Introduction
Cwmfelin Waterfall is a real hidden gem, tucked away among the trees just beyond a residential area. It’s hard to imagine that a waterfall of this size is hiding so close to people’s homes, and the woodland setting makes it feel surprisingly secluded once you’re there.
The waterfall itself is the real highlight. Surrounded by trees and greenery, it feels like a much wilder setting than you’d expect from its location. It’s one of those places that proves you don’t always have to venture deep into the countryside to find a beautiful waterfall.
In this guide, I’ll explain where to park, how to find the waterfall, what the walk is like and what to expect when you arrive.
Quick Verdict of Cwmfelin Waterfall
Cwmfelin Waterfall completely exceeded my expectations. Its secluded woodland setting and unexpected location make it feel like a proper hidden gem, and the waterfall itself is well worth seeing.
The walk is short and straightforward, although the steep steps and the condition of parts of the woodland mean you should take extra care.
This is definitely one I’d recommend adding to your waterfall list if you enjoy finding lesser-known spots.
Key Information
- Waterfall Height: 5 metres/16 feet
- Waterfall Type: Block/Sheet
- Starting Point: Taillwyd Road, Neath Abbey, Neath SA10 7DY
- Parking: Free on road parking at Taillwyd Road | what3words quench.coats.case
- Public Transport: Bus available to Taillwyd Road
- Walk: 0.25 miles/0.4 km return
- Time: 10 minutes to the waterfall. Allow 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Dogs: Yes
- Swimming: Not recommended
- Toilets: No
Where to Park for Cwmfelin Waterfall
There isn’t a dedicated car park for Cwmfelin Waterfall. The nearest option is to park carefully on Taillwyd Road, close to the entrance to the woodland path (see pictures below).
There is limited roadside parking along the residential road, so please be considerate when choosing a space. Make sure you do not block residents’ driveways, entrances or access along the road, and avoid parking where you could obstruct other vehicles.
The waterfall is tucked away in the woodland parallel to the road, so it isn’t immediately obvious that there is a waterfall nearby. Once parked, the entrance to the path into the woodland is a short distance away.
Tip: Save the parking location and route directions on your phone, or take a printed copy with you, as phone signal can be spotty.
Cwmfelin Waterfall Walk
From Taillwyd Road, follow the footpath down into the woods. The path takes you down a set of steep steps, so take care, particularly in wet conditions.
At the bottom of the steps, turn right to continue towards the waterfall. Before doing so, you can take a look at the small bridge and weir to the left.
Follow the path to the right of the weir, passing the steps you came down. Continue along the path between the abandoned buildings, then follow it into the trees to the left of the last building.
*When I visited, there was some litter and evidence of drug use in this area, so I would recommend taking care, avoiding visiting alone, and keeping this in mind if visiting with young children or dogs.
After around two minutes, you will reach the waterfall, which is visible through the trees as soon as you turn the corner. Take care around the edge, as the ground appeared to be eroding away when I visited. Several trees had also broken off and fallen into the waterfall, so keep a safe distance from the edge.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this route is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Cwmfelin Waterfall
Cwmfelin Waterfall is a lovely little waterfall tucked away amongst the woodland in Cwmfelin, near Neath. The woodland setting gives it a peaceful and secluded feel, with the waterfall surrounded by trees and vegetation and a rock wall on one side.
The water flows over a wide, straight-edged drop before breaking into several smaller cascades as it falls into the pool below. When I visited in September, there was a good flow of water over the falls, with the water spreading across the top before gathering speed as it drops over the different levels.
The area around the waterfall has a naturally wild feel, with fallen branches and trees lying around the stream and moss-covered rocks adding to the woodland setting. From the viewing spot, the waterfall can be seen through the trees, making the approach feel like part of the experience.
Cwmfelin is also an interesting place to explore because of its industrial past. The surrounding area was once closely connected with the industries around Neath Abbey, with the River Clydach playing an important role in powering local industry. Today, the woodland and river sit alongside the remains of this history, creating an interesting mix of natural and industrial scenery.
Swimming at Cwmfelin Waterfall
The pool beneath Cwmfelin Waterfall looks inviting and you may see people swimming here.
During my visit, I noticed some litter and evidence of rough sleeping and drug use around the area, so I would recommend taking a little extra care and checking the water before getting in, as you don’t know what could be hidden beneath the surface. There were also lots of fallen trees in the water, and I couldn’t see a safe or straightforward way to get in or out of the pool.
For these reasons, I wouldn’t advise swimming here. If you do choose to enter the water, avoid jumping or diving in and make sure you are confident that the conditions are safe on the day. Personally, I’d enjoy the waterfall from the bank.
If you’re considering swimming 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
Cwmfelin Waterfall is a particularly unusual hidden gem because of how close it is to the residential area. Despite being tucked away behind the houses, once you’re down among the trees it feels surprisingly secluded.
The waterfall is also linked to the area’s industrial past, with the remains of an old mill found nearby. The name Cwmfelin itself means “mill valley”, reflecting the area’s history.
The woodland and stream provide a good habitat for wildlife, so keep an eye out for woodland birds and birds around the water. You may also spot frogs, insects and other small wildlife among the damp vegetation. The shady, wet conditions around the waterfall are particularly suited to mosses, ferns and other moisture-loving plants.
One of the nicest things about visiting is that you can have this little bit of woodland and a waterfall almost hidden away despite being so close to people’s homes.
Facilities and Nearby Attractions
There are no toilets, cafés or other facilities at Cwmfelin Waterfall itself, so it’s worth bringing everything you need with you. There are shops, cafés and places to eat in nearby Neath if you need somewhere to stop before or after your visit.
For something a little different, Neath has plenty to explore, including its historic town centre, shops and cafés. The surrounding area also has lots of countryside and woodland to enjoy if you want to make more of your day.
Best Time to Visit Cwmfelin Waterfall
Cwmfelin Waterfall can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to see it at its most impressive is after a period of rainfall, when the stream has more water flowing through it.
I visited in September and found it a good time to explore the area, with the surrounding woodland still looking green and the weather pleasant enough for the walk. September can also be a quieter time to visit than the summer months, while the first signs of autumn can start to add some colour to the woodland.
For the best chance of seeing Cwmfelin Waterfall with a good flow, check the weather forecast and aim to visit after recent rain. Just be aware that wet conditions can make the paths and ground around the waterfall slippery, so sensible footwear is recommended.
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
Found something that’s changed?
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.
Your feedback helps keep The UK Waterfalls Guide as accurate and useful as possible for everyone planning a waterfall walk in the UK.
Suggest a Waterfall
Know a waterfall I should add?
I’m always looking for new waterfalls to visit, photograph and feature on The UK Waterfalls Guide.
If you know a hidden waterfall, a popular waterfall walk or a waterfall that deserves more attention, send me the details and I’ll add it to my list for future visits.
My aim is to create the most complete guide to waterfalls in the UK, so recommendations from fellow explorers are always welcome.
