Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall Walk, Brecon Beacons
Powys
Sgwd yr Eira, the Falls of Snow, is the most famous waterfall in Welsh Waterfall Country, a wide curtain of water on the Afon Hepste with a hidden path that lets walkers (and brave dogs) walk right behind the falling cascade. This dog friendly route from the Cwm Porth car park strings together several of the area's other waterfalls including Sgwd Clun-gwyn and Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn, all in a few hours of stunning gorge and woodland walking.
The paths are well signed but rough, with steep wooden steps, slippery rock and some exposed sections above the gorges, so dogs must be on a lead at all times near the falls and viewpoints. The terrain is genuinely demanding for both humans and dogs and waterproofs are recommended even in summer. Parking is pay and display at Cwm Porth, expect it to be full before midday in summer. There is a cafe and toilets at the car park and the village of Ystradfellte has a dog friendly pub.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Woodland, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets and seasonal cafe at Cwm Porth car park, dog friendly New Inn at Ystradfellte.
- Parking
- Pay and display car park at Cwm Porth, around 60 spaces, fills very early in summer and at weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall Walk, Brecon Beacons dog friendly?
Sgwd yr Eira scores a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's a genuinely special walk to do with your dog. The highlight is Sgwd yr Eira itself, where a hidden path lets you and your dog walk right behind the waterfall's curtain of falling water. After the walk, the New Inn in nearby Ystradfellte is dog friendly if you fancy a well-earned rest.
Can dogs be off lead at Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall Walk, Brecon Beacons?
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times near the falls and viewpoints — the paths include steep wooden steps, slippery rock and exposed sections above the gorges, making it genuinely risky to let dogs roam freely. The terrain is demanding for both dogs and their owners, so a secure lead and a sensible pace are strongly recommended throughout.
What should I know before visiting Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall Walk, Brecon Beacons with my dog?
Parking is pay and display at Cwm Porth car park, which has around 60 spaces and fills very early in summer and at weekends, so an early start is wise. The paths are rough and the conditions can be wet even in summer, so waterproofs for you and good traction for your dog are worth thinking about before you set off. There are toilets and a seasonal cafe at the car park, making it a convenient base for the walk.
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