Melincourt Waterfall

Melincourt Waterfall is a stunning waterfall in the Vale of Neath. Plunging 79 feet (24 m) into a thick wooded gorge, the falls are breathtaking. The whole area is a designated nature reserve and is home to a great deal of animal and plant life. A short and reasonably well-maintained path leads from the car park directly to the waterfall. Take care as there are unguarded drops and slippery rocks on the hike to the falls.

Melincourt Falls (Sgwd Rhyd Yr Hesg in Welsh) seemed to be one of the unsung waterfalls in an area of South Wales known as Waterfall Country.I suspect the reason why this falls wasn’t as well known as the others was that it was not part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Actually, it was in its own reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales towards the head of the Vale of Neath. So I’d imagine it kind of fell off the radar for most of the literature let alone tourist itineraries!
When I saw the 80ft (24m) waterfall in person, I was quite surprised at how similar looked to the nearby Sgwd Henrhyd!! One that you can also walk behind unknown to most.