MELINCOURT WATERFALLS RESERVE

This magnificent 80 ft (25 m) high waterfall on Melin Court Book, a tributary of the River Neath, forms part of a fascinating 12-acre Nature Reserve owned and managed by Glamorgan Wildlife trust. Painted by Turner in 1794, the Falls are the highlight of the richly wooded gorge, with oak, birch, wild cherry growing in abundance. A paradise for birds; wagtails, wood warblers and flycatchers are among just some of the species to be seen, and the woods are carpeted with bluebells in Spring. The damp and sheltered conditions are ideal for ferns, and over 20 species have been recorded including rarities such as the green spleenwort, the brittle bladder, the hay-scented buckler and Wilson's flimsy fern. At the northern boundary of the site are the remains of a 17th century iron works and blast furnace.

It's about twenty minutes walk, over a fairly rocky and steep paths (trainers or boots recommended) from the village of Melincourt, just half a mile south of Resolven in the Vale of Neath. Keen, well equipped walkers can continue to tackle steep ascent along St Illtyd's Walk over Cefnmawr summit (464 metres) then down to Glyncorrwg village - a distance of 5 miles (8 km) for the connecting 32/36 bus service.

X5/X75 from Swansea and Neath direct to Melincourt.