Sgwd Gwladys

The waterfall itself is modest - a 20-metre drop of clear water into a plunge pool so cold it takes your breath away. What makes Sgwd Gwladys worth the effort is the walk in. You'll track along the Neath Valley for about 20 minutes from the car park, following the river as it builds momentum, passing smaller cascades and rocky outcrops that hint at what's coming. The final approach is steep and muddy, especially after rain, so decent boots are non-negotiable.

This is proper walking territory, not a five-minute stroll from a car park. Families with younger kids will find it taxing, though teenagers who don't mind getting their trainers wet tend to enjoy the scramble. The plunge pool is inviting in summer, but the water stays punishingly cold year-round - a dip lasts about 90 seconds before sense takes over.

There's no café, no facilities, nothing but the river and the rock. Allow a full couple of hours if you're not a quick mover. It's free to visit and stays accessible year-round, though spring runs it at its most dramatic. If you're based at Four Falls Glamping or Willow Springs Campsite nearby, Sgwd Gwladys makes a solid morning expedition before heading into Neath for lunch. It's the kind of place that appeals to hikers and photographers more than casual visitors - worth the detour if you're serious about waterfall-spotting in South Wales, but don't expect crowds or infrastructure.