Including Pistyll Goleu.
From Cardiff, take the A470 to the Pontypridd/Rhondda Valleys junction. Take the second turnoff at the roundabout, signposted as Ynys-y-bwl. At the next roundabout, take the first turnoff, signposted as Pontypridd and Ynys-y-bwl. Immediately after crossing the river bridge, turn right onto the B4273 (signposted as Ynys-y-bwl). Follow the road for several miles. At the far side of Ynysybwl, it turns a sharp bend to cross a river, and loses its B-road status. Some way after leaving the houses, take a side road on the left, signposted to Llanwonno. After a bit over a mile, park in the Llanwynno (yep, note that spelling) forestry parking area on the left. ST 0323 9585.
There are a multitude of routes through the forest, including a fire track heading diagonally to the right from the other side of the road to the stream (with the waterfall a little downstream of it). However, this is intended to be a walk, so a walk it shall be.
On the opposite side of the road from the parking area, take the forestry track ahead-left, and follow it for just over 1 km to a junction. To the left is the Darwonno/Daerwonno/Daerwynno (make up your minds!) adventure centre. To the right is a track that can be used as a shortcut, but again, this is supposed to be a walk. Continue ahead for just under 1 km to another junction. Take the track doubling back on the right. After 750 metres it passes the Clydach Reservoir, and then after another 500 metres, it passes the end of the shortcut. 100 metres after that, it crosses the Sychnant stream, and beside it is a stepped path leading down to the waterfall. 350 metres beyond the stream, the track reaches another major junction. Turn right and follow the track up to the road. Turn right and follow the road back to the parking area.
| Waterfall | Grid reference | GPS coordinates | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistyll Goleu | ST 03330 96342 | 51.657522°N, 3.398895°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.