Regulations United Kingdom Welsh Government Woodland Estate
Dinas Rock
South side of the river closed
Climbing
Regulations on 30 October 2026
Signs at the site and later resolutions prevail; check the source.
The position marks the site rather than the extent of the rule.
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Prohibited all year
Climbing · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Not confirmed by an official source.
While NRW manage the North Side of the River, the South Side is privately owned and the land owner has recently indicated that the previous agreement of 6 climbers in the area has not been respected and has removed his permission, BMC Cymru will continue to try and have discussions with the land owner.
Sectors:
- South side of the river
Published by BMC, 24 Aug 2026 · Dinas Rock
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Regulated
Climbing · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Not confirmed by an official source.
An SSSI and a Special Area Of Conservation, the vegetation in the gorge area is especially important. Among the rare species to be found in the area are Scarce Turf-moss, Tunbridge Filmy-fern, Deratocarpon miniatum and Rock Fingerwort. The rock face and exposures are also nationally important geological features. Vegetation clearance and modification of the rock faces is to be avoided without prior consent from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the clearance of trees and undergrowth has in the past has led to the real threat of access restrictions.
Group Advice
Groups are advised to contact the NRW before using the site, and a formal concordat for the use of the gorge and the rocks has been agreed between NRW and outdoor centres. Contacting the South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Group (SWOAPG), before group use is also possible.
Published by BMC, 24 Aug 2026 · Dinas Rock
In Bannau Brycheiniog National Park; In Welsh Government Woodland Estate
Regulated zone
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park · Waterfall Country
These hold everywhere inside the boundary, whether or not a site is marked.
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Regulated
Canyoning · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Gorge-walking
The land within Waterfall Country is owned by the Forestry Commission Wales, the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and a number of private landowners. While much of the site is designated Open Access land, this only allows for general public access on foot, not commercial or otherwise organised activities. Private land may not be fenced or marked but there is no right of access to these areas.
Organised groups can gain permission to operate in the area from the Forestry Commission Wales through agreement with a Concordat. Visit the SWOAPG (South Wales Outdoor Activity Provider Group) website for more information.
As much of the area in and around the gorges is legally protected for the high quality and rarity of its habitats, activity groups must follow a simple Code of Conduct to minimise the environmental impact of a visit. Compliance with the Code is a requirement of being permitted to access the site.
Published by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority · Leading activities in Waterfall Country
Regulated zone
Welsh Government Woodland Estate
These hold everywhere inside the boundary, whether or not a site is marked.
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Regulated
Hiking · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Interpretation
- 2. In these byelaws:-
[…]
"lands of the Commissioners" means lands which are under the management or control of the Commissioners and to which the public have, or may be permitted to have, access;
[…]
Application
- 3.- (1) Byelaws 5, 6 and 7 shall apply to all lands of the Commissioners except that byelaw 5(xi) shall not apply to the New Forest or to the Forest of Dean.
[…]
(3) Nothing in these byelaws shall make unlawful anything done with the written authority of the Commissioners.
[…]
Acts prohibited on the lands of the Commissioners
- 5. No person shall in or on the lands of the Commissioners:-
(i) enter any area on or near which there is displayed by the Commissioners a notice prohibiting entry thereon;
Published by Forestry Commission, 5 May 1982 · The Forestry Commission Byelaws 1982
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Regulated
Caving · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Interpretation
- 2. In these byelaws:-
[…]
"lands of the Commissioners" means lands which are under the management or control of the Commissioners and to which the public have, or may be permitted to have, access;
[…]
Application
- 3.- (1) Byelaws 5, 6 and 7 shall apply to all lands of the Commissioners except that byelaw 5(xi) shall not apply to the New Forest or to the Forest of Dean.
[…]
(3) Nothing in these byelaws shall make unlawful anything done with the written authority of the Commissioners.
[…]
Acts prohibited on the lands of the Commissioners
- 5. No person shall in or on the lands of the Commissioners:-
[…]
(ii) enter any building, structure or mine unless there is a notice displayed thereon by the Commissioners permitting or implying access thereto;
Published by Forestry Commission, 5 May 1982 · The Forestry Commission Byelaws 1982
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Permit required
Camping & bivouac · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Interpretation
- 2. In these byelaws:-
[…]
"lands of the Commissioners" means lands which are under the management or control of the Commissioners and to which the public have, or may be permitted to have, access;
[…]
Application
- 3.- (1) Byelaws 5, 6 and 7 shall apply to all lands of the Commissioners except that byelaw 5(xi) shall not apply to the New Forest or to the Forest of Dean.
[…]
(3) Nothing in these byelaws shall make unlawful anything done with the written authority of the Commissioners.
[…]
Acts prohibited on the lands of the Commissioners
- 5. No person shall in or on the lands of the Commissioners:-
[…]
(x) set up or place any caravan, tent, booth, stall or erection of any kind, including equestrian equipment;
Published by Forestry Commission, 5 May 1982 · The Forestry Commission Byelaws 1982
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Permit required
Paragliding · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Interpretation
- 2. In these byelaws:-
[…]
"lands of the Commissioners" means lands which are under the management or control of the Commissioners and to which the public have, or may be permitted to have, access;
[…]
Application
- 3.- (1) Byelaws 5, 6 and 7 shall apply to all lands of the Commissioners except that byelaw 5(xi) shall not apply to the New Forest or to the Forest of Dean.
[…]
(3) Nothing in these byelaws shall make unlawful anything done with the written authority of the Commissioners.
[…]
Acts prohibited on the lands of the Commissioners
- 5. No person shall in or on the lands of the Commissioners:-
[…]
(xxiii) operate any aircraft, glider, hot-air balloon, boat, raft or craft of any kind, or any model aircraft, boat or car;
Published by Forestry Commission, 5 May 1982 · The Forestry Commission Byelaws 1982