Four Waterfalls Walk (Ystradfellte)
Powys
The Four Waterfalls Walk near Ystradfellte follows a magical limestone gorge in the Brecon Beacons, linking four spectacular cascades across 8 km of woodland trail. The route passes Sgwd Gwladus, Sgwd Clungwyn and Sgwd y Pannwr before reaching the crowning highlight — Sgwd yr Eira, the Waterfall of Snow, where a narrow path lets you walk behind the cascade itself. The gorge is carved through Carboniferous sandstone and limestone, creating deep ravines hung with ferns and moss that feel almost tropical in summer. Paths can be slippery near the falls, and 300 metres of elevation gain makes this a properly rewarding half-day outing.
This dog friendly walk is excellent for water-loving dogs, with the rivers Hepste and Mellte providing constant access for drinking and cooling off. The damp woodland environment offers rich scenting throughout, and the varied terrain keeps dogs fully engaged. Off-lead potential is moderate through the forest sections, though leads are necessary where sheep graze in adjacent fields. The path near the waterfall viewing areas requires care with dogs due to steep drops and slippery rock. Ystradfellte village has parking and basic facilities for a comfortable start and finish.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.1 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Waterfall, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Portable toilets at Gwaun Hepste car park; limited facilities in Ystradfellte village
- Parking
- Gwaun Hepste Car Park (CF44 9JF); £4-5 per day; card-only pay-and-display; alternative Cwm Porth car park nearby
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Four Waterfalls Walk (Ystradfellte) dog friendly?
Yes, the Four Waterfalls Walk is a great choice for dogs, earning a 7/10 dog friendly rating. Water-loving dogs will be in their element with constant access to the rivers Hepste and Mellte for drinking and cooling off, and the damp, scent-rich woodland keeps most dogs thoroughly engaged throughout the 8 km route.
Can dogs be off lead at Four Waterfalls Walk (Ystradfellte)?
Off-lead potential is moderate , dogs can roam more freely through the forested sections, but leads are necessary where sheep graze in the adjacent fields. The areas close to the waterfall viewing points also require dogs to be on lead, as the terrain involves steep drops and slippery rock that make it genuinely hazardous.
What should I know before visiting Four Waterfalls Walk (Ystradfellte) with my dog?
This is a rewarding but demanding half-day outing with 300 metres of elevation gain and paths that can be seriously slippery near the falls, so confident footing for both you and your dog is important. Parking is at Gwaun Hepste Car Park (CF44 9JF) for around £4–5 per day on a card-only machine, with portable toilets on site; facilities in Ystradfellte village itself are limited, so it's worth coming prepared.
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