Map & Elevation
About this Route
The Four Waterfalls Walk is a woodland journey through the Mellte and Hepste gorges in Bannau Brycheiniog. Its four falls each have a different character: the upper drop of Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, the cascades of Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, the broad ledges at Sgwd y Pannwr and the curtain of Sgwd yr Eira. The pleasure is in the changing sound of water as the path moves between forest and gorge.
This route starts at Gwaun Hepste and uses the main Four Falls Trail with the waterfall link paths. It follows the western side of the main circuit outward, visits the falls and returns along its eastern side before retracing the approach to the car park. The GPX is 7.8 km with 275 m ascent. Allow 3–4 hours, or longer for photographs and slow going. The 2h 2m Naismith figure is a moving-time estimate.
Follow the red main-trail waymarkers and the green waterfall-link signs on the ground. The main forest route is comparatively broad, but the descents to the water are a different undertaking: narrow, rough and slippery, with many steps and unguarded drops. The supplied route returns from the lower Mellte viewpoints to the main trail rather than using informal paths beneath the cliffs between the upper and lower falls.
At Sgwd yr Eira the GPX descends the main steps to the viewpoint and returns up them. The passage behind the falling water is not required. Keep to the waymarked paths, follow any closures and turn back if water levels or footing make a descent unsafe. Take boots, waterproof layers, food and water, and allow enough daylight for the return climbs. Natural Resources Wales advises visitors against entering the cold, fast-flowing rivers and pools.
The sound of all this moving water is as integral to the mountain as pollen to the flower.
Nan Shepherd, Author, talking about moving water
Route Waypoints
Start at the Four Falls Trail information panel near SN 935 123 in Gwaun Hepste car park. Follow the red waymarkers south through the woodland. Use the trail map and numbered posts to keep track of your position.
At the main trail junction, take the signed western arm towards the Sgwd Clun-Gwyn viewpoint. View the fall from the established path and keep clear of the unguarded gorge edge. Continue on the main trail rather than following informal riverside shortcuts downstream.
From the signed link off the main circuit, descend to the Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn viewing area at about 3.1 km, then follow the established link to Sgwd y Pannwr at about 3.4 km. Retrace the link to the same main-trail junction. Expect rough rock, roots and slippery steps.
Continue on the main trail to the signed Sgwd yr Eira descent. Go down the long flight of steps to the viewpoint at about 4.8 km. Turn around here and climb the same steps back. The GPX does not require walking behind the waterfall or crossing the river.
At the top of the steps, follow the red main-trail signs around the eastern side of the circuit. Continue uphill through the forest, keeping to the surfaced trail, until it rejoins the outward approach near the first waterfall junction.
Retrace the red-marked approach through the woods to the car park. Allow time for the uphill return and watch for the signed turn back to Gwaun Hepste rather than following a different car-park link.
Essential Tips
Follow red main-trail and green waterfall-link waymarkers. The informal gorge paths between falls can be hazardous. If a waterfall descent is closed or unsafe, respect the notice and return to the main trail.
The waterfalls require descents and return climbs on rough, narrow paths. Wear sturdy footwear with grip and keep back from unguarded drops. Supervise children closely and allow considerably more time than the moving-time estimate.
The rivers and pools can be cold, deep and fast flowing, with slippery rocks and hidden hazards. The GPX needs no swimming, river crossing or passage behind Sgwd yr Eira. Turn back if rising water threatens the path.
Use Gwaun Hepste’s designated parking and check current charges and trail notices before leaving. Carry food, water, waterproofs and an offline map. Mobile reception can be poor; note the numbered posts and start with sufficient daylight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Four Waterfalls Walk?
This GPX from Gwaun Hepste is 7.8 km with 275 m ascent. Allow about 3–4 hours, often longer with stops or wet conditions. Published distances vary with the exact waterfall turnarounds; these figures match this downloadable route.
Which four waterfalls does the route visit?
Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira. It follows the main circuit and established waterfall links, returning from the lower Mellte viewing areas to the main trail.
Do you have to walk behind Sgwd yr Eira?
No. The GPX descends the steps to the viewpoint and returns up the same steps. Walking behind the falls is unnecessary for this route and can be dangerous in high flow or slippery conditions. Follow current signs and closures.