?

Yes, many of the natural attractions around Rhigos are suitable for families. The 'Waterfall Country' area, including waterfalls like Sgwd Yr Eira and Sgwd y Pannwr, offers trails that can be enjoyed by families, though some sections may be rocky or slippery. Sgwd Gwladus Waterfall is also noted as a great place for picnics and safe swimming in summer.

What are the best walking trails near Rhigos, especially for beginners?

Rhigos is surrounded by excellent walking trails, particularly within the Brecon Beacons' 'Waterfall Country'. For beginners, there are numerous easy walking trails that explore river valleys and gorges. While specific beginner routes aren't detailed here, the general area offers accessible paths. For more detailed hiking options, you can explore the Hiking around Rhigos guide, which includes routes like the 'Elidir Trail' and various waterfall loops.

Where can I find parking for walking trails around Rhigos?

For trails in the 'Waterfall Country' area, parking is typically available at various starting points such as Ystradfellte, Porth Yr Ogof, or Pontneddfechan. These car parks serve as access points for many of the popular waterfall walks.

Can I walk behind any of the waterfalls near Rhigos?

Yes, walking behind waterfalls is a unique experience offered by several attractions in the area. Both Sgwd Yr Eira and Sgwd Gwladus Waterfall allow visitors to go behind the curtain of water. Henrhyd Falls, the highest waterfall in South Wales, also offers this opportunity. Always exercise caution as paths can be rocky, wet, and slippery.

What should I wear when hiking to the waterfalls around Rhigos?

Given the wet and often slippery conditions, especially when walking behind waterfalls, it is highly recommended to wear decent walking boots with good grip. Waterproof clothing, including jackets and trousers, is also advisable to stay dry and comfortable.

Are there opportunities for wild swimming near Rhigos?

Yes, Sgwd Gwladus Waterfall is considered a safe place for swimming in the summer months. It's a popular spot for picnics and enjoying the water.

What kind of wildlife can I spot around the Rhigos waterfalls?

The heavily wooded gorges and damp environment around the waterfalls, such as Henrhyd Falls, are havens for various wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds like woodpeckers, tree creepers, warblers, and wrens. The area is also rich in mosses, liverworts, and lichen, contributing to its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

What other outdoor activities can I do near Rhigos besides hiking?

Beyond hiking, Rhigos offers opportunities for cycling and gravel biking. You can explore various routes designed for these activities. For detailed routes and guides, check out the Gravel biking around Rhigos guide and the Cycling around Rhigos guide.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Rhigos?

Visitors particularly appreciate the dramatic beauty of the waterfalls and the unique experience of walking behind them, especially at Sgwd Yr Eira. The scenic trails, the opportunity for wild swimming, and the rich natural environment of the Brecon Beacons are also highly valued. The area is often described as breathtaking and worth every step.

Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots near Rhigos?

While the main waterfalls are popular, the broader 'Waterfall Country' offers many cascades and viewpoints. For instance, Sgwd Uchaf Clun-Gwyn Waterfall, often the first encountered, features two sets of falls, with the upper falls thundering dramatically. Exploring the full 20km waterfall walk can reveal many picturesque and less crowded sections along the rivers Mellte, Hepste, and Nedd Fechan.

What is the best time to visit the waterfalls around Rhigos?

The waterfalls are impressive year-round. During periods of higher rainfall, they are particularly powerful and dramatic. In summer, the area is popular for swimming and picnics. Always check local weather conditions before your visit, as paths can become more challenging in very wet or icy conditions.

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