Elidir Trail

The entrance to a fairy kingdom is reputed to be somewhere in the upper Neath Valley, along the Elidir Trail, which takes you upstream along the path on the left hand side of the River Pyrddin through spectacular gorges.

Waterfalls on this trail.

• Sgwd Gwladys / Lady Falls
• Sgwd Ddwli Isaf
• Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf
• Sgwd-y-Bedol
• Sgwd Einion Gam – no official path

One of the finest walks in wales, passing several spectacular waterfalls, abandon silica mines and ancient woodland. The Elidir Trail begins at a metal gate behind the Angel pub in the village of Pontneddfechan. Words inscribed on the gate welcome you to Waterfall Country. The trail (signposted by purple way markers) retraces the footsteps of local lad Elidir who, legend has it, discovered a cave here that led to a secret fairy kingdom. Following the tracks of horse-drawn trams that once transported silica from mines along the gorge, look out for ‘Farewell Rock’, a slice of sandstone that towers above you on your left while the Nedd Fechan river rumbles below to the right. The route is accessible to wheelchair users as far as the first picnic area, but then becomes rougher and more undulating before arriving at a wooden footbridge. Cross over the bridge and follow the right-hand bank of the Afon Pyrddin (and the green arrow signs) to Sgwd Gladys (Lady’s Falls). First part as far as Lady falls is suitable for all. Beyond that is more difficult but possible with children with care. (Gorges can be dangerous places and rocks may be slippery. You are responsible for your own safety) To continue, double back to the bridge and bear left along the banks of the Nedd Fechan to reach Sgwd-y-Bedol (the Horseshoe Falls), shaped in several levels of semi-circular ledges. A little further upstream the water cascades over Sgwd Ddwli Isaf and Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf (the Lower and Upper Gushing Falls) which after heavy rain, truly live up to their name. From here you can continue on to the picnic area at Pont Melin-Fach or retrace your steps back to Pontneddfechan. Distance 1.3 miles to Sgwd Gwladus (lady falls), then a further 1.2 miles to Pont Melin-Fach (Picnic area at the other end/start)