Region: Talybont Forest, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Wales
Walk summary: This 7.8-mile anti-clockwise Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls circular walk starts at the Uchaf car park, descends through the waterfall-filled woodland, crosses the stream and climbs onto the high ridges. It visits the Wellington bomber memorial and Fan y Big diving board before returning to the car park. Allow around five hours.
| Distance | 7.8 miles / 12.6km |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 1,722ft / 525m |
| Highest point | 2,454ft / 748m |
| Moving time | Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes |
| Time to allow | Approximately 5 hours with breaks and photographs |
| Difficulty | Challenging — one very steep climb, a stream crossing, exposed ridges and rough ground |
| Route | Anti-clockwise circular walk |
| Start and finish | Blaen y Glyn Uchaf Car Park |
| Main features | Blaen-y-Glyn waterfalls, Wellington bomber memorial, Bwlch y Ddwyallt, Craig Cwareli and Fan y Big |
| Suitable for | Fit beginners and regular walkers; dogs under control; not recommended for small children |
This is far more than a short waterfall walk. It combines the atmospheric woodland and cascades of Blaen-y-Glyn with a long mountain circuit across some of the most exposed ridges in the central Bannau Brycheiniog. The route also reaches the memorial and remaining wreckage of a Wellington bomber before making an out-and-back visit to the famous diving board on Fan y Big.
The variety makes it one of my favourite walks in the area, but it should not be underestimated. A stream crossing can become fast after heavy rain, the lower ground can be extremely muddy in winter and one steep, slippery climb is required to reach the ridge. Strong winds can make the high-level sections difficult at any time of year.
Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls walk map, GPX and parking
- Parking and start: Blaen y Glyn Uchaf Car Park. Spaces are limited and the car park can fill quickly, so arrive early.
- GPX: Download my Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls GPX file.
- Route apps: View the route on Outdooractive or Komoot.
- Facilities: There are no dependable toilets, cafés or shops at the car park or on the mountain route. Carry all food, water and clothing you need.
The current GPX follows the exact route I walked. Download it before setting out: the woodland contains branching paths, the memorial sits below the main ridge and cloud can make the high-level route much harder to follow.
If you are unfamiliar with route files, my guide explains what a GPX file is and how walkers can use one.
Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls circular walk route description
Begin at Blaen y Glyn Uchaf Car Park and set off anti-clockwise, turning left to descend beside the waterfalls and into the woodland. Information boards near the start introduce the forest and its shorter walking options, but this route continues much farther onto the surrounding ridges.
The woods feel especially atmospheric, with the sound of water running through the valley and a succession of cascades beside the path. Continue downhill until the route turns left. Carrying straight on would take you towards the lower Blaen y Glyn Isaf car park, while this circuit crosses a stile and heads towards the stream.
Crossing the stream and climbing the valley
Cross the stream and continue uphill with the water and waterfalls on your left. In normal conditions the crossing is manageable, but the flow can become fast in winter or after prolonged rain. If the water is too high or forceful to cross safely, turn back rather than taking a risk.
The path climbs steadily out of the trees and into open mountain scenery. Allt Forgan rises on the right, while the stream traces the valley behind you. Water draining from the ridges can leave the lower ground saturated and muddy, particularly during winter.
The steep climb onto the ridge
At the broad plateau, turn right and begin the route’s hardest ascent. The climb is short but very steep, with an indistinct line across grass and rough ground. Mud and wet vegetation can make it slippery, while wind becomes increasingly powerful as you approach the ridge.
Take your time and look back during pauses: the view down the valley explains how the waterfalls collect water from the surrounding high ground. Reaching the cairn marks the end of the most demanding climb, although the long exposed ridge walk is still ahead.
Wellington bomber memorial
Follow the ridge towards the Wellington bomber memorial. The small memorial lies below the main path on the left and can be easy to miss in poor visibility. Walk slightly beyond it to locate the path descending from the ridge.
The memorial remembers six Canadian airmen who died when their Wellington bomber crashed here on 20 November 1944. Parts of the wreckage remain scattered nearby. Treat the site with respect, leave everything where it is and allow time to read the memorial before continuing.
Leave the memorial diagonally to regain the ridge rather than returning exactly the way you came. Use the GPX in cloud, because the line back to the crest is much less obvious without the surrounding landscape in view.
Bwlch y Ddwyallt, Craig Cwareli and Fan y Big
The route now follows the high ground across Bwlch y Ddwyallt and Craig Cwareli. In clear weather, the views open towards Fan y Big, Cribyn and Pen y Fan. This is a spectacular section, but it is exposed for a long time and can be exhausting when the wind is strong.
At Craig Cwareli, take the signed ridge path towards Fan y Big. Visiting the summit and its diving-board rock is an out-and-back addition: after taking in the views, return to the same junction to continue the circular route.
The diving board is a dramatic photographic location above the valley. Stay within your comfort level, keep back from exposed edges in wind or poor visibility and never feel pressured to pose close to a drop.
Craig Fan Ddu and the return to Uchaf
Return from Fan y Big to the Craig Cwareli junction and continue towards Craig Fan Ddu. This section follows part of the Cambrian Way across rocky, uneven ground. Concentrate on foot placement: tired legs, loose stones and long exposure to wind make this later part of the walk more demanding than the map may suggest.
Leave the main path at the GPX turning and follow the opposite ridge back towards the forest. The descent eventually reaches further waterfalls and returns to the trees. A final left turn at the bottom brings you directly into Blaen y Glyn Uchaf Car Park.
Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls walk practicalities
- Parking: Start at Blaen y Glyn Uchaf Car Park. It is small and popular, so arrive early and never obstruct the access road.
- Difficulty: Challenging overall. Fit beginners can complete it in sensible conditions, but they should be comfortable with a steep climb, rough paths and several hours on exposed ridges.
- Stream crossing: The stream can become fast in winter and after heavy rain. Turn back if it cannot be crossed safely.
- Underfoot: Woodland paths, mud, wet grass, rough moorland and rocky ridge trails. Wear waterproof boots with reliable grip.
- Weather: Strong winds can affect the ridges throughout the year. Avoid the high route when wind, cloud, rain, snow or ice exceed your experience.
- Navigation: Download the GPX in advance. Several sections become difficult to identify in cloud, particularly around the memorial and the ridge descent.
- Children: I would not recommend the full circuit for small children because of its length, stream crossing, steep climb and prolonged exposure.
- Dogs: Suitable for capable dogs, but keep them under close control near drops and other walkers.
- Facilities: Carry all food, water and equipment required for the day. There are no dependable facilities on the route.
Preview the route in 3D
Watch the circuit before setting out to understand the waterfall valley, bomber memorial, Fan y Big diversion and long ridge return.
Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls walk FAQs
How long is the Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls circular walk?
The route is 7.8 miles (12.6km) with approximately 1,722ft (525m) of ascent.
How long does the Blaen-y-Glyn walk take?
My moving time was 4 hours 10 minutes. Allow around five hours for breaks, photographs, the memorial and Fan y Big.
Where should I park for Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls?
This route starts and finishes at Blaen y Glyn Uchaf Car Park. It is small and can fill early on popular walking days.
Is Blaen-y-Glyn Uchaf the upper car park?
Yes. Uchaf is the upper car park used for this full ridge circuit. Blaen y Glyn Isaf is the lower car park and is not this route’s start point.
Is the Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls walk difficult?
The full circuit is challenging rather than technically difficult. Its main demands are the steep climb, stream crossing, rough ground, distance and exposed ridges.
Does the walk visit the Wellington bomber memorial?
Yes. The memorial and remaining wreckage are directly on this route, just below the main ridge path.
Does this route include Fan y Big and the diving board?
Yes. Fan y Big is reached by a short out-and-back diversion from the main circuit before returning to the ridge junction.
Is this walk suitable for beginners?
Fit beginners can complete it in good conditions if they can navigate and are prepared for the steep ascent and exposed ridge. It is not a suitable first mountain walk in severe weather.
Can dogs complete the Blaen-y-Glyn circular walk?
Capable dogs should manage the route. Keep them under close control near exposed ground, water and other walkers.
Is the route safe after heavy rain or in strong wind?
Heavy rain can make the stream fast and the lower paths muddy, while strong winds can make the exposed ridges difficult to walk. Check the forecast and turn back if conditions exceed your experience.
More walks nearby: Explore my Bannau Brycheiniog walking guides, try the Four Waterfalls Walk or see my other routes around the Brecon Beacons.