Waterfalls in Wales that you can walk behind

Another hero, behind the curtain. In the pantomime.

There are several big waterfalls in Waterfall Country that you can walk behind, as well as a couple of smaller ones. The waterfalls around Merthyr Tydfil, the Swansea Valley and the head of the Rhondda and Corrwg valleys also provide some possibilities, as well as their unique characters, which are totally different from those in Waterfall Country. The Clydach Gorge and nearby Mynydd Llangatwg also offer a few small waterfalls where this is possible (including a proper cave behind a waterfall), Dyffryn Crawnon has one such waterfall and Blaen-y-Glyn offers one tiny waterfall. Glyn Tarell and the Black Mountain offer two unusually placed options. Snowdonia offers a few options in the Cadair Idris range, one in the Aranau and one very special case in the Glyderau, with another two nearby in the Berwyn range of North Wales. Mid Wales and West Wales each offer one option for specialists. Perhaps there are more in other parts of Wales that I have yet to encounter - they will be added when I encounter them. If you're just looking to get started, I'd suggest the first two, as they have the best paths.

Of course, there is a degree of risk associated with this, and it is up to you to judge whether it is safe for you or not. You may use this information here as a guide, but ultimately, you follow this information entirely at your own risk, and you are responsible for assessing the safety of the routes behind the waterfalls. Risks include falling rocks, falling icicles, spray, wind, ice, slippery surfaces, plunge pools, drops, debris, other visitors, pollutants and the water itself. Unless specifically graded as part of a route in a route guide, these are not covered by my ability grading system (the majority of these are therefore not graded). Take care, wear appropriate clothing, and enjoy.

Sgwd Henrhyd

Walks and galleries

Pro

• One of the easiest of all to reach, and the easiest to walk behind.
• The path behind it is nicely maintained, though not an official footpath.
• The largest ledge to stand on behind a waterfall.
• Impressively tall waterfall - the tallest of all single drops that can be walked behind.

Con

• The path does not continue on the other side of the waterfall.
• Flow can be disappointingly low after a while with no rain.

High water

The spray is severe - enough to produce high winds and fog.

Ice

Occasionally freezes. The ledge and path is usually clear enough of ice, but will be slippery at the edges, and in a couple of places where streams cross it.

Sgwd yr Eira

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to reach, and very easy to walk behind.
• The path behind it is the only one that is an official footpath passing from one side to the other, and is well maintained.
• The path continues on the other side, and can be used for a variety of routes.
• Reasonably large ledge behind the waterfall.
• Very graceful waterfall, with a wide curtain.

Con

• By far the most popular waterfall in South Wales; never quiet, and never alone.
• Not very tall compared with the other large waterfalls (though still fairly high compared with the smaller ones).
• Part of the path is usually wet, though it is possible to traverse over it.

High water

Strong spray, but still normally safe enough.

Ice

Sometimes partially freezes. When it does partially freeze, the ice builds up on the ledge behind the waterfall, making it dangerous to walk behind.

Small waterfall near Sgwd yr Eira

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to reach.
• Impressive setting.

Con

• A tiny waterfall that is barely noticeable, being just downstream of Sgwd yr Eira.
• The waterfall itself did not create the ledge - it was created by the nearby river. Feels like cheating.
• The cliff forces stooping at first in order to reach a very small standing area.
• Getting out the other side is not possible without getting soaked.
• The path is unofficial.
• Next to the most popular waterfall in South Wales; never quiet, and never alone.

High water

Should not be a problem. In fact, it may help the waterfall to spread out enough to make it possible to walk behind.

Ice

Can freeze. Ice may build up on the rocks around the base and grass on the ledge. Ice would make it much more difficult due to the amount of water on the ledge.

Sgwd Gwladus

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Very easy to reach.
• It is possible to skirt the large plunge pool in order to produce a looping route.
• Impressive setting.

Con

• Not very tall (comparatively).
• The path is unofficial.
• The path is always wet, and requires a small amount of walking in puddles.
• Extremely slippery, due to infrequent use, making it quite difficult to walk behind.

High water

In flood, the entire path behind the waterfall disappears completely under water.

Ice

Often freezes enough to prevent use of the path for a few weeks each winter. The ice builds up against the wall behind the waterfall, and icicles overhang the path. Slipping would potentially result in landing in a small hole in the icy plunge pool. Get the picture? If it's icy, do not try to walk behind it.

Melincourt Falls

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Very easy to reach.
• It is possible to ford the stream in order to produce a short looping route.
• Reasonably large ledge behind the waterfall.
• Impressively tall waterfall.

Con

• The path is unofficial and extremely poorly maintained - part falls apart under your feet, part is slippery and wet, and the remaining part is slippery boulders.
• Very difficult to walk behind, due to the nature of the path.

High water

In flood, the path used to reach the ledge behind waterfall suffers badly from spray, and can be undercut by the river in extreme flood, making it dangerous to follow. It also would not be possible to ford the river in order to reach the other side of the ledge.

Ice

Often freezes enough to prevent use of the path for a few weeks each winter. The ice builds up on the path used to reach the ledge behind the waterfall, and makes it extremely dangerous to reach.

Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn, top section

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to reach.
• Extremely impressive setting.
• Extremely close to a very wide veil of water.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it (except perhaps gorge walkers).
• In low water, gaps in the veil on the right may become big enough to get into the undercut while remaining relatively dry.

Con

• Not very tall (comparatively).
• There is normally no dry way in or out of the undercut - an umbrella may be useful, but waterproof coat and trousers also work.
• Only the right side of the undercut is properly accessible. It is not possible to get out the other side without getting soaked.
• Getting to the waterfall requires a somewhat exposed path, and walking through the shallow plunge pool.
• The path (if it deserves such a title) is unofficial.
• The path is always wet, with the waterfall's water flowing over it, and is quite slippery.
• The water is about as deep as a walking boot at the gaps in the veil, so wellies may be needed.
• Slipping could result in being washed over the next two waterfalls.

High water

Lethal. Far too easy to get washed over the lower waterfalls.

Ice

Rarely, if ever, freezes (though apparently it used to a few decades ago). Ice would make it lethal due to the amount of water on the ledge and the proximity to the next waterfall, but that won't be a problem unless it actually manages to freeze.

Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn, bottom section

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Extremely impressive setting.
• Extremely close to a very large amount of thundering water.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it (except perhaps gorge walkers).

Con

• The path does not continue on the other side of the waterfall (unless you're the sort of risk-taker who likes climbing slimy cliffs).
• By far the hardest one in the main part of Waterfall Country to reach, requiring either fording the river or descending cliffs, and a short traverse around a plunge pool. Only Aberdulais Falls is harder in the wider Waterfall Country.
• Not very tall.
• The path is unofficial.
• The path is always wet, and extremely slippery.
• Small ledge forces stooping at first.
• Slipping would result in being hit by the full force of a very powerful waterfall.

High water

In flood, parts of the path behind the waterfall disappear under water. Fording the river would be impossible. Descending the cliffs would never be advisable.

Ice

Rarely, if ever, freezes (though apparently it used to a few decades ago). Ice would make it extremely difficult due to the amount of water on the ledge, but that won't be a problem unless it actually manages to freeze.

Small waterfall near Sgwd Ddwli Isaf

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to reach (especially from Pont Melin-fach), and quite easy to walk behind.
• Reasonably large ledge behind the waterfall.
• Impressive setting.

Con

• A tiny waterfall that is barely noticeable, being just downstream of Sgwd Ddwli Isaf.
• The path is unofficial.
• The waterfall itself did not create the disproportionately sized ledge - it was created then abandoned by Sgwd Ddwli Isaf before it retreated to its current position. Feels like cheating.

High water

Might make it look a bit better. Take care near the river.

Ice

Probably not an issue, since it's in a well sunlit area, and will have trouble freezing. Be careful of falling icicles if it does manage to freeze.

Small waterfall between Horseshoe Falls and Pwll Du ar Byrddin

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Reasonable setting in the gorge.

Con

• A tiny waterfall that is barely noticeable, hiding below the path on the opposite side of the gorge.
• There is no path to it at all, and the surface is difficult to walk on.
• The waterfall itself did not create the disproportionately sized ledge - it is a collapsing undercut created by the nearby river. Feels like cheating.

High water

Might make it look a bit better, but harder to get to - only the less-used path above it may be used (the river cannot be crossed), but that means great care must then be taken to descend to the cliff.

Ice

Can freeze. Be careful of falling icicles, and take care of ice which may coat the rocks on the ledge.

Craig Cilfach-bronwydd

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Impresive cliff and setting.
• Impressively tall waterfall.

Con

• A tiny stream that is completely overshadowed by the cliff and nearby river.
• There is no path to it at all, and the river needs to be crossed to reach it from the nearest path.
• It is not possible to continue on the other side of the waterfall.
• The waterfall itself did not create the disproportionately sized ledge - it is a cliff created by the nearby river. Feels like cheating.

High water

Will look better, but harder to get to, as the river needs to be crossed at least twice.

Ice

Can freeze, turning into a series of icicles, and a very slippery floor. Best avoided and admired from a distance.

The Great Chasm, left strand

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Impresive cliff and setting.
• Impressively tall waterfall.
• A rare example of a proper cave behind a waterfall.

Con

• A small stream that may not always flow.
• There is no path to it, and reaching it requires asking for permission to cross a fence and private land.
• The area around it is a little loose, as it is an active shakehole, and there is a nearby drop into a cave that must be avoided.
• It is not possible to continue on the other side of the waterfall, and the cave behind it is only a short alcove.
• The alcove is a little low, and requires stooping.
• Getting behind the waterfall means stooping through it - an umbrella may be useful, but waterproof coat and trousers also work.

High water

Will look better, but makes falling rocks more likely.

Ice

Can freeze, turning into a series of icicles, and a very slippery floor. Best avoided and admired from a distance.

The Great Chasm, middle strand

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Impresive cliff and setting.
• A better ledge than the other waterfalls in the chasm.

Con

• A small stream that may not always flow.
• There is no path to it, and reaching it requires asking for permission to cross a fence and private land, and ascending a steep boulder pile.
• The area around it is loose, as it is an active shakehole, and the boulder pile could potentially move.
• The ledge is part way up the waterfall, and there is a significant drop if you slip.
• It is not possible to continue on the other side of the waterfall.

High water

Will look better, but makes falling rocks more likely.

Ice

Can freeze, turning into a series of icicles, and a very slippery floor. Best avoided and admired from a distance.

The Great Chasm, Cwm Hew Bwb cave entrance

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Impresive cliff and setting.
• A rare example of a proper cave behind a waterfall, with a significant amount of cave passage behind it.

Con

• There is no path to it, and reaching it requires asking for permission to cross a fence and private land.
• The area around it is loose, as it is an active shakehole, and the boulder pile could potentially move.
• Getting behind the waterfall means clambering through it - caving equipment is required, and this should therefore only be visited by cavers.
• Probably best to ignore this waterfall. It is only included here for the sake of completeness.

High water

Makes falling rocks more likely, and makes the waterfall significantly more unpleasant to get through.

Ice

Can freeze, turning into a very slippery ice slope. Best avoided and admired from a distance.

Aberdulais Falls

Walks and galleries

Pro

• In low flow, the right side of the waterfall becomes a narrow spout, with a shingle bank behind it large enough to walk around.
• A smaller spraying fall in the middle can also be stooped behind, and a further spraying fall near the left side has an undercut that can be crouched in with care.
• Extremely easy to reach the top of the waterfall.
• Impressive setting, once you get to the base.

Con

• A fee must be paid to access the site.
• There is no official access to the base of the waterfall - although I was granted permission to abseil in, this was a special case, and you cannot expect the same permission to be granted to you.
• Reaching the base is hard. Either you have to stoop around under a ledge on the rock buttress then wade through the water (probably thigh or waist deep, but depends on flow and depth of stones on the bottom), or you have to get permission to abseil down from the fence above the waterfall - 15 metre rope suggested.
• Not very tall (comparatively).
• Probably best to ignore this waterfall. It is only included here for the sake of completeness.

High water

Warning: this river flash floods after rain, and can rise faster than you can get out. Water depth can be as much as 4 metres at the base during flood, cutting off the routes to get out, and making even abseiling in impossible. Even in slightly high water, it is lethal - impossible to reach the base of the waterfall. Only approach the base of the waterfall in summer, after long periods of dry weather. Consider yourself warned.

Ice

Rarely freezes. Ice would make it extremely difficult due to the amount of water and spray on the shingle bank, but that won't be a problem unless it actually manages to freeze. Wading through the water would be prohibitively cold and risky. When it does freeze, the spouts can disappear completely, leaving nothing to walk behind.

Pwll-yr-Wydden

Walks and galleries

Pro

• A rather unique setting.
• Reasonably easy to reach the shakehole.
• Impressive view from the waterfall.

Con

• Not very tall.
• It is only possible to walk behind one side of the waterfall.
• The waterfall only flows after several days of wet weather.
• The rock is very badly shattered and prone to collapse. Take care, and avoid touching the rock face.
• The ledge is not an official path, and is quite slippery.

High water

Only interesting in high water, but be careful in flood, as it may dislodge rocks.

Ice

May have trouble freezing, as it needs wet weather for the waterfall to appear. If it does get the right conditions, ice would build up on the ledge and rocks around the base and the route to the waterfall, which would make it too dangerous to walk behind.

Tareni Gleision main waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Easy to reach.
• A ledge about 4 metres up the waterfall can be used to walk behind the upper part of the waterfall.

Con

• Requires a scramble up to reach the ledge.
• A significant drop to fall off if you slip.
• Parts of the ledge are crumbling, and may shift when walked on.
• Needs significant rainfall to become interesting.
• The path behind it does not deserve to be called a path, and is unofficial.
• The left side may be substantially harder to reach, and should probably not be used for access.

High water

Should not be too much of a problem, but watch out for loose debris, and take care when crossing the stream.

Ice

Ice can build up on the ledge, which would make it lethal.

Tareni Gleision upper waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Relatively easy to get above it, using a path from the nearby Tareni Gleision farm.

Con

• Quite small.
• Protected by a significant amount of undergrowth, and a deteriorating cliff on the right side.
• No proper ledge behind it, just a slope with some slippery footholds.
• Needs significant rainfall to become interesting.
• The path behind it does not deserve to be called a path, and is unofficial.

High water

Probably not a good idea, due to the risk of falling debris, and additional spray.

Ice

Ice can build up on the ledge, which would make it impossible to walk behind.

Twyn y Crug Waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• A fairly pretty waterfall.
• A reasonable amount of space behind the waterfall.

Con

• Not very tall.
• It is not possible to get out the other side.
• Awkward to reach, without any good paths leading to it.
• Depending on flow, it can have not enough water to be interesting, or enough water to produce splashes that hit the ledge behind the waterfall.
• The path is unofficial.

High water

Still normally posible to walk behind it, though the splashes from a nearby ledge get worse, and waterproofs become more important.

Ice

Should freeze only on rare occasions. Ice would build up on the rocks around the base and the route to the waterfall, which would make it dangerous to approach.

Corrwg Fechan Falls inlet waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• A very wide veil (if it deserves such a term).
• A large ledge behind the waterfall.
• It is possible to get out of either end, or in the middle, by walking through the curtain.

Con

• Not very tall.
• Awkward and somewhat risky to reach, without any good paths leading to it.
• Not much water, even in flood conditions - in lower flow, it may disappear completely.
• The path (if it deserves such a title) is unofficial.

High water

Still easily posible to walk behind it, but it becomes more dangerous to reach, as the nearby Afon Corrwg needs to be forded at a series of cascades.

Ice

Should freeze only on rare occasions. Ice would build up on the rocks around the base and on the nearby river, which would make it dangerous to approach.

Nant Meliorath Falls

Walks and galleries

Pro

• A fairly graceful waterfall in higher flow.

Con

• Not very tall.
• There is only just enough space to crouch behind the waterfall.
• It is not possible to get out of either side, and the only way behind it is to walk through gaps in the middle of the veil.
• Awkward to reach, without any good paths leading to it.
• The path (if it deserves such a title) is unofficial.

High water

Still normally posible to get behind it. In higher flow, the veil spreads out more completely, so an umbrella may be useful, but waterproof coat and trousers also work.

Ice

Can freeze in sufficiently cold conditions. Ice would build up on the rocks around the base and grass on the ledge. Ice would make it more difficult due to the amount of water in the grass on the ledge.

Nant Melyn Waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• An impressive waterfall.
• Fairly easy to get behind (approach from the right), once you reach it.
• Surprisingly large and comfortable ledge behind the waterfall, considering the style of the waterfall.
• The only waterfall in the area where it's possible to get out the other side without getting soaked.

Con

• Getting out the other side can be tricky, with slumping mud on top of the rock.
• Quite awkward to reach, without any good paths leading to it.
• The path is unofficial.

High water

Probably not much different, but getting to it is harder, as the stream needs to be crossed. Might make it more difficult to get out the other side.

Ice

Ice sometimes builds up on the rocks around the base and grass on the ledge. Ice would make it more difficult due to the amount of water in the grass on the ledge.

Nant Carnfoesen Waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• A pretty waterfall, given the right conditions.

Con

• The cliff forces stooping at first in order to reach a very small standing area.
• Getting out the other side is not possible without getting soaked.
• Quite awkward to reach, without any good paths leading to it.
• The path is unofficial.

High water

Probably not a good idea.

Ice

Ice sometimes builds up on the rocks around the base and grass on the ledge. Ice would make it much more difficult due to the amount of water on the ledge.

Rhondda Fawr Waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• None. Seriously.

Con

• Tiny, slimy ledge, that is far too easy to slip off.
• Nothing to hold onto for support, except a slimy cliff.
• The rocks that make up the ledge are not stable.
• Falling would involve landing on painfully sharp rocks.
• Water always hits the ledge to some degree, and you will get wet if you try to make it out the other side.
• You'd have to be either an idiot or a crazy idiot to walk behind this waterfall. Do not try walking behind it, in any conditions.
• Not the easiest waterfall to reach.
• Not enough water to create a proper veil.
• The path (if it deserves such a title) is unofficial.

High water

Almost certainly lethal.

Ice

Ice sometimes builds up from the spray on the rocks around the base, which would make it even more dangerous than it already is.

Pen Pych Waterfall/Berw Wion

Walks and galleries

Pro

• An impressive, tall waterfall.
• Large undercut ledge behind the waterfall.
• Fairly easy to reach.

Con

• Getting out the other side is not possible without getting soaked.
• Some scrambling is required to reach the ledge, and the stream must be crossed.
• Flow can be disappointingly low after a while with no rain.
• The path is unofficial.

High water

Still seems fairly safe, though crossing the stream may be more awkward.

Ice

Ice may sometimes build up on the rocks around the base. There is water on some of the surfaces in the undercut, and having ice there would make it difficult to get up to beside the waterfall itself.

Berw Nant yr Ychen

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Impressively tall waterfall - the tallest of all total drops that can be walked behind.
• Large undercut ledge behind the waterfall.
• It's possible to walk into the ledge at either end, and exit at the other.

Con

• Awkward to reach, with no paths anywhere near it.
• Flow can be disappointingly low after a while with no rain.
• The ledge is not a proper path, and is just a grassy slope.

High water

Still normally safe enough, though getting upstream may be more awkward.

Ice

The waterfall often freezes completely. The ice can build up on the ledge, making it dangerous to walk behind.

Blaenant y Gwyddyl

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly pretty waterfall.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it, and very few people will visit it.

Con

• Not very tall.
• It is only possible to get behind the right side of the waterfall.
• The ledge behind the waterfall does not have much space, and is not a proper path.
• The ledge is always wet and slippery.
• Difficult to reach, due to undergrowth and lack of paths.

High water

The risk of falling debris increases, but it should be possible to get behind the waterfall in high water. The stream needs to be forded to reach it, however, and this will become much more risky in flood.

Ice

Can freeze in cold conditions. The ice will build up from the spray on the ledge, leaving nowhere safe to walk, and potentially filling the undercut completely.

Llech Sychryd

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Very easy to get behind, once you reach it.
• A very large ledge to walk on behind the waterfall.
• The ledge can be used as a way to cross the river, and continue beyond it.
• Impressive waterfall, with a potentially wide curtain.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it, and very few people will visit it.

Con

• Not very tall (comparatively).
• There is no easy access route to the waterfall.
• The path behind it is not official.
• Flow can be disappointingly low after spells of dry weather.

High water

Makes the curtain wider, so that it looks significantly better. Spray will also increase, but it should still remain safe enough to walk behind it.

Ice

Can freeze in cold conditions. The ice builds up from the spray on parts of the ledge behind the waterfall. It is still possible to walk behind it, but great care is needed to avoid slipping on any icy patches.

Pwll Annie

Walks and galleries

Pro

• An impressive, tall waterfall.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it, and very few people will visit it.

Con

• Very hard to reach the waterfall and very hard to walk behind - far too dangerous for inexperienced visitors to approach the waterfall.
• There are no official paths.
• The ledge is slippery and a long way up the waterfall, making any mistakes very serious.
• It is only possible to walk behind one side of the waterfall.
• Flow can be disappointingly low after spells of dry weather.

High water

Makes the curtain wider, so that it looks significantly better, but increases the splashing on the ledge. If it becomes too wide, the water will land on the start of the ledge, blocking access to it. It would be far too dangerous to approach in flood conditions.

Ice

Will rarely freeze in cold conditions. Ice may build up from the spray on parts of the ledge behind the waterfall, making it far too dangerous to approach.

Blaen-y-Glyn inlet waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to get near to, near the end of the main Blaen-y-Glyn track.
• Pleasent setting.

Con

• A very small waterfall that is completely overshadowed by the beautiful cascade in the main river next to it.
• The last part of the path to reach it is not easy, along the edge of the Caerfanell river, or a very muddy path on the other side of the river.
• There is no actual path behind it - it's just a small ledge that the waterfall splashes on.
• The ledge does not continue on the other side, though it is possible for mountain goats to scramble down to the main cascade and walk back along the river bank to make a tiny loop.
• The waterfall itself did not create the undercut - it was created by the Caerfanell river, which runs beside it. Feels like cheating.

High water

Makes it risky to reach, due to having to walk along the bank and bed of the nearby river. The waterfall itself, however, looks better with more water.

Ice

Can freeze enough to make it dangerous to walk behind. The ice builds up on the ledge and the edge of the river, leaving nowhere safe to walk.

Nant y Gerdinen Top Waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Relatively easy to get near to, walking up the stream bank from the parking space.
• Impressive view from the waterfall.

Con

• Not very tall.
• The parts that can be walked behind only appear in high flow, when the overflow channels become active.
• There is no actual path behind it - it's just some rocks that the waterfall splashes on.
• It is only possible to get behind one side of the waterfall, though depending on flow, it may be possible to walk back out between the strands.

High water

Only possible to walk behind it in high flow. Best visited in flood conditions.

Ice

Often freezes during cold spells in winter. The ice builds up on the rocks at the base, leaving nowhere safe to walk.

Pistyll Crawnon

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Reasonably pretty waterfall.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it, and very few people will even get to the base.
• Easy to reach the top of the waterfall.

Con

• A very narrow waterfall that does not produce much of a curtain.
• Reaching the waterfall base normally requires descending a cliff, after hopping a fence, then walking along a steep slope. It is not easy and also not safe for most potential visitors.
• The ledge is really just a steep grassy slope, and requires a lot of care. Not one for beginners.
• The ledge crumbles away half way behind the waterfall, and is too narrow to allow a dry approach from the right side. Only the left side of the ledge can be used.
• The path behind it does not deserve to be called a path, and is unofficial.
• The water suffers from quarry runoff pollution, and the stream contains remains of dumped cars and other litter.

High water

Not much different, but take care on the ledge in case some of the footholds become loosened by the water.

Ice

Ice sometimes builds up on the rocks around the base and grass on the ledge. Ice would make it very dangerous due to the amount of water in the grass on the ledge.

Pistyll Mawr/Small waterfall by Coal Tar Cave resurgence

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to get near to, being right beside a main road, with a lay-by.
• Quite a tall waterfall, considering the size of the stream.

Con

• A very narrow waterfall that does not produce much of a curtain.
• Reaching the waterfall base requires walking through undergrowth, and a short scramble.
• There is no actual path behind it - it's basically a river bed, so low water levels are required.
• Extremely slippery, due to its being a river bed, making it quite difficult to walk behind.
• Getting out the other side is even more difficult, due to spray from other inlets, and a very poor scrambling surface.
• The waterfall itself did not create the undercut - it was created by the Clydach river, which now runs in it via the artificial Coal Tar Cave. Feels like cheating.

High water

Makes it dangerous to walk behind, due to proximity to the river. The waterfall itself, however, looks better with more water.

Ice

Often freezes enough to make it dangerous to walk behind. The ice builds up on the rocks around the base, leaving nowhere safe to walk.

Cwm Nantmelyn Waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Easy to reach from Brynmawr.
• A ledge 4 metres up the waterfall can be used to walk behind the upper half of the waterfall.

Con

• Very hard to reach the ledge, clambering through a fallen tree on the right side.
• Very slippery ledge (once past the undergrowth), with a significant drop to fall off if you slip.
• The other side of the ledge is crumbling away, and is too dangerous to use as a path.
• Not much water during the times when it's possible to walk behind it.
• The path behind it does not deserve to be called a path, and is unofficial.
• Not worth the effort and danger to walk behind it.

High water

Too easy to get knocked off the ledge by the water. Don't risk it.

Ice

Ice can build up on the ledge, which would make it lethal.

Ogof Clogwyn

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Quite easy to get to, with a path from a nearby road at Gellifelen.
• Unique setting - about the only reason that makes it worth trying to get behind it.

Con

• A very low waterfall, with only just enough space to crouch behind it.
• Lots of splashing water hits you, due to the rock the water lands on.
• Getting out the other side is not possible without getting soaked, unless you are wearing caving overalls.
• In most flow levels, there is not enough of a curtain to actually get far enough behind it.

High water

Makes the curtain wide enough to get slightly further behind it. Best visited in flood conditions.

Ice

Rarely, if ever, freezes. Ice would make it more slippery and may block the space behind the waterfall, but the real risk is slipping into the far more dangerous gorge below the cave. Take care.

Waterfall Cave resurgence waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Reasonably pretty waterfall, in an impressive setting.
• Easy enough to walk behind, once you reach it.

Con

• Very hard to reach, requiring a descent of the gorge and a walk up or down the River Clydach (neither direction is easy, and should only be attempted by those who know how to walk in river gorges). There is no path.
• Getting out the other side is not possible without getting wet.
• Not much water during the times when it's safe to approach it.
• The waterfall itself did not create the ledge - it was created by the River Clydach. Feels like cheating.
• The water may be a source of Weil's disease [ref; The Caves Of Clydach, Tony Oldham], and the river occasionally suffers from sewage pollution.

High water

The nearby river is lethal. Makes the waterfall impossible to reach.

Ice

Rarely, if ever, freezes. Ice would make the nearby river lethal, cutting off access to the waterfall itself.

Eglwys Faen Waterfall Entrance

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Very easy to reach, and fairly easy to walk behind, with an official path leading directly upto the waterfall, where it then becomes a frequented caving route.
• Easy enough to walk behind, once you reach it.
• A truly unique and impressive setting.
• A rare example of a proper cave behind a waterfall, and the only one in Wales where you can easily walk behind it.
• Cavers can continue through the cave network to emerge at other points along the escarpment.

Con

• Not very tall.
• Not much water, even in flood conditions.
• The veil of water often spreads completely from one side to the other, so getting behind the waterfall means walking through it - an umbrella may be useful, but waterproof coat and trousers also work.
• The cave closes down almost immediately to a very small, wet passage, so non-cavers cannot get very far behind the waterfall.
• The surrounding rock faces are scarred by quarrying, making it hard to decide what parts are natural escarpment.

High water

Makes the curtain more visible. Best visited in flood conditions, though waterproofs become more important.

Ice

Can freeze in sufficiently cold conditions. Ice would build up in the cave behind the waterfall, making it dangerous to walk behind.

Small waterfall near Glangraig Waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• A rare example of a sea cave behind a waterfall.
• A real novelty in West Wales, as it is currently the only one I know of there that can be walked behind.

Con

• Extremely difficult and dangerous to reach. Must not be attempted by inexperienced visitors. The risks associated with approaching this waterfall mean that I have not attempted to get behind it.
• You'd have to be either an idiot or a crazy idiot to walk behind this waterfall. Do not try walking behind it, in any conditions.
• Access requires a long abseil without any convenient belay points (probably using the fence posts on the far side of the path above as a belay), or a very risky boat landing in the violent waters of the cave mouth.
• The waterfall is only accessible at low tide.
• Caving experience is required for scrambling up the rock into the sea cave.
• Not very tall.
• You will always get wet to some degree while abseiling into the waterfall - waterproofs are required.
• The floor is always very slippery and wet, making it dangerous to walk behind.
• Only one side of the spout is clear of the water - it is not possible to approach or exit from the other side.
• Probably best to ignore this waterfall. It is only included here for the sake of completeness.

High water

The waterfall needs high flow to become significant enough to be worth visiting. The tide must be low.

Ice

Unlikely to be directly affected by ice due to its proximity to the sea. However, the slope and path above it could become very slippery.

Rhaeadr Peiran

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to reach the viewpoint.
• A unique and powerful waterfall, in a lovely setting.
• The alcove behind the upper part of the waterfall offers enough space to stand behind the spout.
• A real novelty in Mid Wales, as it is currently the only one I know of there that can be walked behind.

Con

• Not very tall.
• There is nothing even remotely resembling a path to the edge of the waterfall itself, so reaching it requires abseiling off the cliff beside the waterfall.
• A potentially dangerous waterfall to attempt to get behind, with a ferocious plunge pool that would make it difficult or impossible even for gorge walkers to get upstream to the waterfall.
• You will always get wet to some degree while abseiling into the waterfall - waterproofs are required.
• The floor of the alcove is not solid - it is a shingle bank that may easily shift after floods, or while you are standing on it.
• The floor is always slippery and wet, making it dangerous to walk behind.
• Only one side of the spout is clear of the water - it is not possible to approach or exit from the other side.
• Getting behind this waterfall requires potholing or canyoning skills, and should only be attempted by experienced potholers or canyoners, with appropriate equipment.
• Probably best to ignore this waterfall. It is only included here for the sake of completeness.

High water

Almost certainly lethal.

Ice

Could suffer from ice in sufficiently cold conditions. Ice would build up from the spray on the rocks around the base, the ledges around the waterfall and the cliffs above it, which would make it too dangerous to even approach, let alone walk behind.

Pistyll y Graig-ddu, bottom section

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Close to a wide veil of water.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it, and there are very few other waterfalls that I know of in North Wales that can be walked behind.
• Gaps in the veil should be big enough in low flow to get into the undercut while remaining relatively dry.
• In low flow, it may be possible to walk from one side of the waterfall to the other, and continue on the far bank.

Con

• There is no proper path to the waterfall itself, so reaching it requires inventing a path through the undergrowth, then using stepping stones to reach an appropriate gap in the veil.
• Not very tall.
• There is often no completely dry way in or out of the undercut - an umbrella may be useful, but waterproof coat and trousers also work.
• It is always slippery and wet, making it quite difficult to walk behind.
• In higher flow, water meets the rock at both edges of the veil, so it is not possible to continue on the other side - the largest gaps in the veil are in the middle of the waterfall, but will depend on flow.

High water

Even in high water, it is still possible to walk behind, though the gaps in the veil get smaller, and waterproofs will be required. In full flood, it will become too dangerous to reach the stepping stones in order to get behind the waterfall.

Ice

Will freeze either partially or completely in sufficiently cold conditions. Ice will build up from the spray on the rocks around the base, which will make it too dangerous to walk behind.

Afon Ceiriog middle waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Close to a wide veil of water.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it, and there are very few other waterfalls that I know of in North Wales that can be walked behind.
• Relatively easy to reach the waterfall using the unofficial path on the eastern bank, or over open country on the western bank.

Con

• Not very tall.
• Getting to the ledge behind the waterfall involves walking down a very slippery slab on poorly supported grass.
• It is only possible to walk behind the right (eastern) side of the waterfall - the ledge does not continue on the other side.

High water

Higher flow makes the veil spread out better but also makes the slippery slab more dangerous due to spray. In flood, it will become too dangerous too approach.

Ice

Can freeze partially in sufficiently cold conditions. Ice builds up on the slab and ledge, making it too dangerous to walk behind.

Llaethnant upper waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to reach the top of the waterfall.
• Quite a pretty waterfall in a luscious setting, just below the upper ravine.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it, and there are very few other waterfalls that I know of in North Wales that can be walked behind.
• Superb view from the waterfalls.

Con

• A tricky scramble down is needed to reach the waterfall base - not suitable for beginners.
• A very small and narrow waterfall that does not produce much of a curtain.
• There is no path behind it, and walking behind it involves walking on a the river bed.
• It is always very slippery and wet, making it quite difficult to approach and walk behind.
• Only one side of the spout can be approached, so there is nowhere to continue on the other side.
• There are some small dribbles of water that take up most of the available space behind the waterfall, leaving very little space available to walk in.

High water

High flow will cause the stream to flow over more of the waterfall lip, blocking easy access to the undercut. The base of the waterfall will pond up, leaving nowhere to walk, and the neighbouring waterfall will cover the rocks used to scramble down to the base. It will be too dangerous to approach the base, or walk behind the waterfall.

Ice

Will freeze either partially or completely in sufficiently cold conditions. Ice will build up from the spray on the rocks around the base, which will make it too dangerous to walk behind.

Cadair Cataracts boulder waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Can be pretty in the right conditions.
• Quite a novelty, since nobody else will be behind it, and there are very few other waterfalls that I know of in North Wales that can be walked behind.

Con

• There is no path to the waterfall. Reaching it requires very carefully scrambling down from the nearby path. Not for beginners.
• Not very tall.
• The undercut is actually the space under a large fallen boulder, and is not as stable as normal waterfalls.
• A very narrow waterfall that does not produce much of a curtain.
• There is no path behind it, and walking behind it involves scrambling on a the river bed.
• It is always very slippery and wet, making it quite difficult to walk behind.
• It is only possible to get behind one side of the undercut - while it is possible to crouch directly behind the curtain, there is no way out of the other side.
• Probably best to ignore this waterfall. It is only included here for the sake of completeness.

High water

Normal winter water levels may cause too much water to cascade over the boulder, cutting off access to the undercut. High water brings severe risk of falling rocks and debris, and makes it far too dangerous to approach the waterfall. Take extreme care after high water has subsided, as the rocks and boulders that form the waterfall could easily become dislodged or prone to collapses.

Ice

Will freeze either partially or completely in sufficiently cold conditions. Ice will build up on all surfaces, including the steep slope used to reach the waterfall. It will become far too dangerous to approach or attempt to walk behind. Ice may also cause boulders and rocks to move, making the waterfall unstable. Avoid it and take extreme care after a thaw.

Penrhyn-gwyn

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to reach.
• Quite a large and impressive example for Snowdonia, one of the largest that it is possible to walk behind.

Con

• Not very tall compared with the walk-behind waterfalls of South Wales.
• There is no path behind it, and walking behind it involves balancing on slippery rocks in the river bed.
• It is always slippery and wet, making it quite difficult to walk behind.
• Only one side of the waterfall can be walked behind - it is not possible to continue on the other side.
• There is no gap in the curtain to walk through, so getting behind it requires walking through the side of the curtain. Full waterproofs are required.

High water

It is still possible to walk behind in high water, with increasing spray. High flow should also ensure the curtain is wide enough. In very high flood, it may become too dangerous to approach, due to the currents around the base, and the rocks being submerged.

Ice

Does not normally freeze. Ice may build up from the spray on the rocks around the base, which would make it too dangerous to walk behind. However, this is a very rare occurrence, according to the gorge walkers.

Arthog Waterfalls top waterfall

Walks and galleries

Pro

• Fairly easy to reach the viewpoint.
• A real novelty in Snowdonia, as it is one of the biggest and easiest one I know of there that can be walked behind.
• Part of a very graceful waterfall, in a lovely setting.

Con

• There is no proper path to the base of the waterfall itself, so reaching it either requires clambering up the river, or inventing a path on the left bank.
• Not very tall.
• A very narrow waterfall that does not produce much of a curtain.
• There is no real path behind it, and walking behind it involves walking on the river bed.
• It is always slippery and wet, making it quite difficult to walk behind.
• Only one side of the spout is by the river bank - the other is beside the plunge pool, so continuing on the other side of the waterfall would require fording the river.
• There are some small dribbles of water that it is impossible to avoid, which make it uncomfortable to remain behind the waterfall for very long.

High water

Quite likely to be dangerous to attempt to walk behind it in flood, as the water will probably overspill the channel, and cascade over the entire base. In normal winter levels, it is still possible to walk behind, but extra care must be taken.

Ice

Will freeze either partially or completely in sufficiently cold conditions. Ice will build up from the spray on the rocks around the base, which will make it too dangerous to walk behind.

Devil's Kitchen (boulder overhang)

Walks and galleries

Pro

• One of the most impressive settings of any waterfall in Wales.
• A truly unique waterfall, with a second waterfall behind it, both of which can be walked behind.
• Dominating view of another waterfall above it.

Con

• The only route to the waterfall requires a grade 1-2 scramble up the gorge. Scrambling skills are essential.
• Not very tall.
• The undercut is actually the space under a very large fallen boulder, but still seems to be very stable.
• A narrow waterfall in low flow that does not produce much of a curtain.
• The space behind it is the stream bed, so walking behind it involves walking in the river. Waterproof footwear with a good grip is required.
• The stream splashes quite significantly, so waterproofs are advised.

High water

Makes the waterfall's curtain spread out further, and increases the volume of the inner waterfall, giving the best effect. The difficulty does not increase much, but can require more care when scrambling up the gorge. Waterproofs become more important.

Ice

Will freeze completely in sufficiently cold conditions. The entire waterfall and gorge stream can freeze, which will make it too dangerous to approach without ice climbing experience and equipment.

• Back to Waterfalls
• Back to holidays
• Back to homepage
• Copyright and reproduction