Cwm Haffes and Henrhyd Falls

Yesterday we took the day off and headed off to the Brecon Beacons, to check out the Cwm Haffes Gorge. This is a sandstone gorge that carries the Haffes river from the Fan Hir ridge. We parked at the roadside just passed Dan Yr Ogof, and as we did a beautiful red kite circled above us. I rushed to dig out the camera, but as soon as lens cap came off, he flew a further 100 ft into the air. Not having a 600mm lens (and unlikely i ever will given the cost) i managed to get a nice silhouette nevertheless.

We followed the Haffes up to Ty Henri farm, seeing what we could spot on the way in terms of wildlife. Todays count included a Dipper doing its usual thing of perching on a boulder in the rushing water and a plentiful supply of butterflies around us including the common Large White and a Ringlet (pictured).

As we passed Ty Henri farm we headed uphill ( a fair old pull) to the head of the Cwm Haffes gorge. The going is pretty tough here because of the boggy ground and the tussock grass that hides numerous tributaries just waiting to take an ankle out. After reaching the gorge we took in the view and collapsed for lunch!

Heading back down the gorge we find the Beacons national trail and fight our way through brambles and hawthorn, with the peak of Fan Gyrrich watching over us. As we headed back to the car and made our way back to Neath, we stopped off (no not at a pub!!) at Sgwd Henrhyd (Henrhyd falls), the highest in South Wales at around 90 ft. From the car park its a short but steep walk down to the falls which are pretty impressive. Many attempts were made to capture the falls but this novice couldn't get to grips with his camera settings. Ive included the best shot from the day. From there it was back in the car for a well deserved cold one and an italian !! Later...Stuart