Sgwd y Pannwr (Fall of the Fuller), Wales

Quick Facts

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Accessibility: 3/10 (moderate/strenuous)
Height: 26′ / 8 m
Length of Hike: 5.5 miles / 8.9 km

The Record

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Sgwd Clun Gwyn and Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn were the first two waterfalls I wrote about related to the Four Falls Trail in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. The third waterfall to be recorded is Sgwd y Pannwr (Fall of the Fuller). While it is “officially” the shortest waterfall of the bunch at approximately 26 feet tall, it’s not a reason to skip it. Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn is taller, but multiple drops aren’t always easily viewable in their entirety, so Sgwd y Pannwr’s width makes it a worthwhile stop. The fourth and final waterfall to come is Sgwd Yr Eira.

However, be prepared for the hike! I honestly thought it was a shorter hike after doing some research, but that’s not exactly true. While the initial walk to the first fall, Sgwd Clun Gwyn, is a mostly easy 1-mile trek, the subsequent “spur” trails involve significant uphill and downhill climbing. We clocked about 5.5 miles round-trip, which took us over 3.5 hours. It is a rewarding experience, but you should be prepared for the physical demand if you plan to see the whole “shebang”.

Directions

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1. The main route, A465, will likely be your starting point. Take the exit to Glynneath, which will put you on the A4109.
2. From A4109, you’ll very quickly turn right onto B4242, and then left onto Pontneathvaughan Road. You’ll continue on this road for about 5 miles.
3. Google Maps tried to direct us down a very narrow country road (which didn’t have any signage for the falls). We continued until I saw the actual sign for the waterfalls trail, and turned right. It was still a very narrow road, but it led us directly to the Cwm Porth Car Park. You can also start at the Gwaun Hepste Car Park, though it does lead you down some different trails.
4. There is a fee to park, and then you can start the hike to the falls.

Where in the World is Sgwd y Pannwr?

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