The breathtaking waterfall taller than Niagara that looks straight out of Lord of the Rings

Not many people realise it, but there’s a waterfall in the UK that is actually taller than Niagara Falls, and it has inspired some of the world’s most famous stories.

Standing at 240ft, it rises above Niagara’s 190ft drop and has been described as both “mesmerising” and “magnificent” by visitors who can’t believe it’s right here in Britain.

This natural wonder is Pistyll Rhaeadr, a dramatic cascade in Wales that is said to have helped inspire JRR Tolkien when creating scenes in his legendary Lord of the Rings tales.

Photo © John Firth (cc-by-sa/2.0)

The author spent a lot of time in Wales, and Buzz Mag notes: “When creating the world of Middle Earth, Tolkien drew influences from his life experiences, such as the landscapes around him or particular places.”

They suggest Pistyll Rhaeadr can be seen in Rivendell, with the Elvish language itself strongly shaped by Welsh.

It has been described as “a mesmerising waterfall near Powys which takes you into Rivendell.

Imagine sitting by the glimmering water and listening to the hum of one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, blending with the song of the elves.”

Photo © Ian Barr (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Other writers have been equally enchanted. In the 19th century, George Borrow wrote in Wild Wales: “I never saw water falling so gracefully, so much like thin, beautiful threads as here.”

Pistyll Rhaeadr also stands taller than other famous landmarks, with the Leaning Tower of Pisa at 183ft falling short by comparison, giving an even clearer idea of just how impressive its height really is.

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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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