
Blaen y Glyn Waterfalls
Discover enchanting waterfalls and lush forests in the Brecon Beacons. A serene escape with free parking and invigorating wild swims.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds

Blaen y Glyn Waterfalls
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover enchanting waterfalls and lush forests in the Brecon Beacons. A serene escape with free parking and invigorating wild swims.
"A secret little hideaway in the Brecon Beacons, perfect for a refreshing dip and stunning views."

🚗 Free Parking Available
Two free car parks (Uchaf & Isaf) offer access. Arrive early to secure a spot!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Cascade
Forest floor
A beautiful, impressive waterfall framed by eroded hills and impressive rocks. Climbable when water flow is low.

Forest Trails & Streams
Talybont Forest
Winding paths through lush forests, alongside babbling streams and smaller cascades, offering a magical atmosphere.

Panoramic Brecon Views
Upper trails
Ascend from the upper car park for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) landscape.

Wild Swimming Spots
Pools near waterfalls
Invigorating cold water dips in natural pools, a popular 'dopamine hit' for the brave.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Parking Wisely
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking Available
Two free car parks (Uchaf & Isaf) offer access. Arrive early to secure a spot!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
💧 Cold Water Dip Ready?
Embrace the 'dopamine hit' of wild swimming in the icy pools. Bring a towel!
🗺️ Two Trail Options
Upper car park offers steeper climbs & views; lower car park is a shorter, gentler route.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
Two free car parks (Uchaf & Isaf) offer access. Arrive early to secure a spot!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
💧 Cold Water Dip Ready?
Embrace the 'dopamine hit' of wild swimming in the icy pools. Bring a towel!
🗺️ Two Trail Options
Upper car park offers steeper climbs & views; lower car park is a shorter, gentler route.
📸 Capture the Magic
The 'otherworldly' landscape is perfect for photography, especially after rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Blaen y Glyn's idyllic setting, featuring streams, dense forests, and rolling hills with distant mountain views. The free parking and access to beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails are major draws. While not the largest falls, their charm and the opportunity for invigorating wild swims are highly praised. Some note the limited parking and the need for sturdy footwear on the uneven, potentially muddy paths.
"Idyllic, varied place with streams, thick forests, mossy hills, views of snow capped mountains in distance, ponies and sheep roaming.
Free parking at “Blaen y Glun Ucaf” - search on map south of here.
Parking lot has a big waterfall as you come in.
Go down from car park for forest & waterfalls.
Go up from car park for epic views & waterfalls.
Eat at the “old barn tea rooms” nearby."
Claudia G
"Waterfalls!
We visited Blaen y Glyn on beautiful crisp sunny winters day. The weather added to beauty of the falls.
As you walk up the path leading from the small carpark you see a series of smaller waterfalls eventually leading to the largest fall.
While not the biggest waterfall you could see it's still impressive. When the water flow is not high you can climb over the rocks and boulders right up to it. It's well framed by the hill the water has eroded over time and the base of the fall is littered with impressive rocks and boulders.
There's a bridge just below the main fall so you can make your way down the other side, although it's not a gravel path like the one on the opposite bank.
Well worth a visit if you're in nearby Brecon or Merthyr Tydfil. Get there early if you want a parking space."
Andy O'Brien
"Stunning walk for all levels pf experience. Easy to follow trails with lots to see from start to finish."
Alan Hole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blaen y Glyn Waterfalls are located in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. You can access them via two main car parks: Blaen y Glyn Uchaf (upper) and Blaen y Glyn Isaf (lower). Both offer free parking, but can fill up quickly. The routes from both car parks lead to the waterfalls and forest trails.
Yes, there are two free car parks: Blaen y Glyn Uchaf and Blaen y Glyn Isaf. The Uchaf (upper) car park is often mentioned as having a waterfall right as you arrive, and provides access to steeper, more scenic routes. The Isaf (lower) car park offers a shorter, less strenuous walk.
Yes, you can drive to the designated car parks. The roads leading to the car parks are generally accessible by car, but can be narrow in places. It's advisable to check local road conditions before your visit, especially during adverse weather.
Using a map app with offline capabilities is recommended, as mobile signal can be spotty. The trails are generally well-trodden, but having a map can help you explore different routes and ensure you don't miss any hidden gems.
Public transport options directly to Blaen y Glyn are limited. It's best to travel by car. If relying on public transport, you would likely need to get to a nearby town like Brecon or Merthyr Tydfil and then arrange onward travel, possibly via taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Blaen y Glyn Waterfalls and the surrounding Talybont Forest are free to enter. The parking at both the Uchaf and Isaf car parks is also free, making it an excellent budget-friendly destination.
As an outdoor natural attraction, Blaen y Glyn Waterfalls do not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment of the scenery.
No booking is required for Blaen y Glyn Waterfalls as it is a natural attraction with free entry and parking. However, due to limited parking, arriving early is advised, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
While there are no specific entry restrictions, visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment, stay on marked trails where possible, and take all litter with them. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control.
Yes, Blaen y Glyn Waterfalls can be visited in winter. The scenery can be particularly magical with frost or snow, but be extra cautious of icy paths and conditions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk is varied, taking you through lush forests alongside streams and smaller cascades, leading to the main waterfall. From the upper car park, expect steeper climbs and more dramatic views, while the lower car park offers a gentler, shorter route. The total walk can be around 4 miles round trip.
The walk itself can take approximately 1 hour, but this doesn't include time for stops to enjoy the scenery, paddle, have a picnic, or take photos. Many visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the area.
Yes, it's generally considered child-friendly, with easy-to-follow trails and plenty to see. However, there are deep pools near the waterfalls, so constant supervision is essential. The terrain can be uneven, making it less ideal for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Yes, many visitors enjoy wild swimming in the cold water pools. It's a popular spot for a 'dopamine hit' and cold water therapy. Be aware that the water is very cold and can be deep.
You can expect stunning views of waterfalls, mossy hills, thick forests, and, from the higher points, panoramic vistas of the Brecon Beacons. On clear days, you might even see snow-capped mountains in the distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The main waterfall with its rocky base is a prime spot. The moss-covered trees and streams in the forest create an enchanting atmosphere. Higher viewpoints offer sweeping landscape shots of the Brecon Beacons.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photography. After rainfall, the waterfalls are more dramatic, and the mossy forest floor is particularly vibrant.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfalls and forest. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth out the water. Consider waterproof protection for your gear if visiting in wet weather.
The area around the main waterfall offers excellent framing. For wider shots, explore the higher trails accessible from the Uchaf (upper) car park. The forest paths themselves provide numerous picturesque scenes.
Drone usage in National Parks can be restricted. It's essential to check the latest regulations for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park before flying a drone to ensure you comply with all rules and guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Crucially, constant supervision is required around the waterfalls due to deep pools. While the main paths are manageable, the terrain can be uneven, making it less ideal for pushchairs or very young children who need to be carried. The free parking and entry make it an accessible and budget-friendly family outing.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
The area is a haven for nature lovers, with its lush forests, diverse flora, and the ever-present sound of running water. Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture the dramatic waterfalls and serene forest scenes. The chance for a bracing wild swim adds another dimension for those seeking an active and immersive outdoor experience.
📸 Photographers
For expansive shots, the higher trails accessible from the Uchaf car park provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons. Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. A tripod can be beneficial for capturing smooth water effects, and waterproof gear for your camera is advisable given the often-damp conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Parking
Regardless of your starting point, the trails are generally described as easy to follow, winding through the enchanting Talybont Forest. Be prepared for uneven and potentially muddy terrain, especially after rain, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is highly recommended. The entire circular walk can be around 4 miles, but many visitors extend their stay to fully appreciate the numerous cascades, pools, and scenic viewpoints.
It's worth noting that parking is limited, particularly at the Uchaf car park. Arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons, is crucial to secure a spot and avoid disappointment. While mobile signal can be unreliable in the area, having an offline map can be beneficial for navigation and exploring the various paths.
The Allure of the Waterfalls and Wild Swimming
Beyond the main falls, the forest is dotted with smaller cascades and pools, creating a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. These pools have become a popular spot for wild swimming, offering an invigorating 'dopamine hit' for those brave enough to plunge into the icy Welsh waters. It's a chance to connect with nature in a raw and exhilarating way, though caution is advised due to the cold temperature and potential depth of the water.
Photography and Capturing the Scenery
For broader vistas, venturing up the trails from the Uchaf (upper) car park rewards photographers with panoramic views of the rolling hills and valleys of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. The 'otherworldly' feel of the landscape, as described by some visitors, lends itself well to creative photography, evoking a sense of ancient wonder. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the most flattering light, while the vibrant greens after rain enhance the natural beauty of the area.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit