Places to Eat Near Sgwd Yr Eira
After walking behind Wales' most famous waterfall, celebrate with exceptional dining at our premium restaurants
Sgwd Yr Eira: Wales' Most Unique Waterfall
Sgwd yr Eira, translating to "Waterfall of Snow" in Welsh, stands as one of the most distinctive and celebrated waterfalls in the United Kingdom. What makes this 50-foot cascade truly extraordinary isn't just its impressive size or power—it's the remarkable ability for visitors to walk directly behind the curtain of thundering water, experiencing the falls from an incredibly rare perspective that few waterfalls anywhere in the world offer.
Located on the River Mellte in the heart of Waterfall Country, Sgwd yr Eira serves as the centrepiece of the famous Four Falls Trail—a challenging 4.5 to 5.5-mile circular walk that takes 2-3 hours to complete. The path to reach this waterfall involves steep descents into gorges, navigating rocky terrain, and scrambling through sections that become exceptionally slippery, particularly the behind-the-waterfall passage itself. Wooden steps and pathways lead visitors to the naturally carved path positioned behind the cascade, where the sensation of standing surrounded by mist with water thundering mere feet away creates an unforgettable, almost magical experience.
The physical demands of reaching Sgwd yr Eira and completing the Four Falls circuit are significant. After hours of hiking challenging terrain, navigating steep sections, and experiencing the awe of walking behind rushing water, visitors return to their cars thoroughly exhausted and genuinely hungry. This isn't a situation calling for light refreshments—it demands substantial, hearty meals that restore energy, satisfy deep appetites, and feel like appropriate celebrations of completing one of Wales' most spectacular waterfall walks.
Sgwd Yr Eira Quick Facts
- •Height: Approximately 50 feet (15 meters)
- •Location: River Mellte, Waterfall Country
- •Unique Feature: Walk behind the waterfall
- •Part of: Four Falls Trail (4.5-5.5 miles)
- •Duration: 2-3 hours total for full circuit
- •Difficulty: Challenging—steep, rocky, slippery
- •Parking: Gwaun Hepste or Cwm Porth car parks
- •Warning: Expect to get wet behind the falls
The Carnivore - Refuel After Your Adventure
Just 8-10 minutes from Waterfall Country car parks, The Carnivore in Cwmgwrach delivers the hearty, premium dining that Four Falls Trail hikers genuinely need
Built for Waterfall Hikers
After experiencing the physical challenge of reaching Sgwd yr Eira, scrambling behind its thundering curtain of water, and completing the demanding Four Falls circuit, The Carnivore provides exactly what your body demands: substantial portions, premium quality, and hearty cuisine designed to restore the energy you've expended exploring one of Wales' most spectacular natural attractions.
Our location in Cwmgwrach means you're back to civilisation and quality dining within minutes of leaving Waterfall Country. No lengthy drives when you're physically exhausted and genuinely hungry—just quick, straightforward access to our steakhouse menu featuring generous portions of American, English, and international dishes that satisfy the serious appetites built from hours of challenging hiking.
Understanding Your Experience
We welcome hikers who've just completed the Four Falls Trail—muddy boots, waterproof gear, and all. The Carnivore understands that visitors arriving from Sgwd yr Eira carry incredible stories, spectacular photos, and the kind of physical exhaustion that only challenging outdoor adventure creates. Our atmosphere accommodates this energy warmly, making it easy to relax, share your experiences, and celebrate your achievement over food that matches the quality of your day's adventure.
The Carnivore Details
Distance from Sgwd Yr Eira
8-10 minutes' drive from Gwaun Hepste/Cwm Porth car parks (where Four Falls Trail starts)
Location
24 High St, Cwmgwrach
Neath, SA11 5TA
Contact
Phone: 01639 720968
Email: theminecwm@gmail.com
Perfect For
- • Four Falls Trail hikers
- • Families with hungry children
- • Outdoor enthusiast groups
- • Post-adventure celebrations
The Mine - Heritage Meets Premium Dining
15 minutes from Waterfall Country, The Mine in Neath offers authentic Welsh coal mining atmosphere and a different dining experience from The Carnivore
The Mine Details
Distance from Sgwd Yr Eira
15 minutes' drive from Waterfall Country car parks to Neath town centre
Location
1-2, Old Town Hall, New St
Neath, SA11 1RT
Contact
Phone: 01639 638379
Email: themineneath@gmail.com
Opening Hours
Complete Your Welsh Experience
After experiencing the natural wonder of walking behind Sgwd yr Eira, The Mine offers a complementary cultural experience. Our authentic Welsh coal mining heritage theming tells the human story that parallels the geological forces that created Waterfall Country. You've walked through gorges carved by water over millennia; now discover the history shaped by the miners who worked in this region, creating an immersive dining experience that feels distinctly, genuinely Welsh.
Located in Neath's historic Old Town Hall, The Mine delivers premium cuisine in an atmosphere celebrating South Wales' industrial legacy. The carefully designed interior honours the miners whose labour defined this area, creating a setting that resonates with both locals remembering this history and visitors discovering Welsh culture for the first time.
More Than Just Dining
Neath town centre provides opportunities beyond dining—historic landmarks including Neath Abbey and Neath Castle, restored Victorian canals, Victoria Gardens, and Gnoll Estate Country Park. Visitors can combine their Waterfall Country morning with Neath cultural exploration in the afternoon, making The Mine the perfect conclusion to a full day experiencing the best South Wales offers.
Essential Information for Visitors
Plan your Sgwd yr Eira adventure and post-hike dining successfully
Trail Difficulty
The Four Falls Trail is challenging with steep sections, rocky terrain, and slippery conditions. Proper footwear essential. Behind Sgwd yr Eira is exceptionally slippery—expect to get wet.
Timing Your Day
Allow 2-3 hours for the full Four Falls circuit. Car parks fill before midday. Start early (9-10am), finish around 12-1pm, then head to lunch, or start mid-morning for late lunch/early dinner.
Parking & Access
Main car parks: Gwaun Hepste and Cwm Porth. Cash-only (around £6). Small facilities with limited toilets. No facilities at the waterfalls themselves.
Pre-Book Dining
Reserve your table at The Carnivore or The Mine before starting your hike. Popular weekends and peak seasons require advance booking. Guarantees your spot when you return exhausted.
What to Bring
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, waterproof jacket, water, snacks, camera/phone for photos, change of clothes (you will get wet), and cash for parking.
Best Conditions
Sgwd yr Eira is most impressive after rainfall. However, paths become more slippery and challenging. Balance between waterfall power and trail safety based on your group's abilities.