Waterfall walks from Coety Bach

A gentle woodland hike to Water-break-its-neck

If you like waterfalls, woods and gentle hiking, Water-break-its-neck is one of our favourite days out from Coety Bach. The shady woodland makes this waterfall hiking trail feel cool and calm, even on a warm day.

Many of our guests stay at Coety Bach specifically to visit Water-break-its-neck waterfall, since it is only a short drive from the cabin.

Water-break-its-neck is a sizeable waterfall in Warren Wood, part of Radnor Forest in Powys. It has a drop of around 20 to 25 metres, so it feels impressive when you are standing below it with the trees rising above you. It is an easy drive from Coety Bach, and the woodland hiking trails there are just right if you want fresh air and trees without a full-on mountain day.

Where is Water-break-its-neck?

The waterfall sits in Warren Wood, just under a mile from New Radnor in Mid Wales. From the small car park, waymarked woodland walks lead you towards the falls on different trails.

This whole valley has a settled feel, with tall beeches, oaks and conifers, soft moss and the sound of water accompanying you through the woods. It is one of those places where you naturally slow your pace and start to notice the smaller details again.

The main waterfall hiking trail

The main Water-break-its-neck trail is a short woodland hike of about 0.75 miles (1.2 km), waymarked with blue arrows. It follows the stream below, through the trees, climbing gently until you reach the viewpoint for the waterfall. You can expect to be met by the sound and spray of a tall Mid Wales waterfall dropping into a green, mossy gorge.

Other woodland walks from the same car park

If you fancy a longer hike, there are two more marked routes starting from Warren Wood car park:

• Waterfall Walk (red markers): A very short there-and-back walk along the stream to the bottom of the waterfall. Around 0.5–0.6 miles, ideal if you just want a quick wander through the woods and a close-up view of the falls.

• Warren Trail (green markers): A slightly longer woodland walk of about 1.5 miles, heading deeper into the forest. There are a few steeper sections, some old stone bridges and lovely views of the stream. It is still a gentle hike rather than anything too hard, but you will feel it in your legs a little more.

If you are into fungi, this shady woodland is a real bonus. At the right time of year there are plenty of different fungi growing along the path, on tree stumps and fallen logs, so it is a great place to slow down and look for all the different shapes and colours as you walk.

You can easily combine these trails into a slow half-day of waterfall walks in the woods, with plenty of pauses for photos, sitting on logs, spotting fungi and simple picnics.

Why we recommend this day out from Coety Bach

We like to suggest Water-break-its-neck to guests because it fits the pace of a stay here quite well:

• It is close enough not to feel like a big expedition

• The waterfall walk is short, so you can amble rather than march

• The paths are clear and waymarked, which keeps things simple

• You get a proper mix of woods, water, birdsong, fungi and fresh air

For couples staying in our romantic, adults-only cabin in the Welsh hills, it works well as part of a slow day: a lazy breakfast with valley views, a drive over to Radnor Forest, a few hours woodland hiking to the waterfall, then back to Coety Bach for the wood-fired hot tub or a long bath and an easy evening.

Practical tips for your walk

• Wear walking boots or sturdy trainers, as woodland paths can be muddy or slippery after rain

• The waterfall hiking trails are lovely in most weather, and the trees give some shelter

• Allow at least an hour for the main blue trail, longer if you want to explore the red and green routes too

• Look up now and again, as red kites are often circling over the forest

If you are planning a romantic walk to Water-break-its-neck, our cosy cabin Coety Bach makes a peaceful base for exploring Radnor Forest.

If you are unsure about directions, parking or which waterfall walk would suit you best, just ask us while you are here. We are always happy to mark things on a map and share up-to-date local tips.