Afon Ebbw

Access Officer: Vacant

Nearby Rivers: Cardiff Area - Taff, Rhymney and Ebbw

A pleasant easy area excellent for training.

Cwmcarn to Newport

17 km grade II

Access is best made above the Sirhowy confluence by a small bridge that crosses the river in Cwmcarn GR216937. Two small weir steps occur soon after the start. Easy but interesting water is doubled in volume with the Sirhowy entering from the right. By a sports ground, with obvious floodlights, care should be taken as low wires cross the river. These may be covered in high water! There are two weirs just before and after the power station (on river left). Both can produce strong stoppers in times of flood and the second, although small, is boxed-in. If in any doubt, portage left or right.

There is one more weir just before the main road bridge in Bassaleg. It is a large, sloping affair, broken down in floods, especially on the left. Inspect to assess stopper and debris. Portage over the road if necessary. Egress by the road bridge at Maes Glas GR298857. This is about a kilometre or so after the M4 is passed. If, for some strange reason you wish to continue into Newport Docks, I think there are some further weirs to negotiate or portage.