One of the waterfalls
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Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall Wales

4.9
·3k reviews·, United Kingdom

A breathtaking waterfall in Wales where you can walk behind the cascading water, offering a truly unique and immersive natural experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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One of the waterfalls

Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall Wales

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking waterfall in Wales where you can walk behind the cascading water, offering a truly unique and immersive natural experience.

4.9
(3k reviews)

"The view from behind the waterfall is one of the most magical things I've ever seen."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be steep and slippery. Good hiking boots are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Consider the Four Falls Trail

It's a beautiful circuit, but you can go straight to Sgwd yr Eira if short on time. :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walk Behind the Waterfall

Walk Behind the Waterfall

Sgwd yr Eira

Experience the unique thrill of walking behind the powerful curtain of water for an unforgettable perspective.

Instagram+1
The Four Falls Trail

The Four Falls Trail

Brecon Beacons National Park

Embark on a circular hike connecting Sgwd yr Eira with three other magnificent waterfalls in Waterfall Country.

TikTokInstagram
Henrhyd Falls (The Batcave)

Henrhyd Falls (The Batcave)

Near Coelbren

Discover the tallest waterfall in South Wales, famously used as the Batcave entrance in The Dark Knight Rises.

TikTok+1
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Hike to Sgwd yr Eira

Reaching Sgwd yr Eira involves a rewarding hike, often part of the Four Falls Trail. Be prepared for steep sections and steps, especially on the descent to the waterfall. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the woodland paths and potentially slippery terrain. InstagramReddit

Timing is Key for the Best Experience

While Sgwd yr Eira is stunning year-round, visiting during weekdays or earlier in the day can help you avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. This allows for a more peaceful experience and better opportunities to walk behind the falls. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Vibrant foliage, fewer visitors
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring
Why
Lush greenery, full flow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who knew the Batman cave was in wales !! Henrhyd Falls, located near Coelbren in the Brecon Beacons, is the tallest waterfall in South Wales and was used as the Batcave entrance in The Dark Knight Rises. Visitors can walk behind the 90-foot waterfall via a short woodland trail. Free parking is available at the small National Trust car park (SA10 9PH), but it fills up quickly—overflow parking may ...
@roseannegarcia00
97K likes • 910.8K views

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be steep and slippery. Good hiking boots are a must! :athletic_shoe: InstagramReddit

Consider the Four Falls Trail

It's a beautiful circuit, but you can go straight to Sgwd yr Eira if short on time. :walking: TikTokReddit

Come with us to climb Pen y Fan for sunrise ⛰️🌄 #Wales #travelwales #walestravel #traveltiktok #uktravel #traveltheuk #penyfan #penyfanmountain #penyfansunrise #traveltok #breconbeacons
@saradaviestravel
47.4K likes • 531.1K views
Walking behind Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall in South Wales💦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 #breconbeacons #walestravel #travelling #uktravel #walesadventure #wales❤️ #cymru #breconbeaconsnationalpark #waterfall #ystradfelltewaterfalls #Powys #swales #southwales #sgwdclungwyn #sgwdisafclungwyn #sgwdypannwr #sgwdyreira #brecon #bannaubrycheiniog Brycheiniog
catalinaghera
35 likes • 902 views

Prepare to Get Wet!

Walking behind the waterfall means you'll get sprayed. Embrace it! :drench: Instagram+1

Check Parking Availability

Car parks can fill up, especially on busy days. Arrive early or consider alternatives. :car: TikTokReddit

5 Best Winter cold water swim spots in the 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Brecon Beacons 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 South Wales. 📍Sgwd Gwladus 📍Sychryd Waterfall 📍 Henrhyd Falls 📍Sgwd Yr Eira 📍Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf Brecon Beacon is a wild swimmers paradise with so many watetfalls to choose from here a five of my favourite swim spots. #visitbreconbeacons #visitwales #coldwaterswimming #coldwatertherapy #coldwaterimmersion #wildswimmingwale...
xcarlydaviesx
0 likes • 11.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be steep and slippery. Good hiking boots are a must! :athletic_shoe: InstagramReddit

Consider the Four Falls Trail

It's a beautiful circuit, but you can go straight to Sgwd yr Eira if short on time. :walking: TikTokReddit

Prepare to Get Wet!

Walking behind the waterfall means you'll get sprayed. Embrace it! :drench: Instagram+1

Check Parking Availability

Car parks can fill up, especially on busy days. Arrive early or consider alternatives. :car: TikTokReddit

Pack Light

You'll be hiking, so only bring essentials. A small backpack is ideal. :backpack: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.9
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Sgwd yr Eira for its unique beauty, especially the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall, describing it as a magical and unforgettable experience. The surrounding scenery and the challenge of the hike are also frequently highlighted as positives. However, some find the steep paths and numerous steps challenging, and parking can be an issue on busy days.

"Enjoyed the days outing to see the falls but found it a bit hard going for my friend, who suffers from fibromyalgia. We parked Gwan hepste car park (£6) and walked from there. Once you reach marker 6 the path does go quite steep downhill. Yet we carried on to reach Sgwd Clun-Gwyn. Before making our way to Sgwd Yr Eira, using the top path from marker 46, to save time. The waterfall is amazing and certainly worth the 4 steep flights of steps down! Where we just sat enjoying the sound of cascading water.

We found out later on the way back. If all anyone wants to do is to head straight for the best of the waterfalls. Head from marker 6, to the unmarked path on your left (you can see it on the map as a white road, see pic) it will lead straight to this waterfall, through some pretty woodland, without the all those sharp inclines. Just an eye out for the fork in the road. Which will double back towards the right and downwards, which you can see on map. You will then be back on the same red routed path ( 40) and be a lot less exhausted. The main thing is to enjoy the scenic walk and this amazing waterfalls you can touch."

Gina Miller

"An absolutely stunning waterfall!
honestly heaven on earth!
At first, you might see all the stairs and think about giving up, but please don’t. Every step and every bit of breathlessness! is worth it once you get to the bottom.

I also highly recommend going behind the waterfall. Yes, you’ll get wet, but it’s 100% worth it .
the view from there is one of the most magical things I’ve ever seen. Truly unforgettable.

And if you don’t fancy the full 4-hour walk to see all four waterfalls, you can just go straight from the car park to this last one. You’ll still see the best of them without the long hike, then head back to the parking."

anis

"Beautiful waterfall, where you can go behind the water but I was to scared but others in my group did and really enjoyed the experience. The 160 steps down to the falls and back up wasn't as bad as I thought it would be - plenty of rest breaks though!!!! This was one of the 4 waterfalls on a circuit in the Brecon Beacons but we only managed two - Sgwd Yr Eira being the best in my opinion. Visited on a hot Monday in August and wasn't too busy. Car parking £6 for the day; there are portable toilets but they're not very clean!!"

Susie S

What People Like

Walking behind the waterfall
Magical and unique experience
Beautiful surrounding scenery

What People Dislike

Steep and slippery paths
Many steps
Parking can be busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sgwd yr Eira is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog). The most common access point is via the Cwm Porth car park, which requires a fee. From there, follow the marked trails through the woodlands. InstagramReddit Some visitors suggest an alternative route from marker 6 at Gwan Hepste car park to avoid some steep inclines if heading directly to Sgwd yr Eira. Reddit

The Cwm Porth car park is a popular starting point for the Four Falls Trail, which includes Sgwd yr Eira. Instagram Gwan Hepste car park is another option, though some reviews suggest it can involve steeper initial descents. Reddit Parking fees typically apply. Reddit

Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Sgwd yr Eira are limited. The Brecon Beacons National Park is best explored with a car. TikTokReddit It's advisable to check local bus routes and schedules in advance if relying on public transport, as services may be infrequent. TikTok

The hike to Sgwd yr Eira as part of the Four Falls Trail is approximately 4.5 miles (7km) and can take 2-3 hours. TikTok+1 If you go directly to Sgwd yr Eira from a convenient starting point, the walk can be shorter, but still involves steep sections. Reddit

Absolutely! Sgwd yr Eira is part of the famous Four Falls Trail, which also includes Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd isaf Clungwyn, and Sgwd y Pannwr. Instagram+1 Many visitors enjoy completing the entire circuit to see all four. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no direct entrance fee for Sgwd yr Eira itself, as it's within the Brecon Beacons National Park. However, parking at designated car parks, such as Cwm Porth, usually incurs a fee, typically around £6. Reddit

Sgwd yr Eira is a natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, the car parks have operating hours, and it's best to check these beforehand, especially if planning a very early or late visit. TikTok

No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for Sgwd yr Eira. It's a natural site, and access is generally open. Parking fees are usually paid on-site. Reddit

As a natural park, visitors are expected to respect the environment. Stick to marked trails, do not litter, and be mindful of the terrain. Reddit During extreme weather, paths may become hazardous. Instagram

Sgwd yr Eira is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer vibrant colours, while winter can provide dramatic water flow. Instagram Summer can be busy, so weekdays are recommended. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The terrain involves woodland paths, which can be uneven and muddy. There are significant steep sections and numerous steps, particularly on the descent to the waterfall. InstagramReddit Good walking shoes are essential. Reddit

Yes, one of the most unique aspects of Sgwd yr Eira is the path that allows you to walk behind the curtain of water. Be prepared to get wet! InstagramReddit+2

The hike to Sgwd yr Eira involves steep paths and many steps, which can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit However, older children who are comfortable with hiking may enjoy the adventure. TikTok

Portable toilets are sometimes available at car parks like Gwan Hepste, but their cleanliness can be variable. Reddit It's advisable to use facilities before you start your hike. Instagram

Bring sturdy walking shoes, waterproofs (as you'll get wet behind the falls), water, snacks, and a camera. Instagram+1 A small backpack is recommended to carry your essentials. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic shot is from behind the waterfall, capturing the water curtain. Instagram+1 The surrounding woodland and the approach paths also offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Drone usage in National Parks can be restricted. It's best to check the official Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park guidelines regarding drone operation before flying. Instagram

For capturing the silky smooth water effect, use a slower shutter speed. A tripod is highly recommended for stability. Instagram Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colours. Instagram

Yes, you can still capture stunning images from the viewing areas in front of the falls. The sheer scale and power of Sgwd yr Eira are impressive from any angle. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds. TikTok However, the dramatic spray and power of the falls can be captured at any time. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The hike to Sgwd yr Eira can be an adventure for families, but it's important to be prepared. The trails involve steep sections and numerous steps, which might be challenging for very young children or those with limited stamina. TikTokReddit Consider the Four Falls Trail as a whole, but be aware that the full circuit is around 4.5 miles. TikTok For a shorter visit, focusing on Sgwd yr Eira directly might be more manageable. Ensure children wear sturdy, non-slip footwear and bring plenty of snacks and water. Reddit The experience of walking behind the waterfall is often a highlight for kids, but supervise them closely due to the slippery conditions. Instagram

Alternatively, consider visiting Henrhyd Falls, which is also impressive and has a more accessible path, though still involves woodland trails. TikTok+1 For a digital detox immersed in nature, look into glamping options like Danybryn Retreat in the Brecon Beacons. TikTok

🚶 Hikers and Adventure Seekers

For those who love a good hike, Sgwd yr Eira and the surrounding Waterfall Country are a must-visit. The Four Falls Trail offers a rewarding 4.5-mile loop with varied terrain and stunning scenery. TikTok+1 If you're looking for a more challenging trek, consider the Pen y Fan horseshoe hike, which covers multiple peaks and offers spectacular views of the Brecon Beacons. TikTok Many hikers recommend visiting mid-week or early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. TikTok+1

Don't forget to pack essential hiking gear: waterproofs, sturdy boots, a map, and plenty of water. Reddit For those interested in wild swimming, Sgwd yr Eira and other waterfalls in the area are popular spots. Instagram+1 Remember to check local conditions and safety advice before embarking on any strenuous hikes. TikTok

📸 Photographers and Content Creators

Sgwd yr Eira offers incredible photographic opportunities, especially the chance to walk behind the waterfall. Instagram+1 This unique perspective provides dramatic shots with the water curtain as a backdrop. Instagram+1 Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the falls and the surrounding landscape. Instagram For capturing the motion of the water, a tripod and a slower shutter speed are essential. Instagram+1

Experiment with different angles and times of day to find the best light. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer, more atmospheric light. TikTok The surrounding woodland trails also provide beautiful opportunities for nature photography. Instagram Remember to protect your gear from the spray when venturing behind the falls. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Waterfall Country

Sgwd yr Eira is the jewel in the crown of the Brecon Beacons' 'Waterfall Country'. This area is renowned for its concentration of stunning waterfalls, carved by the rivers Mellte, Hepste, and Nedd Fechan. The most popular route to experience these natural wonders is the Four Falls Trail, a circular walk that typically takes 2-3 hours and covers approximately 4.5 miles. TikTok+1 This trail is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the lush, green landscape of South Wales and witness the raw power of cascading water. Instagram+1

While Sgwd yr Eira is the most famous for its unique walk-behind feature, the other falls on the trail, such as Sgwd Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf, are equally breathtaking. Instagram+1 The paths can be challenging, with steep descents and ascents, and can become slippery, especially after rain. Therefore, wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Reddit+1

For those seeking a less strenuous experience, it's possible to access Sgwd yr Eira more directly from certain car parks, bypassing some of the longer trail sections. Reddit However, the full Four Falls Trail offers a more complete immersion into the beauty of Waterfall Country and is highly recommended for hikers. TikTok

The Magic of Walking Behind Sgwd yr Eira

The defining feature of Sgwd yr Eira is the ability to walk behind its impressive water curtain. This offers a truly unique and immersive perspective, making you feel as though you're stepping into a natural, open-air cave. Instagram+1 The experience is often described as magical and unforgettable, with the sound of the water thundering around you and a fine mist creating a refreshing spray. InstagramReddit

Visitors should be prepared to get wet, as the spray from the waterfall is considerable. Waterproof clothing and footwear are highly recommended if you plan to venture behind the falls. Instagram+1 The path behind the waterfall is generally well-trodden, but can be slippery, so caution is advised. Reddit Despite the potential for getting damp, the overwhelming sentiment from visitors is that the experience is absolutely worth it. InstagramReddit

This unique feature sets Sgwd yr Eira apart from many other waterfalls, offering an interactive and memorable encounter with nature's power. It's a highlight that many travelers seek out when visiting the Brecon Beacons. Instagram+1

Beyond the Falls: The Brecon Beacons National Park

Sgwd yr Eira is nestled within the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, formerly known as the Brecon Beacons. This vast area of protected landscape in South Wales offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from challenging mountain hikes to gentler valley walks. TikTok+1 The park is famous for its peaks, including Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales, which attracts many hikers seeking panoramic views. TikTok+2

Beyond hiking and waterfalls, the Brecon Beacons offer opportunities for wild swimming, cycling, and exploring charming villages. Instagram+1 The park is also steeped in history and folklore, with ancient standing stones, castles, and legends like the Lady of the Lake myth associated with Llyn y Fan Fach. TikTok Visitors can also explore attractions like the Dan-yr-Ogof Caves, adding another dimension to their trip. TikTok

Whether you're an avid hiker or simply seeking a scenic escape, the Brecon Beacons provide a diverse and beautiful natural playground. TikTok The park's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and Welsh heritage makes it a compelling destination for any traveler. TikTok

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