5 lesser know waterfalls in South Wales

If you love the outdoors and are travelling to Wales you may have already heard of Waterfall Country on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park where you will find the famous Four Falls trail. While the Four falls trail is famous for a reason and very beautiful it's also extremely popular and busy, especially in summer. There are however 5 other equally beautiful lesser known waterfalls, some fairly close by, that offer stunning views without the crowds and I thought I would share them with you.

1. Pen Pych Waterfall

Located near the small village of Blaencwm in the Rhonnda Valley, Pen Pych is one of my favourite walks and while there are some steep areas that you will need to take care navigating, it's a walk my kids have done since they were young. There is a free and well-marked forestry car park with the path leading up from there. You will find picnic benches at the halfway point and some fantastic viewpoints across the Valley along the way. Do take proper hiking boots as the trail can become wet and slippery in some areas. Read more about this hike here. 

Pen Pych Waterfall

2. Clydach Vale Countrypark, Tonypandy, Top Lake

You can start this walk at either the lower car park for a longer circular trail or head up to the upper lake for a short wander to this somewhat hidden fall. As you make your way around the lake, on the left hand side, you will see a path heading up and this will take you to the larger fall which is best seen after rain. There is also a monument to the mine  that once stood near here. 

Clydach Vale Counrypark Waterfall

3. Melincourt Waterfall

A really impressive waterfall that is a short 10 min walk from the free carpark. There are some steep areas along the one side of the path so do take care when walking with young children, besides that it's an easy walk that is well rewarded with a stunning waterfall. What I love about this place is everytime we have gone we are the only people there. You can read more about this waterfall here.

4. Pistyll-Goleu, Llanwanno

There is a lovely circular walk through the beautiful and ancient St Gwynno Forest in Llanwonno that takes you past the hidden gem that Pistyll-Goleu waterfall. You can also find a small cafe in the woods, which is run by volunteers. Again this place is very quite and it's usually locals and dog walkers who explore the trails here. 

5. The Witches pool at Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve

Near the small village of Talgarth you will find the Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve, set in a narrow valley, this place feels magical. As you make your way through the reserve you will come across a few small waterfalls before coming across a much larger and rather spectacular one that has a deep pool below it known as the "Witches Pool" from which the reserve gets its name. It can get quite muddy and skippy here so best to take a good pair of walking boots.