Everything you Need to Know about the Four Waterfalls Car Park
The Brecon Beacons in Wales are known for their breathtaking natural beauty, and the Four Waterfalls Walk is one of the most popular attractions in the area.
The walk begins at the Four Waterfalls Car Park, the starting point for a circular trail that takes visitors through a series of stunning waterfalls and other natural wonders.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Four Waterfalls Car Park and the two best options before embarking on this beautiful hike.
Where do you park for the Four Waterfalls Walk?
Gwaun Hepste and Cwm Porth car parks are suitable starting points for the Four Waterfalls Walk.
However, we recommend parking at Cwm Porth if you also want to visit the most extensive cave entrance in Wales, as it’s a better alternative. Although it’s a spacious parking area, it’s best to arrive early as it can get full during peak times.
The parking fee is £5 for cars, and it also has toilet facilities and a picnic area, which you can use if the weather is good.
Location and Access to the Four Waterfalls Car Park
The best way to access the Four Falls Trail is by car, as the area is relatively remote. The journey time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cardiff, 50 minutes from Swansea, and 1 hour and 25 minutes from Newport. However, the roads are narrow and often single-lane, so you may need to reverse and be mindful of other drivers.
The Four Waterfalls Car Park is located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, near the village of Ystradfellte. It is situated on the A4059 road, about 12 miles north of Merthyr Tydfil.
If you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive, a free Park and Ride service is available from Glynneath town and the village of Pontneddfechan during the summer. This service operates on Saturdays and Sundays, but it’s advisable to check the Waterfall Country Park and Ride Service’s website for up-to-date information on its availability.
Good to know: the park and ride service only runs in the summer.
The Four Waterfalls car park is easily accessible by car, and ample parking is available for visitors. However, during peak season, the car park can get quite busy, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to secure a spot.
Cwm Porth Car Park
The postcode for Cwm Porth Car Park is CF44 9JF. Please remember rural postcodes are only sometimes exact.
Click here to get directions to the Cwm Porth Car Park on Google Maps.
The Four Waterfalls car park charges £5 per car for all-day parking, and you can pay with cash, card, or contactless at both car parks. However, since the walk is trendy, car park spaces are limited, and you may need to park in the overflow area above the Cwm Porth Car Park if it’s complete.
Please note that they only accept cash in the overflow area. To avoid this, check the Four Waterfalls car park status on the Waterfall Country Car Park Status website before heading out. If the level is red, you should try parking elsewhere. Please be aware that parking outside the designated car parks may result in a fine.
Facilities at Cwm Porth Car Park
The Cwm Porth Four Waterfalls Car Park has basic facilities such as toilets and a small visitor center that provides information about the area.
There are also picnic tables and benches for visitors, making it a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch or a snack. However, it’s important to note that no shops or cafes are nearby, so visitors should bring their food and drink.
The Largest Cave Entrance in Wales
Before starting the Four Waterfalls Walk, it’s worth visiting the most extensive cave entrance in Wales at Porth Yr Ogof. While there are around 15 entrances, the largest is over 17 meters wide and about 5 meters tall.
You can access the entrance via the path from Cwm Porth Car Park. However, as the conditions can be wet and we didn’t visit for caving purposes, we didn’t explore the cave in detail. But if you’re interested in caving, check it out for a more immersive experience.
Gwaun Hepste Car Park
Gwaun Hepste car park, located at CF44 9JB, is the starting point for the 9km round trip Four Falls Trail. Please remember rural postcodes are only sometimes exact.
Click here to get directions to the Gwaun Hepste Car Park on Google Maps.
Gwaun Hepste is located on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 12 and has an OS grid reference of SN 935 123.
The route includes all link trails and takes 3-4 hours to complete. The cost of parking at this pay-and-display car park is £5 for the day, with plenty of parking spaces available, including spots suitable for motorhomes.
The ticket machine at Gwaun Hepste car park accepts both cards and coins, but note that it does not give change and does not accept 1p and 2p coins.
However, note that there are no facilities at this car park and it is the longest of the options. To begin the trail, follow the marked path through the forest for approximately 2km until you reach the first waterfall. This marks the official starting point of the Four Falls Trail.
The Four Waterfalls Walk Overview
For a more extensive guide, please read: Four Waterfalls Walk.
The Four Waterfalls Walk in the Brecon Beacons National Park is one of Wales’s most popular hiking trails. It features four stunning waterfalls, including the final waterfall, Sgwd yr Eira, which you can walk behind.
The Four Waterfalls Car Park at Cwm Porth is the starting point if you plan to hike the waterfalls trail. It’s a small car park with limited space, so arriving early is best to secure a spot. Alternatively, you can park at the nearby Gwaun Hepste Car Park and walk to the fall trail from there.
You’ll need to follow a signposted path from the car park to reach the first waterfall, Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn. This part of the trail is relatively easy, with a gentle descent to the river Mellte. However, once you cross the river, the path becomes more challenging, with steep steps leading up to the second waterfall, Sgwd y Pannwr.
After admiring Sgwd y Pannwr, the trail continues along the river Mellte to the third waterfall, Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn. This waterfall is imposing, with a vast, shallow pool at its base that’s perfect for paddling on a hot day.
The trail’s final waterfall is the hike’s highlight: Sgwd yr Eira. You’ll need to navigate a steep, rocky path behind the waterfall to reach it. Be prepared to get wet – the mist from the waterfall is intense! But the experience is well worth it, as the view from behind the waterfall is breathtaking.
The Four Waterfalls Walk a must-do hike for anyone visiting the Brecon Beacons. It’s a challenging but rewarding trail showcasing the area’s natural beauty. Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for a workout!
Summary of the Four Waterfalls Car Park
There are two main Four Waterfalls Car Park: Cwm Porth Car Park and Gwaun Hepste Car Park.
Cwm Porth Car Park is the more popular option and has toilet facilities, an information center, picnic benches, and the largest cave entrance in Wales.
It costs £5 for all-day parking and accepts both cash and card. Gwaun Hepste Car Park is also £5 for all-day parking but has no facilities. It is a longer walk to the waterfalls, around 2km through the forest, and there are fewer link trails. However, it is suitable for motorhomes and has plenty of parking spaces.
Are you interested in other Brecon Beacons walks and activities?
Please read our guides to:
Pen y Fan walk: the highest mountain in Southern Britain.
Sugarloaf Mountain: not quite a mountain, but a wonderful Welsh walk.
Gorge Walking in Wales: a fun activity to try in the Brecon Beacons.