Including Afon Llia, Dog Pool.
From Cardiff, take the A470 to the end of Merthyr Tydfil. From Merthyr Tydfil, take the A465 to the left towards Hirwaun, follow it over the hill, and down to the next roundabout. Take the second turnoff to the next roundabout. Take third turnoff, to reach Penderyn. From Penderyn, drive north through it along the A4059 until there are some lay-bys in an open area, usually with an ice-cream van in summer. Turn left along a road sign-posted to Ystradfellte. Follow it for about 3 miles until it ends at a junction. Turn right (signposted to Sennybridge), and continue to the Aber-llia farm, which has buildings on both sides of the road. SN 9331 1475.
The farm owns the private land where the waterfall is situated, and it is essential that you ask for permission before visiting. Once you have your permission, follow the road on foot up a long hill. It almost levels out to cross a stream after 500 metres, but then continues to climb before becoming much more gentle. Very shortly afterwards, the Llia river valley can be seen swinging close to the road. A gateway on the right gives access to the fields, where the fence on the left can be followed down to the river, at the head of the Afon Llia waterfall. To reach the base, head downstream until you can descend to the river, and ford it where possible. Return on the far bank to get the best view of the main waterfall. A little further downstream is the Dog Pool waterfall. Take care when fording the river, as it is exceptionally slippery.
| Waterfall | Grid reference | GPS coordinates | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afon Llia | SN 92995 15327 | 51.826280°N, 3.554091°W | |
| Dog Pool | SN 93071 15327 | 51.826295°N, 3.552989°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.