Rescuers at the site in the gorge at Henrhyd Falls. Photo: Western Beacons MSRT

A man was rescued after falling 100ft at a Brecon Beacons beauty spot famed as the location for the Batcave in a Hollywood film.

Three mountain rescue teams were involved in a 5½-hour operation to save the man after he and his two dogs fell at Henrhyd Falls, near Coelbren in the Upper Swansea Valley.

The waterfall was used as the entrance to Batman’s underground hideout in the film The Dark Knight Rises, leading to increased popularity with walkers and visitors.

Western Beacons Mountain Search and Rescue Team was alerted shortly before 4pm on Saturday by police following reports a person had fallen 30m at the site, on the southern edge of the national park.

Trevor James of the team said: “Given the reported seriousness of the incident, the Western Beacons team immediately alerted Brecon Mountain Rescue Team and Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team who both responded alongside units from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Welsh Ambulance HART team and members of the EMERT team [the Welsh Flying Medics].

“As the situation unfolded it became apparent that the gentleman and his two dogs had fallen at least 90 feet, ending up at the edge of the river at that runs through the bottom of the gorge.

“With thick fog enveloping the area, it proved impossible to evacuate the gentleman by helicopter and a technical system was employed to bring the casualty and his two dogs back out for the gorge.

“Once successfully evacuated the casualty was transferred by waiting ambulance for further treatment.

“As for the gentleman’s two dogs, one incredibly seemed unhurt while the other suffered minor injuries.”

Henrhyd Falls, near Coelbren in the Upper Swansea Valley. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A Western Beacons MSRT spokesperson added: “This was a challenging and complex rescue that saw all three mountain rescue teams working seamlessly alongside our colleagues from the statutory services to achieve a great result.

“We wish the gentleman our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.”

As the Henrhyd Falls rescue was taking place, Dyfed-Powys Police alerted teams to another incident where a hillwalker had got lost in thick fog somewhere around the Llyn y Fan Fach area in Carmarthenshire.

Some members of the three teams were sent to the second incident.

Mr James said: “With mobile contact being made with the lost person, two hill parties were dispatched.

“Shortly afterwards one of these successfully located the gentleman, who was cold, but otherwise unhurried. Walked off the hill to where he had parked his car, the gentleman was able to make his own way home shortly before 9pm.”