The ‘mesmerising’ UK waterfall that’s taller than Niagara falls and looks like it’s from Lord of the Rings
NOT many people know about it but there’s a waterfall in the UK that’s higher than Niagara Falls – and it inspired some of the most famous literature in the world.
At 240ft tall, it towers over Niagara, which stands at around 190ft in height, and has been described as “mesmerising” and “magnificent” online by people who are amazed it’s in this country.
Pistyll-Rhaeadr can be found tumbling down the rocks in Wales, where it’s said to have inspired JRR Tolkien for some of the scenery in his Lord of the Rings books.
The writer is well-known to have spent a lot of time in Wales, with Buzz Mag saying: “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 that Pistyll-Rhaeadr can be seen in the Elvish town of Rivendell, with the Elvish language also heavily influence by Welsh.
They describe it 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, almost intertwining with the singing of the elves.”
Other authors have been similarly moved by the waterfall, with 19th-century writer George Borrow, writing in his book Wild Wales: “I never saw water falling so gracefully, so much like thin, beautiful threads as here.”
It’s not just Niagara that Pistyll-Rhaeadr stands above, with the Leaning Tower of Pisa (183ft) also some distance beneath it, providing a better indicator of its impressive height.
The sight of the falls also impressed Tiktoker The Wales Collective (@thewalescollective) who shared footage of it to their followers.
In a video, they described it as “the magnificent Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall in North Wales”.
The 244,000 people who’ve watched it mostly agreed, with one saying: “This is beautiful.”
Another said: “It really is amazing there.”
A third added: “It’s a beautiful falls to visit, have been many times.”
The falls’ influence stretches beyond Tiktok and Tolkein as well, with even David Beckham said to be a big fan.
According to Birmingham Live, the natural water feature was chosen as the backdrop for an advert Becks did with men’s moisturising range Biotherm Homme.
Visitors to the falls can stay nearby, with some accommodation overlooking it.
There’s also a small restaurant nearby, as The Daily Post explined.
They said: “You can stay on site, with a balcony overlooking the waterfall, or pop into the Tan-y-Pistyll restaurant and tearoom for a bite.
“Tan-y-Pistyll means ‘little house under the waterfall’ and is thought to be an 18th century retreat cell for a local abbey.
“This is good walking county too, with some excellent trails, a few passing old lead and silver mines.”
The waterfalls can be found just outside the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, less than an hour by car from Shrewsbury.
Meanwhile, this stunning “Big Girl” double waterfall is in the British Isles – and people describe it as “tropical”.
And Durham’s stunning rugged wilderness has waterfalls, castles and forests.