Afon Anafon

Nearby Rivers: Bangor, Caernarfon and Area

Map:	115 Snowdon and Surrounding Area
Grade:	IV+ to V
Length:	2.5 km
Access:	walk in above the village of Abergwyngregyn, off the A55
Notes:	One portage - bushes
Quality:

The Anafon is one of the outstanding runs of its type, cascading steeply from the northern end of the Carneddau. The walk-in, though strenuous, is along a beautiful, rugged valley.

Llyn Anafon to forest area

2.5 km class IV+-V; one likely portage

Turn off the A55 in the village of Abergwyngregyn and follow the signs for Aber falls. At the obvious car park head left up the steep road until a small parking area is reached (GR676716). If you are very lucky as we were, and the gate is unlocked, then it is possible (with permission) to take a four-wheel drive right up to the get-in. With a good downpour the river is in fine fettle and this is clearly obvious on the drive up. About two and a half kilometres up the road access can be made onto the river about 300 metres below the actual lake. This is just after some very steep and narrow drops. The river is immediately fast and continuous IV+ or V as it rushes with awesome speed towards its destiny in the Menai Straits. Not long after the start are some obvious cliffs on the left below which, due to trees in the river, a portage is necessary. Tearing along below these with the odd moment of respite, a superb run is had. A good egress point is before the river plunges into the forest. There were, I figured, enough trees in the rest of the guide without me risking any more with this section