Visitors walking to South Wales’s tallest waterfall, Henrhyd Falls – which doubled as the Bat Cave in the Batman blockbuster film ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ – will be pleased to hear that the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority has just completed major improvements on the Nant Llech trail leading to the site making it more accessible for people to visit.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is home to many rare habitats but none rarer or more famous than the home of Batman himself. At a whopping 88 feet (27 metres) tall, Henrhyd Falls – which is owned and managed by National Trust Wales – has become a popular walking destination for movie buffs and visitors wanting to disappear behind the curtain of white water and experience Batman’s incredible hideout.
With generous funding support from the Welsh Government, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Wardens have implemented significant improvements to the Nant Llech Trail, which runs down from the Henrhyd Falls to the confluence of the River Tawe and Llech above Abercraf, so that visitors can enjoy the walk without running the risk of damaging the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Improvements include the removal of two stiles on the route from Ynswen to Henrhyd which have been replaced with galvanised self-closing gates. A series of steps and a 40 metre boardwalk have also been installed which service to protect a unique area meadow habitat in the area.
The new improvements build upon the works originally made by the Community Welcome Scheme during 2007-2013, which was financed by the European Union and the Welsh Government. During this period of improvement four audio panels with seating areas will allow visitors to hear recordings from experts on geology and botany and local residents who recall their memories of landslides and industry in the valley, as well as their childhood memories of growing up in the area.
Judith Harvey, Warden Manager for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority said: “There has been a steady increase in visitors to the Nant Llech Trail and Henrhyd Waterfall making it a popular walking destination in the Bannau Brycheiniog – both for Tawe Uchaf residents and visitors. The improvements are part of our miles without stiles policy of facilitating access around settlements and on popular paths. With work now complete, it means that people for many generations to come can really enjoy what Abercraf and the surrounding area has to offer, safe in the knowledge that they are not causing any damage to the SSSI. We look forward to working with the Tawe Uchaf community on other projects in the near future. Without generous funding support from the Welsh Government we wouldn’t have been able to complete the works required.”
Cllr Stephen Davies, Chairman of Tawe Uchaf Community Council, said: “I am delighted to see these works completed at one of Wales’ most beautiful waterfalls. It builds upon the work previously done and the Tawe Uchaf Community Council hopes that many people, both locals and visitors, to the area, will come and enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the Nant Llech Trail now and for many years to come.”
Mrs Margaret Underwood, Biodiversity Champion and Member for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority said: “I am delighted that the National Park has been able to provide vital match funding to help improve the Nant Llech Trail. It’s a wonderful tourist attraction in Wales which will benefit not only the local community but its visitors alike at this protected site.”
At a whopping 88 feet (27 metres) tall, Henrhyd Falls has become a popular walking destination for movie buffs and visitors wanting to disappear behind the curtain of white water and experience Batman’s incredible hideout. The spectacular waterfall and carpark are owned and managed by National Trust Wales.
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Photo credit ©Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority