The Four Waterfalls Walk – A Damp Delight
The Four Waterfalls Walk beckoned, an adventure amidst the unforgiving downpour, where nature’s relentless embrace met unwavering determination. As each cascade unfolded in the midst of heavy rainfall, the journey became a test of photographic gear, endurance, and adaptability. Join me on this watery odyssey, a lesson in preparedness, perseverance, and the pursuit of natural beauty, even when the skies pour down.
Llangors Lake Brecon
My first morning in the heart of the Brecon Beacons beckoned with a visit to the nearby Llangors Lake, a tranquil oasis nestled amidst the rolling hills. Unlike the Lake District, where landscape photography guides are readily available, I found myself in uncharted territory here, with only walking guides that often led to stunning landscapes but were geared more towards extended treks than capturing the perfect shot..
My internet searches pointed me towards Llangors Lake as a good starting point. As I set out, I discovered that much of the lake remained out of sight from the footpath, and the day, unfortunately, was shrouded in a thick, unyielding overcast. The weather forecast predicted several days of rain ahead, not exactly my preferred conditions for photography. To make matters more challenging, the rain persisted throughout the day.
Yet, despite the less-than-ideal conditions, my walk around Llangors Lake provided a glimpse of the region’s serene beauty. Amidst the grey skies, I managed to capture a panoramic view of Saint Gastyn’s Church, a testament to the timeless charm that these landscapes hold, even on overcast days.
The Four Waterfalls Walk
After a much-needed rest at the hotel, I reflected on my journey through both Pembrokeshire and the Brecon Beacons. Each destination held its own unique allure, with landscapes and coastal wonders deserving of dedicated explorations. While the prospect of multiple locations within one road trip seemed appealing, it also carried a sense of overwhelm in the quest to do justice to each place.
As I awoke to a wet and rainy day in the Brecon Beacons, I found solace in the knowledge that I was well-equipped with waterproof gear. It was widely acknowledged that waterfalls and woodlands flourished under overcast and wet conditions, and the Brecon Beacons offered an abundance of cascading beauties. With this in mind, I set my sights on the Four Waterfalls Walk, a mere 35-minute drive from my hotel.
Sgwd Clun-Gwyn waterfall
Our journey along the Four Waterfalls Walk led us to the first spectacle, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn. Thanks to the recent downpour, the waterfalls were in their full splendor, rushing with unrelenting force. To capture this beauty, I navigated a muddy and rocky bank, braving the elements.
Armed with my trusty tripod, I set up for a long exposure shot to create that coveted motion blur in the fast-flowing water. The dark, forested canopy added an extra layer of challenge, making the right shutter speed essential. I experimented with different settings but found that a 1/4 second exposure worked best. And in these conditions, having plenty of microfiber cloths on hand became crucial to keep my lens free from the spray and rain.
Sgwd yr Eira waterfall
The Four Waterfalls Walk, while not particularly long, turned out to be quite the workout, especially with its steep descents to the waterfalls and the ensuing climbs back up to the main footpath. This became evident with the next jewel on the journey – Sgwd yr Eira.
What makes Sgwd yr Eira truly remarkable is that you can walk right under the water. Amidst the heavier rainfall, I managed to find a fitting composition. As the rain came down, my clothes, gear, and I were thoroughly soaked, but no concern for the trusty Canon 5D mk4, built to withstand the elements with its weather sealing and accompanying L-series lenses. It’s all part of the adventure, even when it gets a bit wetter than expected.
Waterfall Sgwd y Pannwr
Continuing along the Four Waterfalls Walk, the day was growing darker, but my determination to capture all four waterfalls remained unwavering. Despite the adverse weather, a few people still ventured the trails, although their numbers had notably dwindled.
At Sgwd y Pannwr, I had the privilege of this enchanting waterfall all to myself. However, with my mission to photograph all four waterfalls, I couldn’t linger too long perfecting each composition, even though the options were many. Time was of the essence as the day pressed on, and I was on a quest to complete this watery odyssey.
Waterfall Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn
The final leg of our waterfall quest led us to Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn. By now, darkness was settling in, and I was weary and completely drenched. I had never been so wet, realizing that while Gortex keeps you dry in sporadic showers, it’s not a match for a long, relentless downpour. I made a mental note to reevaluate my waterproof gear once this road trip concluded.
As I aimed my lens at what I believed to be Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn waterfall, time was ticking, and I had a journey back to the car ahead. With the impending darkness, I opted to photograph the bottom of the waterfall but missed the main event. It was only later, while sharing my experiences on social media back at home, that I learned of my oversight. This experience underlines the importance of thorough research before embarking on any trip, even if it’s as simple as scrutinizing photos of each location on Google. All the way to the last waterfall, yet I missed the final chapter of this captivating watery tale.
A Watery Odyssey
My exploration of the Four Waterfalls Walk in the relentless downpour was both a challenge and a lesson. The day’s gloomy conditions tested my gear, my stamina, and my determination. It was a stark reminder of the importance of reliable waterproof equipment in such conditions.
Amid the elements, I learned that meticulous preparation is key. My oversight in capturing the final waterfall, Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn, was a testament to the value of thorough research before embarking on any trip. The reward for such preparation is in ensuring that no scenic marvel goes unseen, even when nature tests your mettle.
This journey underscored that in photography, as in life, there’s much to be discovered even when the weather is less than perfect. The Four Waterfalls Walk served as a reminder that beauty can be found amidst the downpour, and each adventure, even in adverse conditions, offers its own unique lesson.