| Henrhyd Falls | |
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 Henrhyd Waterfall. | |
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| Location | Brecon Beacons National Park,Wales |
| Total height | 90 feet (27 m) |
| Watercourse | Nant Llech |
Henrhyd Falls (Welsh:Sgwd Henrhyd) in theBrecon Beacons National Park,Wales, is the tallest waterfall in southern Wales, with a drop of 90 feet (27 m). It lies onNational Trust land, in the county ofPowys. The nearest settlement isCoelbren, on the road betweenGlynneath andAbercraf. Though not in the core of the area, it is considered by many to constitute a part of Wales' celebratedWaterfall Country.[1]
The falls occur where a small river, theNant Llech (grid referenceSN854122), drops over thefaulted edge of a hard sandstone known as theFarewell Rock which forms the top half of the rock face and the base of the South Wales Coal Measures. Beneath this, and forming much of the recessed portion of the drop, is the Subcrenatum Sandstone separated from the Farewell Rock above by theSubcrenatummarine band. Both the marine band and sandstone are part of the Bishopston Mudstone Formation included within theMarros Group, the modern name in South Wales for the assemblage of strata that was traditionally known as the Millstone Grit series.[2] A stream gully between the descent path and the falls marks the line of the Henrhyd Fault which is responsible for the falls' presence.[3][4]
One of the area's most famous visitors was SirWilliam Edmond Logan (later head of theGeological Survey of Canada). In 1833 he carried out detailed geological survey work in the area, discovering a mile (1.5 km) down the valley from the foot of the falls thefossil trees that now stand in the garden atSwansea Museum.[5] They are 'Object 1' in their 'History of Swansea in 20 Objects'.[6]
The waterfall is reached after a steep walk down into the valley from the car park established by the National Trust, and is a popular spot to visit. A further footpath leads steeply down to the falls via the opposite side of the valley, accessed from Dol Henrhyd, the road to Coelbren village.
51°47′39″N3°39′48″W / 51.7943°N 3.6633°W /51.7943; -3.6633
Waterfalls of Wales | ||
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| North Wales |  | |
| Mid Wales | ||
| West Wales | ||
| South Wales | ||
