On a cloudy afternoon when rain seemed imminent, we asked our ‘Expert’ – Google – for a museum where we could seek shelter as well as see something interesting. It directed us to Aberdulais Falls near Neath in Wales. It was a leisurely drive of just over 20 minutes from Merthyr Tydfil near Brecon Beacons Park in Wales.
Parking, a key concern when you have a car, was plentiful and free to boot. We walked in past some delightful statues and made our way towards the source of a steady sound, that of a waterfall. We walked past some ruined structures to a huge water wheel that actually turned and drove a generator!! A warbling stream ran past the wheel and a series of mini waterfalls could be seen. We climbed up on the extensive viewing platform and had magnificent close-up views of the stream as it cascaded down a series of steps with several different spots of various colors in the water as it ran downhill. A part of the stream was diverted to a small tank from where it dropped on to the water wheel.
Very few people, great views, everything practically within touch, no strenuous climbs – our ideal waterfall!
We found a lot of history, too. There used to be a busy tin making factory at the site, its heart being a hammer driven by the water wheel to pound and roll the raw tin into sheets. A nice little exhibition – a kind of museum depicts the tin making process and stories about the people who worked at the factory. There is a very interesting film show as well.
After we had our fill of views we went down to the little tea-cum-souvenir shop where some friendly ladies gave us our favorite snack – Welsh scones with plenty of sinful stuff to go on top.
If you want a place with beautiful views, some history and a bit of engineering, topped up by a delightful afternoon tea, the Aberdulais Falls is the place for you!
Wow this looks great! Brecon Beacon is pretty close to London too.
The water looks pristine – almost unreal! How long ago was this place a tin making factory?
I really need to explore more places on my doorstep. I could do this as an easy day trip from my hometown in Bristol. I didn’t even consider going to Wales to find waterfalls! This summer I will certainly be heading here to check out the old water wheel and waterfalls.
Aberdulais Falls looks like a lovely spot to visit in Wales. I love that cascading set of falls. Great to know that parking was not an issue. A tea shop with scones would be a wonderful treat after a visit.
What an interesting spot! Wales looks like it is full of charming places like this and I can’t wait to visit one day. Any place with afternoon tea involved is calling my name 🙂
Aberdulais Falls looks beautiful! I love chasing waterfalls, so this would definitely be on my list if I am ever able to visit the area. And the Welsh scones sound like the perfect treat after visiting the waterfall. And I agree-google is quite the expert!
That’s a really beautiful waterfall. I’m a big fan of the functioning waterwheel. It just adds to the charm and beauty of the waterfall, instead of diminishing it.
I love finding a good waterfall with few people! By us it seems that these days all of NYc has emptied out and is chasing the local waterfalls, so we’ve had to avoid them. Can’t wait to head back out because there’s something special about the sound of water over a fall!
This looks like such a lovely place to visit and so pretty. I love your photos, which really bring this waterfall to life and make me want to visit!
That’s a fun and easy drive to see waterfalls and enjoy the place! Some of the waterfalls, may need to take a hike and here it is so accessible. Thanks for sharing.