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. 

Waterwheel at Aberdulais
Fall view from a distance

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!

Aberdulais Falls in Neath, Wales, UK
Aberdulais falls in Neath, Wales, UK

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