Fairy Glen (Ffos Anoddun)

• Cascades, rapids and swirling pools: the river drops through the gorge in a series of chutes and churning basins along the rock, so plan your visit around that kind of water feature rather than one single large waterfall.
• Very green surroundings: moss, lichen and overhanging trees make the gorge feel enclosed and shaded.
• A compact site: you reach the riverside, look, take photographs, and climb back up.
• Good for photography of water, rock texture and reflections, with a slightly longer exposure if you have a way to steady the camera.

• Allow 30 minutes to an hour for a straightforward visit, with a modest climb on the way back up.
• The descent is the demanding part: steep, uneven rock steps, loose stone and tree roots.
• Rock and steps become genuinely slippery when wet, and the gorge stays damp even after dry spells.
• Wear boots or trainers with real grip. Sandals and smooth soles slide easily on the wet rock.
• Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies, and hard going for anyone unsteady on steep, awkward ground.

• Stay well back from the water's edge. The river runs fast and deep in places, the rocks are polished, and escape is difficult if you slip. Swimming here is dangerous.
• Keep children and dogs close on the steps and near the drops. Dogs are generally welcome on a lead.
• There are no toilets on site, so plan ahead before you set off.
• Visit in dry daylight where you can. Low light makes the descent harder and the wet rock less forgiving.

The Welsh name Ffos Anoddun is popularly linked in local storytelling with Annwn, the Otherworld of Welsh mythology, which suits the enclosed, shadowy feel of the place. Treat this as folklore. The true origin of the name is disputed.