Introduction
Hidden within the woodland near Pontardawe, Cwm Du Glen Waterfall is an interesting place to explore if you enjoy discovering waterfalls away from some of the better-known spots in South Wales. The Upper Clydach River runs through the wooded gorge, with smaller cascades and waterfalls appearing along the route. One of the easiest falls to reach is tucked beneath a green bridge, making it an interesting spot to look out for as you explore the glen.
In this guide, I’ll explain where to park, how to follow the walk through Cwm Du Glen, what waterfalls you can currently reach and what to expect if you visit.
Quick Verdict of Cwm Du Glen Waterfall
Cwm Du Glen is worth visiting if you enjoy woodland walks with waterfalls and exploring somewhere a little different.
The woodland walk itself is pleasant and easy to follow, with several smaller cascades along the river adding interest before you reach the main waterfall beneath the bridge.
The waterfall beneath the green bridge is easy to reach from the nature reserve entrance, with several smaller cascades to see along the way. While the main waterfall deeper within the glen wasn’t accessible during my visit, there is still enough to see along the route to make the walk worthwhile.
Key Information
- Waterfall Height: No official height recorded
- Waterfall Type: Cascade
- Starting Point: Swansea Road Cross Roads, Pontardawe | what3words playing.microchip.tablet
- Parking: Free on street parking on the A474 James Street | what3words hiker.bank.drummers
- Public Transport: Bus available to Pontardawe
- Walk: 0.68 miles/1.09 km return
- Time: Approximately 10 minutes to the waterfall. Allow 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Dogs: Yes
- Swimming: No
- Toilets: Yes in Pontardawe
Where to Park for Cwm Du Glen Waterfall
You can park for free in several spaces on James Street as detailed in the key information section above. Alternatively, there are two car parks on Herbert Street in Pontardawe, which are only a short walk from the start of the route.
Tip: Save the parking location and route directions on your phone, or take a printed copy with you, as phone signal can be spotty.
Cwm Du Glen Waterfall Walk
If you park on James Road, walk back down the hill to the crossroads and turn right.
The walk starts in Pontardawe town centre, opposite the Dillwyn Arms, where you will see a sign for the local nature reserve. From here, head into the woodland and continue along the trail.
The route is easy to navigate, although there are several sets of steps along the way.
As you make your way through the woodland beside the Upper Clydach River, you will pass several smaller cascades.
You will then come to a green bridge which has one of the main waterfalls flowing beneath it.
You can cross the bridge and turn right to get a different view of the waterfall through the trees.
Steps to the left of the bridge lead uphill towards Glanrhyd Plantation, while crossing the bridge and turning left takes you towards the larger waterfall further along the river.
However, please be aware that the path towards the larger waterfall is currently closed and should not be attempted until access has been restored. During my visit, I continued towards the larger waterfall before coming across signs stating that the path was closed due to dangerous conditions. The route had also become increasingly overgrown, with several fallen trees blocking the way. As I was visiting alone and the conditions began to feel too difficult to continue, I turned back.
I also tried approaching the larger waterfall from other routes within the area, but unfortunately wasn’t able to reach it. I hope to return in the future if safe access is restored.
Important access information: A section of the route through Cwm Du Glen is currently closed due to concerns about the stability of the gorge. Please do not attempt to bypass the closure or reach the larger waterfall until the path has been officially reopened. Conditions can also become very muddy and slippery, particularly after rain, so take care even on the accessible sections of the route.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this walk is not suitable for wheelchairs. The path is uneven and involves several sets of steps.
Cwm Du Glen Waterfall
The waterfall beneath the green bridge is a small cascading waterfall along the Upper Clydach River, set within the woodland of Cwm Du Glen. There are several smaller cascades to see along the walk to the waterfall, making the route interesting as you follow the river through the trees.
When I visited, the waterfall was flowing over a series of rocky steps beneath the green bridge, with the surrounding woodland creating a peaceful setting. Although it is not the largest waterfall in Cwm Du Glen, I enjoyed stopping here to take in the falls and the woodland surroundings.
Swimming at Cwm Du Glen Waterfall
The pool beneath the green bridge appears suitable for paddling, although the depth may vary depending on recent rainfall and water levels. If you do enter the water, I would avoid getting too close to the cascade itself, as the flowing water can create stronger currents around the falls. The smaller cascades further along the river are also worth enjoying from the water’s edge.
If you’re considering entering the water here, please read my Wild Swimming at Waterfalls guide before getting in. It covers some of the risks to consider and practical advice for staying safe around natural swimming spots.
Interesting Facts and Wildlife
Cwm Du Glen is a Local Nature Reserve with a rich variety of woodland and riverside habitats. More than 230 species of plants have been recorded here, including around 90 species of mosses and other bryophytes. The woodland is home to mature trees including oak, alder, ash, birch, holly and rowan, while bluebells, wood anemones, ferns and other woodland plants grow beneath the trees.
The Upper Clydach River is also a great place to look out for wildlife. Dippers and grey wagtails can often be seen along the river, while kingfishers are occasionally spotted. Otters also use the river, and signs of their presence have been found along the banks.
The woodland provides habitat for a variety of birds, including wood warblers, chiffchaffs, spotted flycatchers, woodpeckers, treecreepers and nuthatches. Bats also use the woodland, while several interesting and nationally scarce moth species have been recorded within the glen.
Facilities and Nearby Attractions
Pontardawe town centre is just a short walk from Cwm Du Glen, so there are several facilities nearby. You will find shops, cafés, pubs and places to eat, as well as public toilets and car parks. There is also a leisure centre in the town, making Pontardawe a convenient place to stop before or after your walk.
Nearby, Glanrhyd Plantation forms part of the wider Cwm Du Glen area and is another place to explore, with woodland, a nature pond, walking trails and views across the surrounding area.
The Swansea Canal also passes through Pontardawe and provides another pleasant option for a walk if you want to explore more of the local area.
Best Time to Visit Cwm Du Glen Waterfall
Cwm Du Glen can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering something different. I visited in September, when the woodland was still green and the river was flowing through the glen, making it a lovely time to explore the waterfalls and smaller cascades.
Late spring and early summer are particularly good for seeing the woodland at its best, with flowers such as bluebells and wood anemones adding colour to the surrounding trees. Autumn can also be a great time to visit as the woodland begins to change colour, while wetter weather can give the cascades and waterfalls a fuller flow.
Keep in mind that the paths can become muddy and slippery after rain, so take extra care when conditions are wet.
Responsible Waterfall Visiting and Safety
Please visit waterfalls responsibly.
Waterfalls can be beautiful places to explore, but they can also be unpredictable. Rocks, paths and viewing areas can become extremely slippery, especially after wet weather. Water levels and river conditions can change quickly, so always use common sense and take extra care around fast flowing water, steep drops and uneven ground.
Please follow the Countryside Code, leave no trace of your visit and take all litter home with you. Respect local communities, livestock, wildlife and any access restrictions that may be in place.
Before visiting, check local conditions and remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
I’ve put together a collection of practical resources to help you plan and enjoy your waterfall trips. From what to pack and how to find new waterfalls to wild swimming safety, you can browse all of my waterfall resources here.
Help Keep This Waterfall Guide Updated
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I do my best to keep every waterfall guide up to date, but things can change. Car parks close, paths get diverted, access arrangements change and facilities sometimes disappear.
If you’ve recently visited this waterfall and spotted any changes, please let me know. Whether it’s updated parking information, a damaged footpath, new access restrictions or anything else that could help future visitors, I’d love to hear from you.
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