Clydach Brook

Nearby Rivers: Swansea Area - Tawe, Neath, Afan and Ogmore

A hard-hitting, exciting adventure for those paddling at a good grade IV standard and above. This has seen various descents since the publication of the first book and seems to hold a morbid fascination for paddlers. So go there, if you will, and find paddling like no other.

Old footbridge to Resolven

2.5 km grade IV to V, plus portages

Take the B4434 into Resolven (off main A465(T)) and bear off in town across the little bridge and up the little road on the true right bank of the stream. By keeping right you will end up in a rough gravel area GR844023 where there is ample parking. A small track leads off directly down to an old footbridge spanning the stream GR846021. The stream should have a good flow but not be in major flood, when the portaging will be desperate!

At the time of writing, where the stream steepens some trees required portaging. Further on, there is an excellent blast to under a second footbridge. The next fall had a tree in it. Just below is an old water-diverting channel to the right where higher flows offer an alternative to trees. When lower this is obstructed by an old motor car ‘thoughtfully’ left by the locals.

A new mini-gorge is entered. The entrance fall is grade V to VI and reminiscent of Corsica but, at time of writing, had a tree blocking the line (luckily). This would be easily removed by an interested group (Kimberley Jones was heard to mutter something about a good task for the local scouts during Bob-A-Job Week!).

The next but one fall is also grade V+ to VI, which was normally portaged left - though it apparently has seen a few descents by now. There are a few excellent drops to do before the stream opens out as it enters Resolven. One sloping weir is left before the stream enters the Neath. Egress on the left just before the footbridge GR826032.