Powys Walks

All walksLake Vyrnwy & the Berwyn

Lake Vyrnwy & the Berwyn

Pistyll Rhaeadr

The tallest single-drop waterfall in Wales, at the end of a long narrow lane. Stand at the bottom in five minutes, or take the steep path to the top of the fall.

Distance
1.6 mi / 2.5 km
Time
1 hr
Ascent
130 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Shape
Circular

Where it is

The circle shows the general area, not the exact start. Use the directions link below to get to the car park itself. Contours and paths shown are OpenTopoMap, drawn from OpenStreetMap data.

The route

View the falls from the base, then climb the path up the side to the top for the view down. Steep, rocky and a genuine scramble in one or two places near the summit.

Worth knowing

  • The top path is steeper and more exposed than it looks from below. Not for everyone.
  • The lane in is four miles of single track. Allow time and expect to reverse.
  • One of the seven wonders of Wales, and the only one that reliably lives up to it.

What you’ll see

A 240-foot fall with a natural rock arch at its foot, and the Berwyn rising above.

Background

Traditionally counted among the seven wonders of Wales. William Morgan, who translated the Bible into Welsh, was vicar of the village below and did much of the work there.