Afon Clywedog

Nearby Rivers: Betws y Coed and Colwyn Bay

Map:	116 Denbigh & Colwyn Bay
Grade:	II+ to III
Length:	8 km
Access:	A525 Ruthin to Denbigh road
Notes:	weirs - two portages, and a couple of wires and trees
Quality:	(none for the bottom 8 km)

I quite enjoyed this river with its unexpected limestone gorges. In flood, the grade may be a little harder and the trees could be a bit of a nuisance.

Cyffylliog to Rhewl

8 km class II+ to III; various portages

From the sewage works downstream of Cyffylliog GR063578, the river is class II+ and III as it rushes over shale-type steps. The odd tree and fence may need to be portaged depending on storm damage and water height. Just before the second road bridge in Bontuchel is an enormous vertical weir. I have no idea how deep the plunge pool is. It is probably best to portage along the road and either down the steep bank below, or past the Bridge Hotel, where it is possible to follow the hedge-line back onto the river (polite to seek permission).

From here down is a grade III gorge. There is a wire stretching across the flow just after the first few grade III drops, which is a bit awkward.

Below here a path on the left hand bank follows the gorge as it rushes over class II+ and III steps. One fall, by a small white and red house on the right, is a bit harder than the others and has quite a sticky stopper in high flows.

A little below as the gorge closes in is a steep, three-stepped weir - best portaged on the left. Finish the run at the first bridge in Rhewl GR108603.

Rhewl to Pont Glan y Wern

8km class I

It is possible to continue down the Clywedog until it joins the Clwyd. I did this but, be warned, as it is eight kilometres of pretty dreadful water. Not recommended unless you enjoy talon-like thorns, barricade-like trees, not to mention garrotte-like neck-attracting wires.