GUIDE TO THE AFON LLUGWY
(Swallow Falls to Miner's Bridge)
NAME OF RIVER: Llugwy.
WHERE IS IT?: It is beside the A5 in North Wales, flowing off the Glyders past Capel Curig to meet the Conwy at Betws y Coed.
PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: This section begins directly below Swallow Falls. Get in is at an old miners track opposite forestry track (parking space).
Get out at Miner's Bridge. Parking a minibus and trailer in the last little side road before the hill up to the Swallow Falls Hotel hasn't provoked any complaint yet (3 occasions for ~30mins). Quick walk across the road and down the path to put in. Leave vehicle in the car park on the other side of the river in Betws-Y-Coed, behind one of the myriad outdoor shops.
APPROX LENGTH:
TIME NEEDED: 45 minutes.
ACCESS HASSLES: Unknown. It's below Swallow falls so it is probably okay in the off season.
WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Unknown.
GRADING: 4
MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Mincer is often blocked with fallen trees. it is unpaddleable and is only 20 meters after the last fall.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The bottom section below Swallow Falls is an excellent grade 4 trip, the best bit of the river. Difficult pour overs in very high water. There is one difficult drop at the end which should be inspected. Immediately after this is the Mincer which is grade 6+ and should be avoided at all cost. A short portage takes you to Miners Bridge.
OTHER NOTES: There's a worthwhile bit below here.
CONTRIBUTED BY: Adrian Walker, editor Ceufad Journal of the WCA (Oct. 2000).