GUIDE TO THE AFON TAWE

(Abercraf to Ystradgynlais)

NAME OF RIVER: Tawe.

WHERE IS IT?: South Wales, flowing off the Brecon Beacons near the A4067 Swansea Brecon road.

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Put in at the small recreation ground reached via a path that slopes down to the river adjacent to the Abercraf weir.

Get out is on River right before the town bridge in Ystradgynlais.

APPROX LENGTH: 2-3 miles.

TIME NEEDED: 1 - 2 hours.

ACCESS HASSLES:

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Needs some rain to be worthwhile.

GRADING: Grade 2; in high water it rises to 3.

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Local anglers although some of the landowners were sympathetic.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The first gorge is the best part of the trip. I used to do the river regularly in the late 70s and early 80s with local youth groups. It is possible to continue on past Ystalfera and shoot the large sloping weir (or it was). Care is needed as there was exposed metal work.

OTHER NOTES: Upstream are classic whitewater stretches. There is more of the river downstream...have you done it?

CONTRIBUTED BY: Dillon Hughes, also Gareth Bryant.