Mid Wales has some of the most impressive waterfalls in Britain, from narrow gorges where water thunders through rock to cascades in oak woodland. Most are reached by short footpaths that are part of the day out. They're at their best from October to February, when the rain has filled the rivers and the leaves have thinned enough to see the falls properly.
When is the best time to see waterfalls in Mid Wales?
Autumn and winter, a day or two after heavy rain. That's when the falls across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia) run full and loud. In a dry summer some of them slow to a trickle. Paths are muddier and steps more slippery after rain, so wear boots with a good grip and take your time.
Devil's Bridge Falls, Ceredigion
At Devil's Bridge, 12 miles inland from Aberystwyth, the River Mynach plunges 300ft through a deep wooded gorge spanned by three bridges built one on top of another. The oldest dates to the 12th century. The Devil's Bridge Waterfalls nature trails follow steep paths and steps with viewing points above the falls. You can arrive on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, a narrow-gauge steam line from Aberystwyth. See the Ceredigion uplands.
Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys
At 240 feet, Pistyll Rhaeadr near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant in north Powys is the tallest single-drop waterfall in England and Wales. The water falls over a cliff face, through a natural rock arch and drops again. There's a café and car park, and the walk to the base of the falls is short and manageable for most people. After autumn rain the spray reaches the path.
Dolgoch Falls, Southern Eryri
Near Tywyn in Southern Eryri, Dolgoch Falls are reached by a woodland trail with three main falls, the highest around 60 feet. The Talyllyn Railway stops at Dolgoch station, so you can combine the walk with a ride on the oldest preserved railway in the world. See Southern Eryri.
The Four Falls Trail near Ystradfellte
In the south of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), near Ystradfellte in Powys, the Four Falls Trail passes a string of waterfalls on the Mellte and Hepste rivers. At Sgwd yr Eira you can walk behind the curtain of water. Allow most of a day, expect steep, rocky and slippery ground, and follow the advice at the car parks, as the gorges can be dangerous after heavy rain. See Bannau Brycheiniog.
More waterfalls to find
In Hafren Forest near Llanidloes, a waymarked trail follows the young River Severn to the waterfall known as Severn-break-its-neck. Above the Elan Valley reservoirs, the overflow at Craig Goch dam turns into a curtain of white water after heavy rain. Both are good additions to an autumn walk. See our autumn walks for routes.
Where to stay
A cottage with a fire is the best place to dry out after a wet day at the falls. Browse places to stay with open fires and log burners, or see autumn in Mid Wales for more ideas.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
