Afon Mellte, near Ystradfellte, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales

Sgwd Clun-Gwyn Waterfall

Waterside landscape

Place photograph

6.5

Wildland

1–2 hours for a short visit

Time

Check

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

WoodlandRiversideValleyWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.5

On the Afon Mellte, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn is one of a series of cascades encountered in the woodland and gorge landscape of Waterfall Country.

This is more than a roadside waterfall stop: it sits within a walk linking several cascades through wooded river scenery. The reward is a changing sequence of falls and viewpoints, but steep, slippery terrain makes careful footing essential.

Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild

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Afon Mellte, near Ystradfellte, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales

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The experience

A waterfall stop within Waterfall Country, with the option of extending the visit into the Four Waterfalls loop. River access is hazardous: do not enter the water.

Things to do

See Sgwd Clun-Gwyn from the trail

The route account describes a viewpoint of the falls from the western side of the Afon Mellte, followed by a further viewpoint after crossing the bridge. Keep to the trail and safe viewing areas.

About 20 minutes from the approach described in the source, plus viewing time

Link the four waterfalls

The cited loop visits Sgwd Uchaf Clun Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira. Conditions and access can change; heed warnings and do not enter the water.

About 2–2.5 hours according to the route source

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 20 minutes from the route source’s stated starting point and back, excluding time at the falls

Quick waterfall visit

01
Use the route source’s described approach from Comin Y Rhos only after checking that access and parking remain available.
02
Follow the main trail to the western-side viewpoint of Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, reported as about 10 minutes from that approach.
03
Return the way you came; keep to safe viewpoints and stay out of the river.

Half day · About 2–2.5 hours on the cited route; allow extra time for stops

Make a half day of the Four Waterfalls Walk

01
Check current access, parking and trail conditions before choosing a start point.
02
Follow the Clyngwyn-start loop described by the route source, visiting Sgwd Uchaf Clun Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira.
03
Allow time for the waterfall viewpoints, but avoid steep edges and do not enter rivers or pools.

Verified history

The supplied sources identify Sgwd Clun-Gwyn as a waterfall on the Afon Mellte and describe it as part of the Four Waterfalls area. The name is translated in one source as “fall of the white meadow”. No further historical account is supported by the supplied research.

Hidden details

The name’s meaning — One waterfall reference translates Clun-Gwyn as “fall of the white meadow”.

A waterfall chain, not a single stop — The Four Waterfalls loop links Clun-Gwyn with Sgwd y Pannwr, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd yr Eira.

When to go

April · May · June · No specific time of day is verified. Check current conditions and access before travelling.

A waterfall reference recommends spring and early summer, and notes stronger flow after rainfall. Wet weather can make the route slippery, so greater flow should not be treated as a reason to approach the water.

The cited route warns of slippery paths in wet or icy conditions and recommends attempting it in dry weather. Take care near steep drops and water edges; do not enter the river or pools.

The route

ascent: 741 ft
surface: Mixed; steep and rough terrain and slippery rocks near waterfalls are reported
distance: 4.9 miles
duration: 2–2.5 hours
difficulty: Moderate; steep, rough and slippery sections are reported
waymarking: Not established by the supplied route description
route shape: Loop
start point: Clyngwyn car park, as described by the route source; confirm current access and parking before setting out.
parking start: Parking availability and terms are not verified. The route source names Clyngwyn car park as its start.
shorter alternative: A short out-and-back to a Sgwd Clun-Gwyn viewpoint is described from Comin Y Rhos, but confirm access and parking before using this approach.

Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn
Sgwd Uchaf Clun Gwyn
Sgwd y Pannwr
Sgwd yr Eira

What to look for

Notice how the Afon Mellte drops over successive steps and ledges, and how the wooded gorge frames the water. The Four Waterfalls route also visits Sgwd y Pannwr, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd yr Eira.

Best time to go

Spring to early summer; the falls are reported to be especially powerful after rainfall, when paths may also be wetter and more slippery.

Spring to early summer is suggested by one waterfall reference; after rainfall, the falls may be more powerful, but paths can be wet and slippery. Choose dry conditions for the cited walk and check conditions before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for a short visit; allow about 2–2.5 hours for the cited Four Waterfalls loop.

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Afon Mellte, Neath

Phone

+44 7434 840731

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 2,383 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

The waterfall is described as part of the Four Waterfalls Walk. Access details for this specific pin are not confirmed; check current local access information before setting out. Paths near the falls can be steep, rough and slippery, with sudden drops. Do not enter the river or pools: dangerous conditions and fatalities have been reported. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

Check before visiting

Parking

Parking availability, location, fees and capacity are not confirmed. The route source names Clyngwyn car park as a start for the Four Waterfalls loop; check current arrangements before travelling.

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

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Accessibility

Not described as wheelchair accessible. The cited route includes steep, rough and uneven terrain, slippery sections and sudden drops; it is not suitable for all visitors.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

River