Wales's best-kept secret: the most beautiful Brecon Beacons waterfalls

Picture the Brecon Beacons. What do you see? Mountains and moorland, most likely. Perhaps a few ancient stone monuments and crumbling medieval castles. But we bet you didn't think of Brecon Beacons waterfalls.

Or maybe you did. Because here, among the mighty peaks and meandering river valleys, you can find some of the best waterfalls in Wales.

For waterfall lovers, it's Paradise with a pinch of perfection. Not only can you gaze upon some spectacular falls, but you'll also walk a landscape that looks like it's torn from a fantasy novel. Here be dragons? Maybe.

Ready to go waterfall hunting? Start with any of these six stunners.

1. Sgwd yr Eira

Sgwd yr Era is special. Known as the 'waterfall of snow', it's famous for its wide curtain of water surrounded by lush trees and rocky crags. You can even stand behind the falls – but be extra careful if you do. The rocks are very slippery.

2. Sgwd Clun-Gwyn

Sgyd Clun-Gwyn translates as 'waterfall of the white meadow'. It's one of the highest Brecon Beacons waterfalls – and is easily among the most beautiful.

The waterfall is best viewed from the top, where an ancient fault has hewn huge, square steps into the rock. The perfect natural viewing platform, we think.

3. Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn

Don't mistake this one for its more elevated cousin – Clun-Gwyn and Isaf Clun-Gwyn couldn't be more different. While the former is one mighty plunge, Isaf is a series of gently cascading drops and pools.

The effect, however, is no less magical. Look at it this way: if fairies exist (as local legend says), you'll stand the best chance of spotting them right here.

4. Sgwd y Pannwr

Sgwd y Pannwr, the 'fall of the fuller', is a relatively small waterfall that's big on atmosphere. Here, the water tumbles gently over a staircase of mossy, glistening rocks. Pure serenity.

If you're feeling brave, you can take a dip in the plunge pool beneath the falls. But be careful – the rocks are very slippery and the water can get shockingly cold.

5. Henrhyd Falls

With its stunning 90-foot drop, Henrhyd Falls might just be the most impressive waterfall in the Beacons. Stand back for the panoramic view – then follow the path underneath the waterfall to watch the vast sheet of water crash into the pool below. There's nothing quite like it.

Henrhyd Falls is famous as the location of Batman's Batcave in the 2012 blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises. Don't go looking for hidden entrances, though – we've tried.

6. Melincourt Falls

Last but not least, we have Melincourt Falls – one of the Brecon Beacons' best hidden gems.

The waterfall is beautiful, of course. But perhaps its standout feature is its sense of solitude. Not many people visit this tranquil spot – yet there's a car park mere minutes away, so it's delightfully easy to reach. If you want a waterfall all to yourself, make sure to stick Melincourt in your itinerary.

The best waterfall walks in the Brecon Beacons

Most of these Brecon Beacons waterfalls come with a sturdy walk attached. They're natural wonders, after all – and natural wonders look their best when you've grafted to get there.

But some waterfall walks are more rewarding than others. The Four Waterfalls Walk, for instance, takes in four of the Beacons' most stunning sgydau – Clun-Gwyn, Isaf Clun-Gwyn, y Pannwr and y Eira.

The Henrhyd Falls and Nant Llech Trail also comes highly recommended. This route starts close to Henrhyd Falls before coursing through the gorgeous Nant Llech river valley.

But we've saved the best for last. The Elidir Trail features no less than five waterfalls and takes you past some of the finest hidden gems in the Brecon Beacons. That includes an abandoned silica mine – and, some say, the hidden entrance to a lost fairy kingdom. Magical stuff.

Tips for waterfall spotting

Two words: good boots.

To reach most of these Brecon Beacons waterfalls, you'll have to take a long hike on uneven terrain. Without some sturdy walking boots, you risk blisters at best and serious injury at worst. (And no – none of the waterfall walks are accessible, unfortunately.)

Stay safe. The water flows fast – so you should be very careful to avoid slipping and falling. And don't even think about jumping from the falls. Rocks are sharp.

Follow the Countryside Code. Plan your route carefully, leave no trace of your visit and respect others. The Beacons are for everyone.

The rest is optional. A pair of hiking poles will make the terrain a little easier to tackle – and waterproof clothing will help keep you dry. Oh, and if you dabble in nature photography, don't forget your camera.

Talking of which…

What's the best time to take photos?

The best time to see waterfalls is on a bright and sunny day, of course.

But the best time to photograph waterfalls? Believe it or not, you'll get the most spectacular shots when the sky is overcast and there's a bit of drizzle in the air.

See, waterfalls are at their most photogenic when the light is low. Too much light equals too much glare. Take your photographs in the midday sunshine and that silky flow of rushing water might look more like a neon lamp than a natural marvel.

So, go on – brave the ropey weather. With a little practice and some good waterproofs, you'll soon be photographing the best waterfalls in Wales at their most beautiful.

Find a place to stay

For all its charms, the Brecon Beacons is a vast and sparsely populated place. Stay among its moors and mountains and you risk feeling more than a little isolated.

Our advice: skip the windswept guesthouses and hop straight to The Great House. Our luxury hotel has all the historical charm you could want, yet is only moments from Bridgend and the charming seaside town of Porthcawl. That means easy access to supplies – and civilisation.

And those Brecon Beacons waterfalls? Point your car towards the M4, drive for 40 minutes and you're there. Easy.

Let's make your waterfall hunt that little bit more luxurious. Take a look at our sumptuous rooms and suites to get started.