Afon Artro

Access Officer: Mark Downey, Cadair Owain, Llanfair, Nr Harlech, Gwynedd LL46 2SA

Nearby Rivers: Barmouth Area

Map:	124 Dolgellau and Area
Grade:	III
Length:	5 km
Access:	A496 Harlech to Barmouth road
Notes:	No portages - trees depending on winter damage
Quality:

An excellent spate run. It is possible to get on at Llyn Cwm Bychan for a source to sea trip but there are some tree problems up here.

Cwm Yr Afon to Llanbedr

5 km class III; no portages

The Artro is one of the first spate rivers I paddled and I still remember the buzz it gave me. It is a good warm up for paddling the dangerous, but exciting, Cwm Nantcol which joins lower down. Draining the north western end of the Rhinogs, it rises and falls quickly after rain and is only good during flood.

Drive upstream from Llanbedr, keeping to the true right bank of the river.

Access can be had from the footpath at the small bridge leading to Cwm Yr Afon GR622298. The water is fast grade II to below Pen y Bont bridge when it increases in speed and steepness to class III. Around a left then right hand bend is a steeper drop, plus stopper, that is more memorable than the other rapids. Continue down past the Nantcol, entering from river left. Egress is possible at the first road bridge in Llanbedr.