This was an obvious choice for the first hike of my spring 26’ Welsh trip. Taking in a one of the wonderful waterfalls of Wales in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
Whenever I choose a campsite I like to make sure that there is a few options for hikes nearby. Even though the car is with me i do prefer to have hikes that don’t require it. That does make some of my days a little longer but I don’t mind that.
My first day on the trails was a little exploring some where new. Taking in one of the most wonderful waterfalls in wales.
Nant/Grieg llech
Leaving the campsite I didn’t have far to go along the footpaths into Pen Y Cae. You can stock up along the way if you need to at the local JB stores. It’s not long till you start following Nant Llech following through a forested valley.
Heading east along I was treated to a small waterfall straight away as the path twisted through the forest and followed the side of the valleys higher into the hills. Although the last few days had been dry the path was still a little muddy in parts.
In many places water was flowing down some of the steeper sections. Trying to find it way down to the river below. It did mean in the face of the valley there was plenty of small little drops over the rocky edges.
The trail it self was pretty well looked after. With fallen trees chopped to make way for the trail. Many of the most boggy sections were laid with decked paths for way access. And wooden steps made some the steeper sections much easier to climb, even if they did also work to collect the water.
Some of that was due to the shade, some of it was due to the water wet finding each and every way to join the river that flowed through the valley.
It’s not a technical trail
The path isn’t technical but as you climb higher the river below does quickly start to feel further away. Sure footing is needed, as the ground by the path steeply slopes away. There are trees adorning the sides of the trail some of the ancient woodland. I must admit it doesn’t look amazingly suitable for support if you slip.
It is beautifully peaceful though, and with this being a mid week hike I had the trail to myself.
For me, this bridge and staircase was the most terrifying part of the section. Give me paths on steep edge over man made any day.
The tallest falls in South Wales
Sgwd Henrhyd (Henrhyd Falls)
Sgwd Henrhyd takes the title of the tallest waterfall in south Wales (when I can I do try and use the Welsh) with a 90 foot drop. Falling over the hard sandstone of Farewell Rock it is a particular stunning example.
There is a recess behind the falls, a little rocky trail leads to a flat area in the softer rock. S. ince I hadn’t seen another should I felt it was sensible to give it a miss. With no signal in the gorge off the Henrhyd fault I urged on the safe.
There is a big area for quick lunch stop, I was happy to be here on a weekday though. I can imagine this fills up quite quickly on a busy Saturday. So after a little rest I headed back towards the main path. Braving the steps (which felt steeper on the way down) and the bridge before heading onto stage two of my day heading into the hills.
Hollywood Connection
For Fans of DC comic book movies this one may look familiar. In the Dark Knight Rises this beautiful location is used as the backdrop for the entrance of the Batcave. Thankfully I didn’t have to dodge any tumblers emerging at speed to tackle on its way to take on Bane!
The Hike Part Two
Next post, Nuttall bagging in Brycheiniog with Fan Ghyirych and Fan Fraith – coming soon!