Visiting Waterfall Country
Located right on the south-westerly edge of the National Park this area is amongst the most beautiful and popular parts of the National Park. Here the rivers Mellte, Hepste, Pyrddin and Nedd-fechan wind their way down deep, tree-lined gorges, over a series of dramatic waterfalls, before joining to form the River Neath. This area is of international importance and it has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
High numbers of visitors in recent years have resulted in immense pressure on this fragile landscape and surrounding communities. You can help by following the advice below:
Parking
There are two official car parks in Waterfall Country managed by the National Park Authority. Both take card payments ONLY. Please follow road signs to car parks and not satnav as satnav will send you down narrow, windy lanes with no passing places.
At busy times car parks can fill and you may be directed to an overflow car park. These operate on a cash only basis.
Gwaun Hepste
Cost
- £6 per car £7 per minibus
Suitable for
- Groups of more than three cars
- Larger vehicles including campervans (no overnight stays)
Not suitable for
- Buses and coaches
- Overnight stays
Facilities
- Toilets (seasonal)
- Pop up refreshment caravan (seasonal)
Cwm Porth
Small car park accessed down narrow lane with one way system. Fills early in the day and you may be directed to another car park.
Cost
- £6 per car £7 per minibus
Suitable for:
- Cars and bikes
- Pre-booked minibus.
Not suitable for
- Campervans (no overnight stays)
Facilities
Shop selling refreshments, snacks and souvenirs open 08.00 – 16.00 Monday-Sunday (card payment only). Toilets.
Look after yourself
- Plan your visit. Pay close attention to the length and difficulty grade of the trails. Check out our Walking Trails page for details
- Wear the right footwear. The trails can be steep, muddy and slippery. Sturdy boots are advised with a good grippy sole.
- Rivers are very cold all year round so don’t be tempted to swim as cold water shock can happen to the strongest of swimmers. Fatalities and serious injuries have occured.
- Mobile phone coverage is unreliable so make sure you have planned your route, that its within your capability and be prepared to walk to find signal.
Care for the environment
- Take your litter home as there are no rubbish bins along the trails.
- Fires can be devastating to wildlife so don’t be tempted to light one.
- Keep to the waymarked paths as they offer the safest route.
- Follow the Countryside Code - Protect, Respect, Enjoy
Dogs
- Follow the Dog Walking Code for safe and happy walks with your dog.
- Look after wildlife by picking up dog poo and disposing of in a bin or taking it home. Dicky bags are really good for this.
- Waterfall Country has many steep drops and deep, fast flowing water. Keeping your dog on a lead will help keep them safe.
- Keep dogs on leads if there is livestock about. Never let your dog worry or chase wildlife or livestock.
- Not everyone likes dogs so don’t let your dog approach other people or dogs uninvited.
