Penllergaer Waterfall

The walk to Penllergaer Waterfall takes you inland from Swansea through proper woodland, and it's one of those local spots that hardly anyone seems to know about. The falls themselves aren't massive - you're not going to be blown away by thundering torrents - but there's something quietly satisfying about following the stream up through the trees until you round a bend and there it is, tumbling over moss-covered rocks into a shallow pool.

It's the kind of place that works brilliantly if you're camping nearby at Gowerton or Riverside Holiday Park and want a half-decent walk without driving anywhere. The route isn't demanding - mostly flat paths along the stream - so it suits families with kids who need a proper stretch but aren't ready for anything serious. Give yourself an hour there and back, maybe longer if you want to sit by the water and have a picnic. The best time to visit is after heavy rain when there's actually some flow, rather than late summer when it's more trickle than tumble.

Water shoes or boots are worth bringing because the paths get muddy and slippery, especially near the falls themselves. There's free access and no facilities, so pack what you need. It's a cracking spot for a forest bathe without any crowds, and you'll feel properly local knowing about it while the tourists queue up at the big attractions in Swansea.