There are no less than 14 different entrances to the cave, but these should only be used by agile and experienced cavers — the casual visitor should just walk a short distance into the main entrance. About 100 feet inside the cavern, you may glimpse a calcite streak on the rock ahead of you which resembles a horse's head. At one time, it used to be known as White Horse Cave due to this natural feature.
Just a little further on the route, a path leads you along a riverbed. Here you can see the original route of the River Mellte before it took to its underground course. This often happens in limestone areas, and the resulting water channels are concealed from view until their roofs collapse and a series of caverns is transformed into a gorge.
After a while, you will come to a rocky platform. This is where the River Mellte emerges from its underground journey about 300 yards from the main entrance of the cave. The beautiful pool in the river at this point is known as the Blue Pool.
Shortly afterwards, you will catch a glimpse of the first waterfall, Sgwd Clun-gwyn, along the route. Generally referred to as the 'Upper Fall', this is a spectacular sight and a taste of what is to come.
Further upriver you reach Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn waterfall. This is often called the 'Middle Fall' and is the widest of the waterfalls in this area. It is sometimes said to resemble a miniature Niagara Falls, with the water cascading over a curved platform of rock.
The last fall on the River Mellte is Sgwd y Pannwr. Also referred to as the 'Lower Clun-gwyn Fall', this is a smaller fall than the others, but split into several cascades, it can be just as beautiful.
Although less accessible than the others, the best-known waterfall in the area is undoubtedly Sgwd yr Eira, or the 'Spout of Snow'. Its greatest attraction is that it is possible to follow a path behind the falling water, which is thrown clear of the ledge by an overhanging rock.
Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.
