Walk 9: Sgwd Gwladys Walks
Walk Summary
| DIFFICULTY: |
Easy |
| DISTANCE: |
2km each way linear walk
|
| ALLOW: |
45 minutes each way
|
| START: |
This is a fairly level walk and all
visitors are advised to stay on the path. There are potential
dangers, particularly around the waterfalls where the terrain can
be steep, rough and slippery. Care should be taken at all
times.
|
| DIRECTIONS: |
Bus 161 (weekdays),
X5 (Sundays) from Neath.
158 hourly from Swansea/Neath daily.
154 from Neath hourly (Mon-Sat).
|
Located at Pontneddfechan, just 4
kilometres north of Glynneath, off the A465, this walk is one of
the easiest and most spectacular in Neath Port Talbot. A visit to
the Waterfalls Information Centre before the walk is highly
recommended, as it will help you gain better insight into the
geological significance of the area.
Start by the Angel Public House, pass
through the metal gate and alongside the towering Black Rock. This
level section of the walk marks the route along which horse drawn
drams travelled.
A short way along the path you will
see the remains of a double race mill, once used by farmers to
grind corn. You can also see one of the mill stones in the bank on
the left. Before the path begins to climb, and immediately after
the kissing gate/stile, you will find the entrance of a flooded
silica mine.
Continue along the path until you
reach the bridge. This is where the Rivers Nedd Fechan and Pyrddin
meet. Cross the bridge into the Brecon Beacons National Park and
take the path to the left, which now skirts the river until you
reach Sgwd Gwladys waterfall. Return to the start by the route
taken.
