Another walk with SPR walking and this time a completely different starting point- Brecon Beacons National Park. This was their slightly abridged version of the waterfall walk. Seven of us today including John who was our leader for this route.
We were dropped at Penderyn and first of all walked through a farm yard and on passed a disused quarry face and round the edge of a hill side. The views were pleasant but not dramatic at this point.
The path had been quiet during this stretch and we descended towards the river and first waterfall.
The main parking for these waterfall walks is at the top and bottom of this forested section of the Ystradfellte valley. We were lucky to be able to come in from a halfway position and went first to an impressive waterfall which for some might have been last on their visit.
As we climbed down towards this waterfall the rocks became increasingly wet. Many more people at this point and approaching this fall from both directions as it was possible to walk behind.
It was only once we emerged the other side that we realised how damp we were! The path started to climb up steep steps – for quite a long way!!
There was a little level walking before we came across another fall!
This was rather different an amazing rock ledge that the river was running along and then over the ledge in a different direction.
Having climbed up from this waterfall the next stretch was close to the river and further along people had built cairns. Then when we went around the corner there was a ‘Forest’ of them!
The next stretch of river had a series of cascading falls as they cut through the rocks with the occasional higher ledge where the water poured over the top. Several of the pools had occupants enjoying a rather cool swim!
At this point we had two options. The first to turn back and climb up many steps, some of which we had already climbed down! Or we could scramble up the side of the steep bank above our view point.
No photos, too busy scrambling and reaching for rocks and roots. The path did level eventually but was very narrow with a very steep slope down to the river – probably a couple of hundred feet – not for the faint hearted and definitely not something to think about too much. At last we turned upward for the last steep ascent before emerging on a very ordinary track.
Don’t know about the others but I was definitely feeling hungry by this time. We still had further to go before lunch. At this point we had had a three hour drive and had been walking for two hours – quite a long time since breakfast!
A mix of trees on this walk. Lots of oak trees in this area.
For a short stretch we were close to the water and then again the river bed fell away and another waterfall.
The path continued further and as we were approaching the end of this section we found two porta loos. Remarkably they were incredibly clean and well stocked – quite a revelation.
We were picked up in the minibus and transported about four kilometres and dropped adjacent to a picnic spot with actual picnic benches! Lunch was very enjoyable!
The path in this next section was reasonable at first and then became rockier, mostly down hill.
The rock slab formation at this point is quite impressive. Although the cascades of water are more gentle in this section they are still very attractive.
The rocks take on a strange hue. We continue along this stretch with just one more turbulent section. Our reward at the end in Pont – Nedd Fechan was the Angel Inn and some beer!!
The walk today was about 12.6 km.
Highlight – obviously amazing views and waterfalls but from a personal achievement position it probably had to be the scrambling up the steep hill. Long time since I’ve done anything like that!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 