Dinas Rock, near Neath

Welcome

Dinas Rock is an imposing limestone cliff in Waterfall Country on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

There is a short accessible trail from the car park to the cascades.

The other waymarked walking trail goes to Sgwd yr Eira waterfall.

You can also walk to the nearby former gunpowder works - see the information panel in the car park for the suggested route.

The car park here can get full as this area is popular with outdoor activity groups.

Keep safe in Waterfall Country 

Waterfall Country is a spectacular landscape but serious accidents do happen to visitors here and there have been five fatalities in just two years.

You are at risk of life-changing injuries or death if you decide to enter the water.

Don’t be tempted to jump into a pool or wade into a river for a swim as the water is cold, deep and fast flowing with slippery rocks, strong currents and hidden hazards.

Never take part in activities like gorge walking, canyoning or scrambling unless you are trained to do so or are under the supervision of a registered and licensed operator.

Wear walking boots, use extreme caution around water and keep on the waymarked paths as they offer you the safest route - going beyond the waymarked trails is highly hazardous.

Walking trails

The walking trails are waymarked from start to finish.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trails.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Sychryd Trail

• Grade: Accessible
• Distance: ½ mile/0.6 kilometres (there and back)
• Time: 20 minutes
• Trail information: This trail is suitable for more robust wheelchairs and buggies.

The Sychryd Trail winds its way alongside the river through a narrow wooded gorge.

The huge rock known as Bwa Maen, an impressive geological fold, is on the other side of the river.

The trail reaches the Sychryd cascades before returning along the same path.

Sgwd yr Eira Trail

• Grade: Strenuous
• Distance: 4 miles/6.3 kilometres (there and back)
• Time: 2 hours

This trail’s destination is the famous Sgwd yr Eira waterfall (which means “fall of snow” in Welsh).

A natural path leads into an alcove behind its thundering curtain of water - there’s room to stand well back but the air is very moist and a waterproof is recommended!

The trail passes Dinas Rock hillfort and the old gunpowder works, and returns to the car park along the same route.

You can also walk to Sgwd yr Eira and three other waterfalls on the Four Falls Trail from the car park at Gwaun Hepste.

Waterfall Country

Dinas Rock is in a popular part of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park known as Waterfall Country.

Nowhere else in Wales is there such a richness and diversity of waterfalls within such a small area as Waterfall Country. Here the rivers Mellte, Hepste, Pyrddin, Nedd Fechan and Sychryd wind their way down deep, tree-lined gorges, over a series of dramatic waterfalls, before joining to form the River Neath.

Whether you are looking for a whole day adventure or an hour’s stroll you should be able to find a route suitable for you.

Waterfall Country lies largely within woodland jointly managed by Natural Resources Wales and the National Park Authority. Together we manage the paths and help you explore and enjoy this unique area.

For more information on visiting Waterfall Country go to the National Park's website

Accessibility information

• Sychryd Trail suitable for more robust wheelchairs
• parking for Blue Badge holders

Opening times

The car park is open from 8am to 5.30pm or dusk whichever is sooner.

Closures and diversions

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.

We may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice, due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.

Please always follow any instructions on site and any temporary diversion signs.

How to get here

Location

Dinas Rock car park is 13 miles north east of Neath.

It is in the county of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Ordnance Survey map

Dinas Rock is on Ordnance Survey (OS) Explorer map OL 12.

The OS grid reference is SN 911 079.

Directions

Take the A465 from Neath towards Merthyr Tydfil.

Leave the A465 at the exit for Glynneath and the A4109.

At the end of the slip road, follow signs for the B4242 and Pontneddfechan.

Follow the brown and white signs for Dinas Rock through the village.

Take the right fork immediately after the former Dinas Inn and continue for one kilometre.

The car park is beyond the bus turn-around point after crossing the narrow bridge over the river.

Public transport

The nearest mainline railway station is in Aberdare.

For details of public transport go to the Traveline Cymru website.

Parking

Parking is free of charge.

The car park can get full as this area is a popular destination for groups from outdoor activity centres.

Please note the car park opening times in the opening times section above.

There is a barrier at the car park entrance when it is closed.

Overnight parking is not permitted.

Contact details

There are no staff at this location.

Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.