Including the wonderfully secluded Llech Sychryd.
From Cardiff, take the A470 to the end of Merthyr Tydfil. From Merthyr Tydfil, take the A465 towards Hirwaun, follow it over the hill. Part way down the other side, about 0.6 miles after the road passes over the Nant-hir reservoir, there is a lay-by that can be used for parking. SN 9811 0639. A similarly placed lay-by on the opposite side of the road may be used by visitors approaching from the other direction.
For best results, locate the landowner of the fields on the left bank of the Nant-hir Reservoir (looking upstream), and obtain permission to cross the fields. Walk up the northern side of the road to the bridge over the reservoir. Immediately before it, cross the fence into the fields below the bridge. Pick up a path heading up the edge of the river's gorge, crossing gates as needed, to reach open access land. Continue following the gorge top, to arrive at the Llech Sychryd waterfall. Take a picnic and enjoy it in the ample space behind the waterfall.
Without access permission, the same point can be reached by walking up to the upper end of the bridge (right bank of the reservoir when facing upstream), on the northern (upstream) side of the road. Hop the fence into the forestry land, and very carefully descend the steep bank to the remains of a wall. Follow it upstream, taking care of the undergrowth and occasionally unfenced drop into the reservoir. Eventually, the going becomes easier, and reaches the top of the Llech Sychryd waterfall.
Upstream, there is another waterfall, which can be awkward to reach. Continue upstream above Llech Sychryd, past the first side stream, to reach the second stream, at the edge of some forestry. Just after the stream, cross the fence into the forestry, and ascend the left bank of the stream, remaining above the stream's gully. The waterfall can soon be heard in the gully. Descend to it when appropriate.
| Waterfall | Grid reference | GPS coordinates | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Llech Sychryd | SN 99129 07278 | 51.755078°N, 3.462774°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.