Afon Cledwen

Nearby Rivers: Betws y Coed and Colwyn Bay

A beautiful little mountain river passing through several small but sculptured gorges. The various fence portages ensure it only gets two stars but well worth the visit if you are in the area. Paddleable for a day or so after rain; in big flood it would be quite dangerous!

Gwytherin to Llanfair

17 km grade II to III; various portages

About 10 kilometres east of Llanrwst is the village of Gwytherin. Here, access can be made to the river GR878616. The river is immediately grade II+ (in good flows), but the first kilometre is a bit of a pain, with much fence portaging.

Before and after the bridge at Ty’r Felin Isaf are two harder sections reaching grade III. The second gorge, in particular, is extremely attractive and in big water a few of the stoppers are meaner than they look. The river continues at a good class II, with the odd fence/tree portage down to Llangernyw where the trip can be shortened if required. From here down to the finishing point the river is wider and deeper with the odd ripply rapid to float. There was just one fence along here that sticks in mind - an all-wooded, staked affair that could be sneaked on the left through a hole (but remember this is repairable!). Egress at Llanfair Talhaiarn onto the A548 GR927703.