Bryn Bwch (Brecon Beacons) Camping
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Come and explore the Waterfall Country at the heart of the Brecon Beacons. Nestled into the southern slopes of the Fforest Fawr Massif, west of Merthyr Tydfil, Waterfall Country is one of the most beautiful and popular parts of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Fforest Fawr Geopark, with steep, tree-lined gorges and an abundance of tumbling water.
Known in Welsh as Coed-y-Rhaeadr (Wood of the Water), Waterfall Country lies within the triangle formed by the villages of Hirwaun, Ystradfellte, and Pontneddfechan, where old red sandstone and a long belt of outcrop limestone have created a highly distinctive environment of wooded gorges, caves, swallow holes and waterfalls.
Our campsite for the weekend is situated on the hillside above the Afon Hepste and very close to the spectacular four best known Ystradfellte waterfalls of, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn (Falls of the White Meadow), Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn (Lower White Meadow falls), Sgwd y Pannwr (Falls of the Woolen Washer) and the iconic Sgwd Yr Eira (Falls of Snow) where you traverse the naturally carved path behind the thunderous curtain of water.
On the Saturday I will be leading a 16km waterfalls walk from the campsite, taking in not only these spectacular four waterfalls, but also an additional four named waterfalls, as well as numerous cascades along the route.
If you don’t fancy joining us for our walk and/or want to do your own thing, there is always the option to just relax at our campsite with views overlooking the scenic Welsh countryside, or perhaps drive to one of the local attractions such as Penderyn Distillery visitor centre (15 mins), Mountain Biking at Bike Park Wales (35 mins) or the National Showcaves Centre for Wales (25 mins).
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on the campsite but you will be expected to be considerate of other campers and clear up behind them. There may be sheep in adjacent fields so please take this into account if you are thinking of bringing your dog, which will need to be under control at all times when on the site.
Campervans, Motorhomes : Whilst this event is primarily a camping event, it should be possible to cater for these, but please be aware that the surrounding roads are not ideal for wider/longer vehicles. Please message the leader to discuss.
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What to bring
BBQ's are permitted on the site, as are fires, although only in a firepit (If you have some spare firewood for the fire please bring it along)
This list is not exclusive and if your a regular camper I am sure you will have your own list, if not:
Tent: A tent if of course essential when sleeping out in the open (It is the UK it could well rain). It's recommended that you have pitched your tent before, and have all parts of it, such as poles and pegs.
Sleeping Bag: You are going to want this keep warm at night
Sleeping Matt/Cott: The ground is hard and you'll get a much better nights sleep if you have something between your sleeping bag and the groundsheet.
Pillow: Whilst you could roll-up your spare clothes and use these as a pillow since your unlikely to be carrying your kit far to this camp I would bring one with you.
Food and Drink: You will need to cater for yourself through out the weekend so plan ahead. There is no onsite shop and the nearest pub where you can eat, is about 2km away (5 minute drive). If the weather is bad you will want a hot meal and likely hot drinks (Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate).
Camp Stove: Depending on your catering plans for the weekend you may be satisfied with a simple single gas burner/Trangia, or you may need something bigger. Don't forget about the members discounts at Cotswold Outdoors who will be happy to assist you if you don't have something suitable. Don't forget your stove will need fuel.
Lighter/Matches: You will need some way to light the stove.
Torch/Lantern: You'll find it much easier to get in your sleeping bag at night if you can see where you are going. Check the batteries whilst you are at home or bring spare ones.
Water: Whilst fresh water will be available at the campsite you probably won't want to have to keep going back and forth to the tap so will want a suitable container and don't forget if you are going on the day walk to pack your water bottle or hydration bladder
Utensils/Pots & Pans: Again your needs will vary on what you are planning to eat but you will want as a minimum a Mug, Knife, Fork and Spoon.
Towels: Your going to want one for yourself, perhaps a separate one for your cooking equipment and maybe a spare
Wash-kit: You probably don't want to go all weekend without brushing your teeth, and most of us will appreciate at least a squirt of deodorant. There are hot showers on the camp site.
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack or tent leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Folding/Camping Chair: Everyone likes to sit around the camp fire in the evening and this is much more comfortable than a log.
Day Rucksack: (Day Walk) typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: (Day Walk) waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Change of Footwear: If you've been in boots all day you will want something else to wear around the campsite.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters you'll want one pair for each day you're walking, and a spare pair. You'll also want some other socks for around the campsite/evening wear. TOP TIP: Put clean socks on before getting into your sleeping bag if you are going to wear them at night. Any moisture in your socks will condensate in the colder temperature at night and its not comfortable.
Underwear: Unless you go commando you will probably want one pair per day and a spare pair.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece). You'll probably want a couple of items for each layer so that you have a good change of clothes.
Trousers: Whilst on the day walk you really do not want jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK. Again a couple of pairs is sensible.
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Day Rucksack: (Day Walk) typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Walking Poles: (Day Walk) always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: (Day Walk) bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea or a power brick. The phone signal in the valley is poor and only just about detectable around the toilet/shower block, but you will get it on the top of the mountains during the day walk.
Cash: Whilst this is 2025, and most places do have card/contactless, it is always sensible to have some cash with you as backup, as the nearest cashpoint is are located in Glynneath (15 minute drive)
Food & drink
No meals are provided. You will need to ensure you have sufficient food for the weekend and a method to store and cook it if necessary. Off the ground BBQ's are fine if you would like to bring one with you.
On Friday evening I plan to have my Barbecue on the go, so even if you do not have one of your own, you are welcome to bring your own sausages or burgers to cook and eat.
There are no grocery shops close to the camp site, and the nearest pub that serves is about 5 minute drive away in Ystradfellte. And don't forget something for breakfast and for your packed lunch on Saturday.
You may also want to bring with you any alcoholic drinks for consumption around the camp fire in the evenings as the nearest shop is in Glynneath.