We are Swansea Ramblers. Come with us and discover the pleasures of walking in the Swansea area and beyond. We look forward to seeing you on one of our walks.
Clive Rees
A walk in the waterfall area around Pontneddfechan.
We will follow part of the Elidir Trail on the Afon Nedd Fechan (the lesser of the two branches of the River Neath).
The first section is a very easy former tram road for about the first mile to Pwll Du ar Burddin. There are boards illustrating the legend of Elidir and his tragic story, a sort of Welsh Romeo and Juliet.
We then will go left to take a look at Sgwd Gwladys which is one of the more picturesque falls.
Leaving the river at this point, we ascend the steep hill on a long forest walk (Coed y Rhaiadr).
N.B. This is a fairly strenuous ascent but we will have frequent stops to get our breath as we climb out of the valley.
There are four or five stiles in this section and later some boardwalks, not in brilliant condition, so take care.
After a short stretch of what must be the quietest metalled road in the world, we descend back to the river at the picnic area of Pont Melin Fach and have lunch.
The path back to the start has deteriorated but remains massively popular on sunny days.
All the way down the river to our left there are some spectacular named waterfalls en route back to Pwll Du ar Burddin.
We then rejoin our original route and finish along the easy track back to Pontneddfechan.
Social after walk:
Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Angel Inn.
Here you can also have a meal if you like.
Directions:
(The on-going roadworks start at Hirwaun, so shouldn’t affect travel but check before leaving).
Pontneddfechan: Roadside parking near The Angel Inn | Lat/Long: 51.7560, -3.5949
