Waterfall Walks & Woodland Trails & Hikes

Brecon Beacons Hiking Holidays - Lesser-Known Hikes to Explore

Here’s our guide on waterfall walks and woodland trails, for those looking for Brecon Beacons hiking holidays… Not every walk in the Brecon Beacons demands a summit. Beneath the high ridges and open moorland lie hidden worlds of cascading water, mossy oaks and shaded trails that twist through ancient woodland. For those staying in Merthyr Tydfil, these lower-elevation walks offer something different — quieter paths, gentler gradients, and a kind of beauty that thrives in the hush of trees and the spray of river light.

To the west of the park, near the village of Ystradfellte, lies the Four Falls Trail — a network of paths that leads deep into Waterfall Country. This is a series of cascades, with a sculpted landscape where rivers have carved their way through limestone for millennia. On a single loop, you can visit Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and the dramatic Sgwd yr Eira — a broad curtain of water that walkers can actually step behind, the thunder of the falls reverberating in your chest. It’s a rare thrill, both immersive and refreshing, and one that remains surprisingly unspoilt given the spectacle.

The route, while popular, retains its sense of wildness. Tree roots twist across the paths, damp stone steps demand caution, and after heavy rain the whole forest feels alive with sound and spray. Good walking boots are essential here, but the circuit can be comfortably tackled in three to four hours, making it ideal for a half-day outing.

Closer to Merthyr, the trails through Graig Ddu Woodland offer a more secluded experience. This lesser-known gem lies on the town’s northern edge, where old coal tramroads have been softened by decades of regrowth. In spring, bluebells wash across the slopes, and in summer the dense canopy keeps the air cool even on the hottest days. The paths here are broad and largely level, making them suitable for older walkers or those looking for a gentle circular walk without the effort of a climb.

Then there’s Taf Fechan Forest, a patchwork of pine and broadleaf that spills down the flanks of the Neuadd Valley. Popular with birdwatchers and those walking dogs, this area links with reservoirs and old quarry paths, giving walkers the freedom to explore at their own pace. The forest also offers several entry points into the higher Beacons — perfect for those building up to the more strenuous routes, or for families wanting to mix flatter sections with the promise of open views.For dog owners, all three routes offer plenty of scope for off-lead walking, though waterfall walks require some caution around fast-flowing water and steep drops. Graig Ddu and Taf Fechan, in particular, are excellent for canine companions, with ample streams for drinking and plenty of wildlife scents to keep noses twitching.

More Accessible Brecon Beacons Hiking Holidays

Accessibility is also worth noting. While the Waterfall Country walks include steep steps and uneven paths, both Graig Ddu and sections of Taf Fechan include well-maintained gravel tracks suitable for those with limited mobility or simply seeking a less demanding walk. Benches appear now and again, tucked beneath hawthorns or overlooking quiet glades, offering the chance to pause and simply listen — to birdsong, to leaves shifting overhead, to the quiet breath of the forest itself.

These lesser-known trails might not boast the height of Pen y Fan or the fame of the Beacons Way, but they are rich with atmosphere and offer a kind of intimacy that the open ridges cannot. They invite slow travel, quiet reflection, and a different way of connecting with this storied landscape. And for guests staying in our Merthyr Tydfil accommodation, they lie waiting just minutes from your cottage door.