With mountains, lakes and miles of coastline, Wales has been a beautiful backdrop in many Hollywood films over the years and is the home of several iconic film locations.
Batman fans probably know that scenes in the popular 2012 film, The Dark Knight Rises, were shot at a spectacular waterfall in the Brecon Beacons.
For the exterior scenes in The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan used Sgwd Henrhyd [Henrhyd Falls] as the location for the infamous 'Batcave' - Batman's secret hideout.
Read more: The beautiful hill walks in Wales that will have you pulling on your hiking boots right now
The 90ft wall of water was seen in the final film of the trilogy as the location where Robin discovers the Batcave after the apparent death of Batman.
Batman waterfall
At 27m, it's the highest waterfall in South Wales and you can even mysteriously disappear behind a cascading, white curtain of water, just like Gotham's finest.
The waterfall has become so popular with visitors that work was undertaken several years ago to make the site more accessible to visitors. To reach the falls, fans previously had to clamber down a precarious and steep tree-lined hill and wade across a river.
But now a short walk through a woodland trail and footbridge brings visitors out at the foot of the falls - and they can even walk behind the water and into the 'entrance' of the Batcave.
With the new Batman film starring Robert Pattinson on the way in March 2022, there is bound to be renewed interest in this Batman filming location in Wales, so expect to see a few fans in caped costumes visiting the falls over the next few months.
But how do you visit 'Batman waterfall' as it's been dubbed on social media? Is it a difficult hike to this film location? Read our guide to find out more.
Where are Henrhyd Falls?
The waterfall is located in the Graig Llech Gorge in the Brecon Beacons, the area is owned and managed by National Trust Wales and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Entry to the falls is free and the best place to park for Henrhyd Falls is the National Trust car park near Coelbren, Brecon Beacons, SA10 9PH, [grid ref: SN853121].
Be warned, the car park is normally full by 11am, so visitors are advised to arrive early. There is alternative parking in the adjacent farmland which will charge a daily rate, [currently £5].
How to hike to Henrhyd Falls
There are two options to hike to Henrhyd Falls, you can walk straight to the falls from the National Trust Car park, or you could do the Henrhyd Falls and Nant Llech walk which is a 3.5-mile hike.
If you just want to visit the falls, then it's a short but slippy route from the National Trust car park. To get to the fall, pass through two gates, and then follow the often muddy footpath down the slope to a path junction at the bottom.
Turn left and cross the wooden bridge, walking up the steep steps to the footpath at the top. Continue along the footpath to the falls.
To get behind the falls, walk along the boardwalk, taking great care as you head towards the water. There is room for several visitors behind the roaring curtain of water and it's the perfect place for a 'Batcave selfie'.
The falls are best enjoyed after a huge downpour as the water will be dramatically cascading over the rocks, however, after a lot of rain, the trail can be slippery and hazardous.
It's important to note that this popular site can get really busy, so hikers should prepare to arrive early and be properly prepared to hike in all weather.
Brân Devey, Engagement and Communications Manager at Ramblers Cymru, said: “Visiting waterfalls and being immersed in nature at this time of year can be spectacular especially after we’ve had some rain. However, they can be a very popular place to visit, so get there early or have a plan b if the car park is full, there are lots of other great places to visit nearby.
“Remember to check the adventure smart guidance before you go, and pack suitable clothing or even a picnic to make a great day of it, leaving no trace of course.”
What facilities are at Henrhyd Falls?
The falls are in a deeply wooded gorge and there are no facilities in this National Trust owned area. There are public toilets at Craig Y Nos, which is several miles away.
So make sure you use any facilities before you come to the falls as there are no public toilets here and you don't want to be caught short.
Food-wise, there is a pub and a tea room in the nearby village of Coelbren where you can eat before or after your hike. Alternatively, you can bring your own food and drink, as long as you take all your rubbish home with you, so that the falls can stay free of litter.
What you need to hike the falls
What you wear will make a huge difference when hiking around the falls, especially when it's cold and wet. Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes and socks and a decent outdoor jacket are a must for hiking in Wales. A high-quality and preferably waterproof daypack to keep your kit in is also recommended, as you want to keep your stuff dry when walking in wet conditions.
In rainy and cold Welsh weather, you’ll need to take extra clothing to the falls such as thermal layers, a warm fleece jacket, gloves and a hat, preferable with Thinsulate lining. Hiking poles and gaiters are also advised for this trek.
Highlander Outdoor CEO Ramin Golzari recommends wearing proper hiking shoes paired with gaiters in wet weather.
He said: “ A decent pair of walking boots should be able to handle muddy and slippery surfaces, but what happens when your next step goes deeper than you thought it would and all of a sudden your boot has disappeared and the wet mud is up to your shins, THIS is where the gaiter saves the day!”
For hot drinks on your waterfall hike, bring a double-walled vacuum insulated flask that keeps drinks hot for hours, so you can enjoy a hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate right next to the falls.
Can you swim in Henrhyd Falls?
For brave souls, an icy dip awaits in the small plunge pool fed by the falls. The falls have become popular with wild swimmers looking for a cold water swim in a waterfall location. While swimming here is not exactly encouraged, it is tolerated so long as swimmers behave responsibly and leave no trace.
For those seeking a connection with nature, there's nothing quite like slowly wading into freezing water in a quiet, natural setting to melt away your worries.
As with all wild swimming locations, you should take great care when swimming outdoors, at Henrhyd, the spray from the falls can make the ground slippery, so swimmers should enter and exit the plunge pool with safety in mind.
Welsh adventurer and owner of This Girl Walks website Carys Rees thinks that aspiring swimmers should approach the falls with a degree of caution.
She said: "I love swimming in fresh water and waterfalls really are the ultimate swim spot! It is so important to swim responsibly though, not just for your own safety but also to protect these precious beauty spots."
Carys takes outdoor safety extremely seriously: "Your safety is paramount" she adds. "Don’t swim alone, keep cuts covered, know your own limits in terms of water temperature and swimming ability and please don’t tombstone.
"You should always leave these places as you found them, take your rubbish home and don’t damage any of the natural habitats. After your swim, you should leave feeling refreshed, content and no trace that you were ever there."
It's important to also have the right gear for an outdoor swim in Wales. Essential outdoor swimming kit for your waterfall swim includes warm layers and a preferably weatherproof changing robe such as Dryrobe, to get changed and keep warm at the same time.
Pack a flask full of hot coffee to warm up after a wild swim.
Read more: The beginner's guide to autumn wild swimming in Wales
What else has been filmed in the Brecon Beacons?
Brecon Beacons national park has been a location for many film and television series, including Doctor Who, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Merlin.
According to park authorities, they receive multiple enquiries about filming in the national park area and there are normally several production teams scouting the area at any given time.
It's easy to see why producers would want to film in the Brecon Beacons, it's a tranquil part of South wales with an almost ethereal feel. Perfect for a fantasy series!
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