The Water Falls
In the eastern region of the park there are areas of lime stone, which have
been worn away by three main rivers, the Mellte, Hepste and Nedd Fechan.
The full walk take's you along all three rivers, if you don't have time
for the full walk you can either make a couple of short cuts or walk straight
to main falls Sgwd yr Eira and back approx 1.5 - 2 hours.
It's little realised that the area was a major industrial site for arms
manufacturing, supplying the cannon balls and gunpowder for the british
navy. Along side the rivers hidden in the undergrowth are caves and mines
that supplied all the ingredients for gun powder, Cannon balls,.and the
water provided power the factories required. The canal was built to transport
the delicate cargo to the waiting war ships at Swansea docks.
Start Point: There are various stating points but I'd
recommend starting at the TIC/Angel Pub at Pontneddfechan GR:
SN899 075
Distance: 11.5K
Time: 6 hours.
Height gain: 150 mtr
It's always worth while checking the route with the TIC at Ponthneddfechan,
as the paths do have a tendency suffer from erosion or may have diversions
around path repair works.
From the Tourist .Information.Center follow the river to the RHS of
the Angel pub. It's a good path along a former railway line, there are
diversions but basically follow this path keeping the main river on your
right. You'll come to a car park, the main route continues on foot path
on left as you leave car park, which puts you on the right hand bank of
the river.
Or you can short cut by following the lane out of the
car park. Left at road junction for approx 1K. Right on to foot path follow
this to foot bridge over the river. Rght walking down river to re-join
walk.
Path bears away from river up to a lane, turn right to cross over at
T junction take footpath down to Porth yr Ogof car park. This is a very
busy car park used by the cavers, walkers and tour companies. Follow the
river down stream, most of this walk is way-marked, but can be confused
with alternative routes. The path climbs away from the river and you'll
cross through forest to meet the Afon Hepste. The path descends in to
the gorge, where the path continues behind the water fall Sgwd yr Eira.
The path behind is reasonable good the spray will make you damp but it's
not a soaking. Climbing the steps up the other side are more of a challenge.
Follow foot path signs to Dinas Rock, this will return you to the TIC/Angel
pub.
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