Pontneddfechan Waterfalls and Climbing

Pontneddfechan is an old mining town on the edge of Brecon Beacons, closest to Neath. An area that has many abandoned mine shafts and old mining equipment laying around, but also happens to have some of the best climbing in the area called Dinas Rock with multiple crags. We travelled up on an afternoon to explore the park and boulder around for a bit.

One of the first waterfalls right in the front of the Dinas Rock, Kennelgarth Wall where we climbed. Can see the steps and concrete blocks from an old mining track that ran along this waterfall.

Grace looking up at a very impressive cave/crag. Apparently people have climbed lines in this. The rock holds are made by water seeping down the rock, so are incredibly small and difficult. Very cool.

Stagnant pool downstream from one of the waterfalls. Very clear water.

One of the main waterfalls right near the entrance to one of the mine shafts. This waterfall and pool are clearly a popular area to swim and cliff jump, with abandoned clothes and paths everywhere.

This is me getting crushed by one of the easiest climbs at the Kennelgarth Wall (V1). Since this crag is one of the oldest and most documented in South Wales, the routes are rated super super super hard, and all the rock is smoothed out to be glass smooth from countless climbing shoes wearing them down. Cool experience but horribly difficult.

Time lapse of the Kennelgarth Waterfall.

Rhossili/Worms Head

Rhossili is the further West beach of the Gower and is one of the largest and most expansive stretches of beach along the Gower. It showcases huge tides and has some of the most incredible backgrounds on the Gower. Worm's Head is the island off the tip of Rhossili which can only be accessed via a causeway that is only present 2 hours either side of low tide.

One of the first cliffs along Rhossili looking over the beach at low tide.

A view of Worm's Head in the background with some of the many free-range sheep in the foreground running to fresher grass.

Looking out to Worm's Head with the exposed causeway in sight.

Looking towards Tears Point further to the East, looking back towards Swansea and out to sea.

Looking from Tears Cliff towards Worm's Head and the causeway about to go underwater. You can see the house to the right where men are stationed 24/7 to keep an eye on the Worm's Head causeway for potential stranded hikers or fisherman.

Standing atop the main cliff at Tears, looking along the Gower coast to the East.

Looking back at some friends standing on Tears Cliff.

The view of Rhossili and Llangenith beach to the South, with the tide moving back in.

Time lapse from Tears Cliff looking along the Gower.