Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall Wales

The Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall in Wales is tucked away seemingly in the depths of the hills.

A 3-4 mile journey from the entrance road down a narrow track which has difficulty accommodating two passing cars but there are fairly regular "passing places" to navigate other cars, be prepared to do some reversing though.

Although it can be problematic (only at peak times) the lane does center through a small copse and has quaint cottages hidden away to offer a picturesque view which more than makes up for the width of the road. As the track winds to an end and the sun breaks through the covering of trees you hear the rushing sound of water, from the Highest waterfall in England and Wales the "Pistyll Rhaeadr" at 240 ft.

The first time you look upon it in it's full splendor is a breath taking experience, still today I act like a small boy whenever I go, it gives you such a powerful feeling which can only truly be felt by being there...

If your visiting the Pitsyll Rhaeadr (one of the Seven Wonders of Wales) you will need a camera and if like us, a few hours for photos.

There is a woodland walk up the side which can be climbed by novice walkers but will need a bit of attention and care as it is steep in some places.

The views are amazing though so you will not need to climb as it is as much fun viewing from the base of the falls.

There is a pool at the base which you can also stand in to get excellent pictures, it can get quite deep in the middle but with a decent pair of boots you will be ok.

You can also venture along the side in the woods and get some interesting pictures of wildlife, rock formations and amazing root structures from the trees.

If you are die hard picture takers like us then you will be in up to your knees. At peak times it can get busy but there is enough to look at and places of interest you can always find a quite spot to relax of for photography.

Hidden in the Waterfall are several images of Characters identified by Welsh Folklore and Legend.

Maybe if you look hard enough you will see them...

Within the mystery of the falls you can see 3 images, one of a Monk, one of a Dragon and one of the Lady of the Falls.

There are also 2 boulders at the foot of the falls which bring their own tales of folklore, one legend states that they are supposed to have been thrown by a Giant and his Wife as they began to build their house at the foot of the falls but as the cock crowed they were forced to leave.

Another refers to it as the Druid's Bowl and tells of the Giants love for his wife and how they were captured within the rocks, their faces can still be seen today.

Welsh Tradition is steeped in folklore and legend, still to this day tales and beliefs of Witches, Dragons, Giants and anything Mythical can still be heard and seen.

Unique shops filled with Crystals, Magic and Supernatural findings can be found throughout and a strong sense of Pagan beliefs still echoes from every hill and hollow.

Still a relatively untouched beauty which is seldom found, all modern influences blend well with traditional values.

Pistyll Rhaeadr is also called Rhos y Beddau (the moor of the graves).

The Gateway to King Arthur's land and the Kingdom of the Celtic Otherworld can be gained at Pistyll Rhaeadr.

Walking up the south face of the Berwynand and passing east along the ridge as far as possible leads to Bwrrd Arthur (Arthur's table) where if you had been King Arthur, you could have stood and viewed your land stretching from the top of the mountain to the sea.

The gwiber of Llanrhaeadr is a Dragon which lived in the lake above the falls.

Every couple of days it used to come down the falls and take the women and children from the village below back to the lake to devour them. Nobody knew how to kill the gwiber so a number of the men set off and walked over the mountains to reach the wise woman of the hills.

They told her their story and she listened until they had finished and told them to sleep whilst she thought on the problem. Next morning when the villagers awoke they gathered round and she explained to them in what they had to do.

As soon as they arrived back the men got together and went to the blacksmith's shop where they worked all day and all night creating three enormous spiked collars of different sizes.

The women worked together and gathered all the linen in the village, sewed it together to make a huge sheet and dyed it blood red.

In the afternoon of the second day when everything was complete all of the villagers set off to the Tumuli a great standing stone in the field at the foot of Rhos Brithin. Here the men dropped the three spiked collars over the pillar and the women wrapped it in the red linen. They then set about building a circle of fire round the pillar.

The warning was given; the gwiber had been sighted on its way down the river. They lit the fire and hid amongst the trees and undergrowth. As it approached the village the ring of fire attracted the great serpent and as it flew closer it thought it saw another dragon illuminated by the flames.

It roared with anger and went to attack, spearing its breast on the hidden spikes. Again and again it attacked, each time the spikes drove deeper into its body until it dripped with blood and grew weaker. Eventually it could fight no more and collapsed bleeding and dying at the foot of the pillar.

The villagers with the help of the wise woman of the hills had outwitted the gwiber and the village was safe.

There are many walking routes around the falls which offer many picturesque views.

Story walks are also available for those who like a bit of Folklore and Legend to ensure a truly magical holiday.

The Restaurant/retreat at the foot of the falls is called Tan-y-Pistyll (little house under the waterfall).

A beautiful cabin built by a vicar which still maintains many of the original 17th century features and offers traditional home-cooked meals and drinks. Sit inside beside the roaring log fire or on the veranda overlooking the falls it is a welcome retreat for many a weary traveler.

Bed and Breakfast is available throughout the year within Tan-y-Pistyll.

Camping and Caravanning is also allowed in the spacious 120 acre site, you are even allowed your very own camp fire which adds to the feel and mystery of the Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall.

http://www.pistyllrhaeadr.co.uk/
Restaurant Tan-y-Pistyll
http://www.pistyllrhaeadr.co.uk/Rest.htm

Legend of King Arthur Photo Public Domain at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Artus2.jpg

Images used on this website:Copyright Marta Nowicka All Rights Reserved

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