Including the hidden Nant Bwch waterfall.
From Cardiff, take the M4 to junction 26. At the roundabout, take the first turnoff (left) onto the A4051, and follow it through Malpas. Take the third turnoff at the next roundabout (right) and the first turnoff at the next roundabout, on the A442(T). Stay with the A4042(T) until Pontypool, where it becomes the A4042, and then follow that until the Abergavenny Hardwick roundabout. Take the fourth turnoff (a weird roundabout extension) then the next turnoff onto the A465 towards Hereford. After just under 5 miles, take the turnoff into Llanvihangel Crucorney (signposted Llantony Priory). Just after The Skirrid Inn, turn left (signposted to the Priory). Follow the lane for several miles, through Llantony, taking a left when it forks shortly afterwards. After another few miles it reaches Chapel-y-ffin. At the start of the village, take a left at the fork, and follow that lane until it crosses the stream at an Irish ford. Park on the verge at some point after this, preferably after passing through a gate. SO 2410 3234.
Continue on foot along the lane to reach the Blaen-bwch farm, then along the deteriorating track beyond there until it leaves the fields, and breaks out into the open. Soon afterwards, a stream joins from the left, and the route now leaves the main path, crosses the main stream, and picks up a path heading back along the other side of the valley. After reaching the fields, it stays above the field walls, eventually breaking out into the open beneath the dramatic Tarren yr Esgob escarpment. The waterfall is immediately below the path, but it must be avoided for now, as it is guarded by cliffs. Wait until a wide, open area lies between the path and the stream. Then experienced river walkers can cross that open area, and locate a point safe enough to descend to the stream. Then head upstream to the waterfall.
Return to the path, and follow it as it skirts a hillock, then descends to the Talsarn farm. Pick up the valley lane at the farm, and head to the left. Another waterfall may be seen though the undergrowth down on the right, before the lane crosses the Irish ford, and arrives back at the start of the walk.
| Waterfall | Grid reference | GPS coordinates | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nant Bwch | SO 23662 32309 | 51.983973°N, 3.112977°W | |
Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this description, neither the author nor his fellow walkers can accept responsibility for loss or injury arising from any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this description. This description is intended as a guide only, and you should select a route to suit your own abilities, at your own discretion. Ability requirements are a guide only. Route maps are approximated. You follow this description at your own risk.