Pont Melin Fach, near Ystradfellte

What's here

Parking (free)
Picnic area
Walking trail

The car park is open from 1 October 2021 until 22 March 2022.

Welcome

Pont Melin Fach is a small car park and picnic area in a picturesque location next to an old stone bridge.

The walking trail from here goes past four waterfalls and is an ideal introduction to Waterfall Country.

The shady, moist landscape is rich with mosses, liverworts, and lichens that depend on the high humidity offered by the woodlands and waterfalls.

Please note: this small car park is reached via a narrow road and it is not open all year round.

Walking trail

The walking trail is waymarked from start to finish.

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

Find out about walking trail grades.

Elidir Trail

Grade: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles/4.8 kilometres (one way)
Trail information: The ground is uneven in many places and wet, and there are some steep climbs and ascents. This is a there-and-back trail and it ends at the village of Pontneddfechan. The route back to the car park is along the same path. You can also start the trail upstream from Pontneddfechan.

The Elidir Trail heads downstream from the car park following Afon Nedd Fechan river.

The first waterfall (Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf) is about 15 minutes down the trail.

There is an optional short detour to see the impressive Sgwd Gwladus waterfall. You can turn around there or continue down to Pontneddfechan.

Beyond Sgwd Gwladus, the path is relatively level as it follows in the tracks of a horsedrawn tramroad once used by drams (trams) to carry silica rock down to the brickworks beside the Neath Canal. Today you can still see some of the entrances to the mines.

Waterfall Country

Pont Melin Fach is in a popular part of the Brecon Beacons 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.

To find other places to visit in Waterfall Country go to the Brecon Beacons National Park website.

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.