Llanrhaeadr Waterfall, known locally as Pistyll Rhaeadr, is a stunning natural wonder located in the Berwyn Mountains in Powys, Wales. It stands as the tallest waterfall in Wales and one of the tallest in the United Kingdom, with a drop of 240 feet (73 meters). Weekend visitors can usually expect crowds when the weather is good, especially during peak season; however, on weekdays or for those brave enough to visit on a cold or rainy day, it’s often surprisingly quiet. Hiking up to the moorlands above the waterfall also provides ample opportunities for a tranquil escape into the wild.
The waterfall is fed by the Afon Disgynfa, which flows down a rocky face in two stages—first plunging into a pool midway before cascading down a sheer cliff—creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The sound of the water, the spray in the air, and the lush greenery that surrounds the falls contribute to a sense of enchantment, which is further enhanced by the local myths and legends that surround the area.
Gateway to another world
Stories suggest that Pistyll Rhaeadr serves as a portal to Annwn, the Otherworld in Welsh mythology. Annwn is depicted as a magical realm of beauty and youth, where disease is absent and food is plentiful. The waterfall’s remote location and the mesmerizing quality of its cascades lend credibility to the idea that it could indeed be a gateway to another world, and in a sense, it is a gateway to the otherworldly landscape of the Berwyn range and surrounding moorlands. Hiking up from the lowlands of the valley to the highlands at the top of the waterfall can be a radical transition in both climate and scenery.
Location
The waterfall is located near the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant in Powys, Wales. To reach it, travelers from the north can take the A5 to Oswestry, then the B4580 to Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, following signs for the waterfall. From the south, visitors can approach via Welshpool, taking the A490 and then the A495, following local signage to the waterfall’s vicinity.