Near Talgarth, Powys, Wales

Pwll y Wrach Nature Reserve

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

8.1

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Free

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandRiversideValleyWalkersWildlife loversPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

8.1

In a steep-sided wooded valley near Talgarth, the River Ennig drops over a rocky lip into the waterfall pool known as Pwll y Wrach — the Witches’ Pool.

A short visit here can move from accessible woodland path to a dramatic waterfall and a rougher, more adventurous trail. Its spring flowers and the strange toothwort growing near hazel trees give the reserve details worth slowing down for.

Peaceful · Atmospheric · Secluded

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Near Talgarth, Powys, Wales

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The experience

Follow the gravelled access path to the reserve bench, then continue only if the uneven, sometimes muddy route and steps suit you. The waterfall is the signature feature; in spring, look for successive displays of woodland flowers and the unusual toothwort near hazel. Keep to paths and away from the stream.

Things to do

Walk the gravelled woodland path

Follow the surfaced access path into the reserve to the bench. It is the most accessible way to experience the woodland.

Continue to the waterfall

The route beyond the bench becomes uneven and sometimes muddy. The River Ennig falls over a rocky lip into the pool associated with the reserve’s name. The Wildlife Trust says there is no right of access to the stream.

Look for toothwort

Check the base of trees, especially hazel, near the river for toothwort: a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll.

Notice the spring woodland flowers

Look for early wood anemones and lesser celandines, followed later in spring by bluebells and wild garlic.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow around 30–60 minutes; duration is an editorial estimate based on the short access-path visit, not a source-stated time.

Quick Escape: the accessible woodland approach

01
Start at the reserve entrance and follow the gravelled access path into the woodland.
02
Reach the bench at the end of the accessible path and pause to take in the reserve.
03
Return the same way; do not continue to the waterfall unless the rougher terrain is suitable for you.

Half day · About half a day, including time in Talgarth; timing is a suggested itinerary rather than a verified schedule.

Make a half day of it: waterfall and Talgarth

01
Explore the reserve on foot, taking the gravelled path towards the bench.
02
If conditions and your ability allow, continue by the uneven, sometimes muddy path to the waterfall; use care on steps and rough trails.
03
Return to Talgarth and visit the restored Talgarth Mill, which the supplied visitor information describes as having a riverside café.
04
Consider the short walk to Bronllys Castle for views, as suggested by Bannau Brycheiniog.

Verified history

The sources describe Pwll y Wrach as the name associated with the waterfall pool, translated as “Witches’ Pool”. Bannau Brycheiniog describes the River Ennig falling into a dark pool below the waterfall. The supplied sources do not verify a historical account of witches gathering there.

Folklore & legend

The name is translated as “Witches’ Pool”, but the supplied sources do not provide evidence for a specific witch-related legend or historical gathering. Treat the name as local lore rather than verified history.

Hidden details

The unusual toothwort — Near the river, look at the bases of trees—especially hazel—for toothwort. It has no chlorophyll and grows parasitically on trees.

When to go

March · April · May · June · July · Early morning or a weekday for a quieter visit, according to the supplied source row.

The Wildlife Trust recommends spring and summer. In early spring, wood anemones and lesser celandines flower; late spring brings bluebells and wild garlic.

The paths beyond the gravelled access section can be uneven and sometimes muddy. Check current trail conditions before setting out and wear suitable footwear.

Worth pairing with

Talgarth Mill

Pair the reserve with a visit to the restored watermill in Talgarth. Bannau Brycheiniog describes it as having a riverside café.

Bronllys Castle

Bannau Brycheiniog suggests a walk to this castle after visiting Talgarth Mill; its itinerary describes views from the site.

What to look for

Look for toothwort, a parasitic plant without chlorophyll, near the base of trees—especially hazel—by the river. In spring, notice the changing woodland floor: wood anemones and lesser celandines first, then bluebells and wild garlic.

The story

The reserve’s name refers to the Witches’ Pool; the supplied sources do not substantiate stories of witches gathering there.

Best time to go

Spring and summer; early spring brings wood anemones and lesser celandines, followed by bluebells and wild garlic in late spring.

Spring is the most distinctive season: wood anemones and lesser celandines appear in early spring, followed by bluebells and wild garlic in late spring. Go early or on a weekday for a quieter visit, as suggested in the supplied source row.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · History lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

Open-access reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Free entry. Keep to paths; there is no right of access to the stream.

Parking

Very limited rough parking on site. The Wildlife Trust suggests walking from Talgarth’s free car park where possible.

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No on-site café is confirmed. Talgarth Mill has a riverside café, according to Bannau Brycheiniog’s visitor information.

Dogs

Dogs must be kept on a lead all year.

Accessibility

A gravelled access path, with a gradient suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, reaches a bench in the reserve. The waterfall path is uneven and sometimes muddy; steps and rough trails make the wider circular walk unsuitable for some visitors.

Cost

Free

Water

River and waterfall pool. The Wildlife Trust states there is no right of access to the stream; do not assume swimming or water access is permitted.