Canoe Wales - Canw Cymru

Map:	124 Dolgellau & Surrounding Area
Grade:	V to VI
Length:	7 km
Access:	junction B4407 / B4391, Bont Newydd
Notes:	some big falls and trees need careful inspection; various portages;
Quality:	adventure

I am very grateful to Phil Blain for putting together these notes. I did paddle part of the river, with Phil, about ten years ago but for the life of me, couldn’t remember details apart from how hard and dangerous it was. Thanks to Phil, I haven’t had the worry of having to paddle it again.

The Cynfal is a hidden gem or your worst nightmare depending upon taste. This river is only for the adventure enthusiast and requires group tactics to inspect, portage and protect. Ropework and climbing skills are essential. It is best run in low to medium levels and after rain. When it is high or rising the narrow gorges become a more difficult proposition. The river can be run complete, or as two sections (advisable).

Pont Yr Afon Gam, GR747419, is east of Llan Ffestiniog and at one time was the site of the highest petrol station in Wales. If the river looks full or dark peaty brown the descent will be difficult and the stop above Rhaeadr Y Cwm most interesting.

Grade II water leads to a narrow gorge which can only really be run in high water when the rest of the river becomes a horror show. It has a choke on entry but finishes with a steep little fall on a bend. Most will want to portage - river left. Easy water then takes you to a steep sided gorge which towers above you. It hides the impressive Rhaeadr Y Cwm. Some interesting falls lead to the lip of this. To my knowledge no one has yet run this fall. Most will want to abseil from here. The river now descends into a steep sided gorge with a series of difficult drops that most will want to portage or be selective. The river now eases considerably - egress at a bridge GR735414. It is possible to continue but a difficult fall nestles directly under the road bridge at Bont Newydd heralding the change of difficulty.

Follow a small road downstream from the bridge GR713409 to a layby and footpath. Access the river wherever you feel confident to put on.

A good level is a couple of days after rain or low to medium depending upon your ability. It is worth having a walk to look for trees and inspect falls as some sections are difficult to portage. Prior to our first descent it took several weekends of hard work to clear the trees. A series of drops leads to Sweetness and Light, two contrasting falls - one boney - and the second an impressive waterfall which marks the end of this section. Some portages may be necessary, but all of this section has been run.

If you still want more then continue under the impressive viaduct and head for Rhaeadr Cynfal. The Pulpit, an impressive island in the middle of the gorge, signifies the beginning of the difficulties. You may want to portage before this. There is an impressive viewpoint above the fall, river right, which will rapidly decide your course of action. I believe it has been run, though personally I abseiled, swam it and then walked away.

The river continues over a series of falls and steep drops. Depending upon the water level and trees you will need to make important judgments. Portages usually go best on river left. One fall is particularly gnarly and needs a lot of water to do! The river eases slightly and the keyhole arrives on a bend in the river. Water level is significant here as is all too obvious, most will want to portage river right. Depending upon trees the rest of the river can be a delight as it narrows, twists and turns to bring you to the final difficulties, a series of falls below a distinct narrowing. Depending upon river levels, these are worth a walk upstream from Tal Y Bont just to do them. The A496 bridge GR687415 indicates that your journey is over. Downstream of this, river right, is a small road. If you have come from the top you will have had an impressive day and I would recommend a pint or two to calm those shattered nerves.

Just writing this brought back exciting memories, I feel as drained as I did when I crawled out of the river.