South Wales is a haven for waterfall lovers. From dramatic 70-foot plunges to enchanting falls you can walk behind, the picturesque region is teeming with cascades worth chasing, each offering its own unique natural charm.
For most, the heart of Welsh waterfall exploration lies in Waterfall Country, a picturesque corner of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), famed for its gorges, caves, and an unmatched concentration of spectacular falls. It’s a magnet for outdoor lovers who hike uneven paths to reach roaring falls and plunge pools.
Yet beyond the well-trodden trails of this popular hotspot, there’s a lesser-known gem—a secluded, forest-hugged waterfall often overlooked by visitors. Tucked away from the crowds, it rewards those willing to venture outside of the National Park.
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In the Neath Port Talbot area—referred to as the Dramatic Heart of Wales—lies Melincourt Falls, an 80-foot cascade just as impressive as its better-known counterparts in Waterfall Country.
This striking waterfall tumbles into a rocky basin surrounded by ancient woodland and moss-covered cliffs, giving the spot an almost otherworldly feel.
Here’s why you should visit this beautiful waterfall in the Neath Valley.
Melincourt Falls
Reaching Melincourt Falls is refreshingly straightforward -Credit:Portia Jones
Reaching Melincourt Falls is refreshingly straightforward compared to some of Wales’ more elusive cascades. A short but slightly uphill trail leads you through a leafy gorge, following the course of the Melincourt Brook.
It’s an easy, family-friendly walk that takes around 15 minutes from the small car park near the village of Resolven. Unlike the moderately challenging Four Waterfalls Walk near Ystradfellte, the path to Melincourt Falls is relatively straightforward and short. The reward for your easy hike is an epic view: water pouring in a shimmering column framed by ancient trees and mossy boulders.
Despite its accessibility, Melincourt Falls often flies under the radar, making it a quieter alternative to the busy trails of Waterfall Country.
It’s also steeped in history—this very waterfall caught the eye of artist J.M.W. Turner in the early 19th century, who captured its raw beauty on canvas.
But Melincourt Falls isn’t just a place of natural wonder—it’s also shrouded in myth and legend, as performance storyteller Carl Gough explained on a recent episode of the Travel Goals podcast.
Standing near the falls, surrounded by the hum of flowing water and a curtain of green, Gough shared how Wales, “the Land of Stories,” has a rich oral tradition that intertwines landscape and lore. Water, in particular, holds deep significance and is often viewed as a portal to the otherworld in Welsh mythology.
Th waterfall caught the eye of artist J.M.W. Turner in the early 19th century, who captured its raw beauty on canvas. -Credit:Getty
Carl painted a vivid picture of one story linked to Welsh waterfalls —the tale of the water horse. According to Welsh legend, weary travellers passing by waterfalls would often pause to rest, dipping their feet in the cool, clear streams.
As they relaxed, lulled by cascading water, a vision would appear—a dazzling white horse emerging from the mist and foam. Seemingly tame, the horse would nuzzle its way toward the traveller, enticing them to climb onto its back and gallop away.
And here’s where the tale takes a turn. “The moment you settle down on the back of a water horse, hold on tight,” Carl recounted, “because you’re about to go on the journey of a lifetime.”
The horse would bolt, its hooves barely skimming the ground as it carried its rider across hills, valleys, and vast distances. The ride would end when the horse dissolved back into the water, leaving the bewildered traveller stranded atop a remote mountaintop, miles from home.
While visitors to Melincourt Falls are unlikely to encounter a mischievous water horse, the waterfall still exudes an ethereal energy.
Neath Port Talbot
Neath Port Talbot is where natural beauty and history are deeply intertwined -Credit:Northcliffe Media Ltd.
As Carl Gough explains, the wider Neath Port Talbot area is where natural beauty and history are deeply intertwined. Known for its distinct valleys—Neath, Afan, Dulais, Swansea, and Amman—this region reveals South Wales at its most dramatic.
Each valley has its own character, shaped by centuries of industry, community life, and the wild, untamed nature that has reclaimed much of the land.
While many people know the county for its industrial heritage—most notably the Port Talbot steelworks, which dominate the view along the M4—there’s another side to this region that often goes unnoticed. Step away from the motorway, and you’ll find sweeping hills, dense woodlands, and meandering rivers where nature now thrives.
Carl says, “You’ll often find that as you follow dirt tracks through woodland or across moorland, you stumble across derelict remains of old buildings.” These crumbling structures, remnants of the county’s coal and tin industries, are ghostly markers of a bygone era.
Covered in ivy, half-hidden by trees, they invite questions: Who lived here? Who worked these lands? For storytellers like Carl—and curious visitors—they’re windows into an untold past, sparking the imagination with every broken beam and weathered stone.
This blend of history and nature makes Neath Port Talbot an intriguing place to explore. Here, nature and industry sit side by side, waterfalls tumble towards waves, and communities proudly showcase their industrial heritage.
For waterfall chasers, Melincourt Falls perfectly captures this balance. Located within the pretty Neath Valley, it offers a quieter, more secluded experience than the well-known routes of Waterfall Country. Here, South Wales’ natural drama unfolds far from the crowds but no less spectacularly.
How to get to Melincourt Falls
Melincourt Falls is located near the village of Resolven -Credit:Getty
Melincourt Falls is located near the village of Resolven in the Neath Valley, a scenic part of the Neath Port Talbot area. It’s easily accessible by car and makes for an excellent stop on a wider exploration of South Wales’ waterfalls and valleys.
Parking: There’s a small dedicated car park at the trailhead, signposted as Melincourt Waterfall Car Park, located just off the A465 near Resolven. The car park is free, though spaces are limited, so arriving early is a good shout, particularly on weekends or in summer. If the car park is full, roadside parking in the village of Resolven is an option, with just a short walk to the trailhead.
The Walk: From the car park, the trail to the falls is just under a mile (about 15 minutes each way). The path is well-marked and follows the Melincourt Brook as it winds gently uphill through ancient woodland. While not particularly challenging, the path can be uneven and slippery in places, especially after rain, so sturdy shoes are recommended. The reward at the end is well worth the short climb: a stunning, thunderous 80-foot waterfall surrounded by moss-draped rocks and trees.
What’s nearby
Melincourt Falls sits in the heart of the Neath Valley, an area rich with natural beauty, history, and outdoor activities. If you’re looking to extend your visit, here are some nearby highlights:
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Aberdulais Falls (5 miles away): Another impressive waterfall, located at the National Trust’s Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall site. This spot combines natural beauty with industrial heritage, showcasing the power of water as a source of energy.
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Afan Forest Park (10 miles away): Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or enjoying the lush forest scenery. The park offers well-marked trails for all abilities and is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Neath Abbey and Gatehouse (6 miles away): Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 12th-century abbey, once one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Wales. It’s a fascinating site steeped in history and surrounded by peaceful countryside.