Where to next? Waterfall Walks

By LFTO Features Team

Features

11 August 2008 09:00

Looking for a different kind of walk? Then head for one of these spectacular waterfall trails...

Pontneddfechan, Powys

There are many spectacular waterfalls in Britain but Sgwd yr Eira falls near Pontneddfechan in the Brecon Beacons, is arguably the best.

Set off up the River Nedd Fechan with the water swirling over the rocks in the river and mist dripping from the cliff towers above you and you’ll soon see that the well-trodden path makes it easy to put away your map and just listen to the flow of the river for direction.

The route that links the Rivers Nedd Fechan and Mellte goes through an eerily silent wooded valley before heading for open land leading to Porth Yr Ogof, the extraordinary wide-mouthed cave which the Mellte flows into.

Take time to stand on Sgwd Isaf Clungwyn, a magnificent ledge where the river changes from a peaceful flow, just a few inches deep, to a sheer cascade.


Move just a few feet closer to the falls and you’ll feel the relentless brute force of the water hurtling down. Look over the treetops into the magnificent Mellte Valley and head down the steps to the towering Sgwd yr Eira. Stand behind the crashing curtain of water and you’ll find it as exhilarating as it is deafening.

9 more fantastic waterfall walks

High Force and Cauldron Spout, Teesdale NY880283
This combines a tremendous moorland hike with two fabulous falls. Join the Pennine Way at High Force, where the River Tees throws itself over a cliff to create the most powerful waterfall in England. Follow the national trail to Cauldron Snout, where a sensational series of cascades tumble from Cow Green Reservoir.

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Ingleton, North Yorkshire SD6972
This classic trail crams five waterfalls of exceptional variety and drama into a four and a half mile route with breathtaking views of Ingleborough, one of Yorkshire’s Iconic Three Peaks.
The only downside is that you have to pay to walk here. www.ingletonwaterfallswalk.co.uk

Fisher Falls, nr Leburthwaite, Cumbria NY327177
You’ll be treated to nine waterfalls including one 40ft curtain of water as you head up Fisherplace Gill from Thirlmere. The route also leads up to the north-western flanks of Helvellyn to its summit.

Pistyll Rhaeadr, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Powys SJ07295
One of the Seven Wonders of Wales, Pistyll Rhaeadr is a waterfall of jaw-dropping magnificence. Its waters crash down 340ft over wonderful rock formations at the head of one of the lush green valleys that stretch up into the Berwyn mountains. Way-marked trails lead through the woods to the tallest waterfall in England and Wales.

Eas a Chual Aluinn, Highland NC2233
Plunging over 600ft, in full flow it’s three times taller than Niagara Falls, albeit considerably skinnier.

Gaping Gill, Ingleborough, North Yorkshire, SD745693
Here’s a falls walk with a dramatic difference – it’s underground. Gaping Gill plunges a breathtaking 105m into Britain’s biggest known cave chamber. So if you’re feeling brave, contact the two local potholing clubs who will take you down there – Bradford Pothole Club and Craven Pothole Club.

Falls of Clyde, New Lanark, Strathclyde, NS882425
Inspiration to the Romantic Poets, the Falls of Clyde are a series of three falls upstream from the World Heritage village of New Lanark.

Cautley Spout, North Yorkshire, SD681975
This is the highest cascading waterfall in England. Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells plummets an impressive 650ft. If you’re a confident map reader, don’t miss the chance to explore the Howgills.

Golitha Falls, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall SX228689
Crashing through a stunning beauty spot on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor, the Golitha Falls see the River Fowey tumble and splash in a series of small falls over granite boulders. There are over 30 species of birds to see and don’t miss the otters.