The stunning Welsh waterfall you can swim under that appears in BBC's Death Valley

Wales Online

01-06-2025

The stunning Welsh waterfall you can swim under that appears in BBC's Death Valley
It's not a coincidence that the new BBC comedy crime drama used the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog as the backdrop of their second episode.
(Image: BBC/ Death Valley )
We all know how beautiful Wales can be, and we're lucky to have some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world on our doorstep. Now, the beauty of our country is gracing the screens of the nation once again, through BBC's new comedy crime drama, Death Valley.
It follows Detective Janie Mallowan, played by Gwyneth Keyworth and former TV detective John Chapel, played by Timothy Spall as they form an unlikely crime fighting duo in the Cynon Valley. Despite being set in Mountain Ash, the series was actually filmed across South Wales.
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You may be watching the second episode of the series, and thinking to yourself, "the scenery is beautiful, where was this filmed?" For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
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During the episode, John and Janie join a walking group as they attempt to solve the murder of one of the members.
The walking group are taking a hike through Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), right next to the beautiful Blaen y Glyn waterfalls, when they discover a body at the bottom of the falls.
The waterfalls are used as the scene of the crime.
(Image: BBC/ Death Valley )
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Gwyneth Keyworth even said that this was her favourite location to film, and can we blame her?
The waterfall itself can be found within Talybont Forest in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. To reach the falls you can walk from the National Park's two car parks, Blaen y Glyn Isaf is the lower car park and Blaen y Glyn Uchaf is the upper car park.
Each walk has a different grade of difficulty described by Natural Resources Wales. Lower Blaen y Glyn Waterfall Walk is described as moderate, as it is 0.8 miles (1.2 kilometres) long there and back and should take roughly 45 minutes. This trail is not waymarked, although they recommend reading t he information panel in the car park for the suggested route.
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Upper Blaen y Glyn Waterfall Walk on the other hand is described as being strenuous, with a one mile (1.6 kilometres) walk there and back, which should take roughly 1-1.5 hours. This trail is also not waymarked, but again, there's the information panel in the car park with a suggested route.
Waterfall at Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls, by Dave Sealey
(Image: Dave Sealey )
After, what could be a strenuous walk you could also take a dip in the series of waterfalls, as most of them even have small pools at the base. However if you're not one for a full plunge in what very well will be some cold water, there are also plenty of rock platforms to sit on beside the water.
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It's recommended you go when the weather is warm/dry, as the walk is slightly more difficult when it is raining and you'll be more likely to enjoy a cold plunge after your walk.
Timothy Spall plays the lead, John Chapel a former TV detective
(Image: BBC/ Death Valley )
If you would like to plan a day out with the family, there are also picnic benches in each car park, which means that you can really make a day of it with the family. So, pack up some cucumber sandwiches and a couple of scotch eggs and take a trip down Bannau Brycheiniog.
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Alternatively, if you're not one for a picnic, you could always get some pub grub nearby. Including The Old Ford Inn in Llanhamlach, which is also used as a filming location in the episode and just 20 minute drive away from the waterfalls.