The Ffynone waterfall is only 17 miles away from us but we’d never heard of it until last year when we decided to build a gym. All of the internal timber for this project came from these woods and we promised ourselves that when we had time we would go visit. We thought it would be nice to see where it came from and feel that connection. And it was.
As mentioned in some of our other posts on them, we’re pretty keen on waterfalls and that was another reason to visit the Ffynone waterfall.
We’ve discovered that there are at least 4 waterfalls in and around Pembrokeshire and we’ve visited and written about them all.
Getting to the Ffynone waterfall
Ffynone woods is situated near the village of Newchapel, Boncath, to the South East of the market town of Cardigan. This map may help you.
From the North
Take the A487 to Cardigan. Having by-passed Cardigan at the roundabout take the first exit on the A484 towards Lechryd. At St. Tydfil church, Llechryd, turn right onto an unclassified road and cross the Afon Teifi. Continue on this road until you reach a junction with the B4332. Turn left onto the B4332 towards Newchapel/Abercych/Cenarth. You will pass through the village of Newchapel and the Ffynnone Arms. At the next crossroads take the turning right. After approximately 1.5 miles you will find the car parks.
From the South and East
Take the A40 (the main A road through Pembrokeshire) and join the A478 at Penblewyn roundabout heading towards Cardigan. Having passed through the villages of Crymych and Blaenffos, turn right taking the B4332 towards Boncath. Passing through Boncath stay on this road until you get to Newchapel. Pass the Ffynnone Arms (on your left) and at the next crossroads take the turning right. After approximately 1.5 miles you will find the car parks.
The drive through the Pembrokeshire countryside is very picturesque but as you get nearer the roads narrow. It pays to be aware of where the last pull-in opportunity is here as you may find yourself driving backwards quite a bit.
Parking
There are 2 car parks here but as you come down the hill the one on the right is where the walk starts.
- Map ref. 24 38
- Grid Ref. SN242 382
- Post Code SA37 0HQ
The Ffynone waterfall walk route
The walk itself is really interesting. Lot’s of things to see. It’s also very calm and peaceful here. Perfect for getting away from it all. We did see other people, but they were like minded souls who were also here to enjoy the peace and quiet.
At the top corner of the car park head through the gate and follow the road.
You’ll eventually come to this house. Just there, minding it’s own business. This struck us as a real shame. It’s a beautiful building in a stunning location but it seems to have been left despite obvious signs of recent work. We hope renovation has just been put on temporary hold and that this place will be loved once again.
Anyway, to get to the waterfall carry on straight ahead here.
If you do decide to take a left as you may be tempted, and the sign suggests (or like we did!), you’ll come to this lake which makes a very pleasant detour.
Once past the house you’ll come to this really interesting building on your right. Again, these look a bit unloved and uncared for at the moment which we felt was a real shame.
Continue on down the track keeping to the left when there is an opportunity to go right up the hill.
There were a couple of large fallen trees here when we visited. One may still be blocking your path but you will have to navigate them to get to the waterfall. We went over one way and under on the way back.
You’ll probably start to hear the waterfall now and this bench will soon come into sight. What a great spot to take the weight off your feet. Thanks to whoever put it here.
You’ll see the waterfall to your right now and if you’ve walked in wellies (and it’s not too deep) you may be able to get up close and personal to it. It’s a great feeling to get in the water here and we’re sure many have gone in without boots.
You can cross the water a walk up the bank on the other side to get up above the waterfall but to be honest, for us, it wasn’t really worth it. In our opinion the best view is at the bottom.
Ffynone Waterfall Walk Statistics
- Total distance: Approx. 1.5 miles
- Waterfall Grid Reference: SN23738 38130
- Total Walk time: 30 minutes there and back
- Total Time: 1 hour taking in the sight and sounds, videos and photographs and a bit of paddling!
Thoughts
This is an easy and very pleasant walk with some interesting things to see along the way. It’s almost flat all the way, easy to navigate (if you follow the steps above) and relatively mud free. Having said that it wasn’t wet when we went and we suspect the waterfall to be more impressive after or during periods of prolonged wet weather.
Take wellington boots because you will want to enter the water. It’s so inviting.
Ffynone waterfall is one of 4 waterfalls in and around Pembrokeshire. Check out our posts on the others – Tresaith waterfall, Gwaun Valley waterfall and Cenarth Falls.
Social distancing was not a problem here for us. The width of the track in most places meant it was easy to pass people while maintaining our distance.
If you are visiting the Ffynone waterfall now or in the near future please be aware that social distancing rules still apply in Wales. Please keep yourselves and others safe.
More Information
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15 thoughts on “Ffynone waterfall”
We have been watching Hinterland on Netflix every night this week, so Wales is on my mind. Such a rugged beautiful landscape!
It is Steven. Thanks for reading
Hi, does anyone know how deep the waterfall is, and is it safe enough to swim in? Thanks in advance
This walk looks like a really pleasant outing in nature and I love all the vivid greenery. It’s nice that the paths are wide enough that you don’t have to worry about social distancing.
Thanks Becky. Yes it is really green there 🙂 and feels so far away from anything and anywhere.
Love walks that lead to waterfalls…so pretty!
Thank you Karen. Perhaps there’s more purpose? Kind of exciting too!
Looks like a gorgeous waterfall and walk. I love how peaceful and undisturbed it all seems – and that you had it to yourselves. So nice to find these hidden gems close to home!
Thanks Riana and you’re absolutely right! So much to see and do on all our doorsteps.
I love that you went to see where the wood was sourced from! It looks like a beautiful walk too.
Thanks Wendy. It was good and we can see us coming back here on a regular basis.
Another lovely hike Ross. I’m intrigued about that house. The cross in the wall suggests a religious connection. Perhaps the church used it before. Or was a gatehouse to some estate. Then where’s the gate? The mysteries.
Thanks John. Yes we were too! Very mysterious as you say 🤔
Such beautiful countryside. It looks like a lovely walk and the waterfall makes a perfect ending.
Thanks Jan. Yes it’s really nice having a goal.