Ystradfellte

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Ystradfellte
Brecknockshire

Sgwd yr Eira
Location
Grid reference: SN929134
Location: 51°48’32"N, 3°33’18"W
Data
Local Government
Council: Powys
Parliamentary
constituency:
Brecon & Radnorshire

Ystradfellte (Welsh: valley floor of the Mellte) is a small village in southern Brecknockshire. It lies in the valley of the Rive Mellte in the Fforest Fawr area of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The village is a popular centre for tourists, many of whom come for the hillwalking or to visit the waterfalls and caves of the river. Ystradfellte is also home to one pub and the Croydon Caving Club.

Because of the shape of the land, the village of Ystradfellte is not visible from the nearest main road, the A4059.

Caves

The area around Ystradfellte is renowned for its caves and karst scenery, making caving a popular activity. Some of the more famous caves near the village include:

  • Porth yr Ogof - the biggest cave entrance in Wales, through which the River Mellte flows
  • Little Neath River Cave
  • Ogof Ffynnon Ddu - the third-longest cave in the United Kingdom

Waterfalls

A popular attraction near the village is the Waterfalls Walk, a generally easy walk along the Afon Mellte. The route passes two main falls on the river, Sgwd Clun-gwyn and Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn. The climax of the walk is at Sgwd yr Eira on the Afon Hepste where the footpath passes behind the waterfall.

History

Ystradfellte is chiefly known in Welsh history for being the spot where the Welsh nobleman and rebel leader Llywelyn Bren surrendered at the conclusion of his revolt of 1316. Llywelyn, who gave himself up on the condition that his men be spared, was put to death in 1318 at Cardiff.

Outside links