Afon Cynon

Nearby Rivers: Cardiff Area - Taff, Rhymney and Ebbw

This is an odd one to recommend, because of the valley through which it flows. However, the Taff into which it flows, and the last couple of kilometres of the Cynon provide entertainment.

Mountain Ash to Taff confluence

8 km grade II

Put on, if you dare, in this incredibly used Welsh valley at a small footbridge that crosses the river upstream of Mountain Ash. This is found just before the large, industrial workings spurting forth flames and fumes, two kilometres upstream of the town GR037997.

There are three weirs on the river. The first, below a railway bridge in Mountain Ash, is difficult to inspect or portage. A climb up a crumbly bank on the right some 100 metres before is best. Although broken, it forms a strong stopper. However, the worst danger is probably being bricked by the local kids having fun.

The second is obvious from the river a few kilometres downstream and is broken in nature. The third, as the river nears the Taff, usually consists not of a stopper but a superb standing wave, which is great for surfing. It is just below a footbridge. It is best to continue into the Taff and egress a couple of kilometres downstream where the river nears the road GR080933.