A photographic walk around the waterfalls of Pontneddfechan in the Neath Valley, Wales.

Situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, renowned for its natural beauty and industrial heritage, the area around the small village of Pontneddfechan adds its own little slice of magic to the area by way of lush green, steep sided valleys and beautiful waterfalls.

Special Photographic Features.
On this short walk, the highlights are the four main waterfalls shown on the map below:

The Village of Pontneddfechan.
Yes it’s a mouthful and it took me a year or so to remember it and learn how to say it. As well as convenient parking at the Angel Pub, also handy for lunch or a pint after your walk, there is a waterfall information centre just across the road where you can get helpful local knowledge about the falls. Also in the village there is a small groceries shop and public toilets.

The walk.
From the car park, follow the river up along a mainly flat, sometimes muddy track, so boots are advised. At this point you’re retracing the remains of an old mining tramway which once serviced the silica mines further up river (some of the stone rail supports are still visible). The Rock was used to make world famous fire bricks.

Amidst Wales’ embrace,
Pontneddfechan’s waters dance,
Nature’s hymn is sung.

Anthony

Keep on the left bank as the river splits near the bridge. We’ll be crossing this on the way back. On this tributary is the first of the larger waterfalls.

Sgwd Gwladys (Lady Falls)

Named after St. Gwladys (Born c.AD 460), daughter of King Brychan of Brycheiniog.
This is the tallest waterfall, at about 20ft, of the four I’m covering: Sgwd Gwladys or Lady Falls in English. This beautiful Falls makes for some interesting shots, usually having dead tree trunks in the plunge pool, which look good in the foreground of shots and you can also take from behind the falls looking down the valley. I’ve also seen photos from the top which look good, but I’ve not got up there so far. I’ll have to make the effort one day as apparently there’s another falls a kilometre upstream which named after St Gwladys’ lover Einon Gam.

The path is easy as far as it goes but, as always, getting close in to find the great shots is tricky. When I’ve been there it’s easy to cross the river at this point, which you have to do to get behind the falls.

On one visit here, a fellow photographer had brought his willing wife and her wedding dress along and planned to photograph her in the dress, in the water (a practice apparently known as “trashing the dress”). Each to their own. Unfortunately, she was still changing in the tent they’d brought when I left; I think she was reluctant to come out with other people around.

An interesting tale surrounding thin falls is the story of a 12th century priest, Elidorus, who, at the age of twelve ran away from his cruel teacher and hid near these falls. Two small, golden haired people of the underworld found him and took him down to their world.

Horseshoe Falls.

A double drop to this one. The above photo is of the first drop of about 5 feet which curves nicely, giving the fall its name. Be careful here as the rocks are very slippery – to take this shot I’m kneeling right on the edge and have my camera resting on my woolly hat on a rock as a tripod. Just to the right the river narrows to squeeze between the rocks, increasing its power, and drops another 12 feet or so. There’s good angles from below, where an oak tree overhangs and you can get both falls in the shot.

Lower Ddwli Falls.

The next falls you’ll reach is Lower Ddwlli falls. You may overshoot this one as you have to leave the path some time before the actual falls and walk up the river. You could come off the path by the falls but it’s very steep and dangerous. Also, the rocks here are usually slippery so take care.
There is another small falls just to the right of this photo which curves round, making for good photos, especially if you can get both in – this means standing in the river.

Sgwd Y Ddwli.

Despite not being very tall (about 12ft), Upper Ddwli Falls is, I think, the prettiest of the falls and has a fairytale feel to it.
It’s better to visit a little later as the sun comes around on it – unless you want the sun shining through the trees which can be beautiful with the bare trees in winter. This waterfall has an easy approach from the top too which could make for some interesting shots (I’ve yet to succeed).

Not far up river from here is another car park at Pont Melin Fach although it’s quite hard to find by car.

Best time of day/year.
Each season has its good points, although it’s nice when the trees are lush green and autumn is good for catching trails of leaves swirling in the water in the long exposure shots.

Late evening is an interesting time for long exposures of the falls, but I wouldn’t advise night photography as the falls are too dark and the sky is usually obscured by trees.

Special equipment.
A tripod is essential for the long exposure shots to get the silky water effect. I find anything from half a second up makes for good results.
A polarised filter to reduce reflection, and, since I don’t have a neutral density filter, it’s also handy in helping push up the exposure times on sunny days.
I also suggest sturdy boots as you’ll probably end up scrambling across the slippery rocks to get that “perfect” shot.

Getting there.
Leave the M4 at Junction43 towards Neath and follow the A465. Turn off at Glyn-neath and follow the B4242 to Pontneddfechan.

Nearby.
Five miles up the A4221, near the village of Coelbren is Henrhyd Falls, South Wales’ highest falls.