Stunning waterfall tucked away in a forest was the backdrop to a Christopher Nolan film
- UK Hidden Gems
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
When you think of Christopher Nolan’s films, you might picture the grand streets of Paris in Inception, the towering New York skyline used to recreate Gotham in Batman, or even the blazing deserts of New Mexico seen in Oppenheimer.
But one unforgettable filming location sits much closer to home, and it is stunning enough to stop you in your tracks.
Hidden deep inside a forested gorge on the edge of the Brecon Beacons is a waterfall so dramatic that it earned a starring role in a major Hollywood blockbuster.
Yet many people in Wales may not even know it exists.
Henrhyd Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Wales and was chosen by Christopher Nolan as the real-life entrance to the Batcave in his The Dark Knight trilogy.
It’s where the Batmobile, the mighty Black Tumbler, is seen roaring through the falling water into Batman’s secret hideout.
Of course, you won’t need Bruce Wayne’s gadgets to visit it yourself. All you need is a good pair of walking boots and a sense of adventure.
The walk begins on a leafy woodland path near the village of Coelbren, where you’ll soon hear the distant roar of the falls.
A steep but well-kept trail then leads you down into the gorge, winding through the trees as the sound of the rushing water grows louder.
After around 20 minutes, you turn a final corner and come face to face with the breathtaking sight of the 27-metre waterfall plunging into a mossy green gorge.
It’s here that fans of the films may feel a spark of recognition.
In The Dark Knight Rises, this very spot appears when John Blake, also known as Robin, discovers the entrance to the Batcave by stepping behind the curtain of falling water.
What makes Henrhyd Falls truly cinematic is its natural drama. The water drops over a sheer sandstone cliff known locally as the “Farewell Rock”, into a narrow gorge surrounded by thick forest.
Tucked away from busy paths, it has a secret, hidden-lair atmosphere that makes it worthy of any blockbuster.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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