Afon Ewenny

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

An excellent night paddle for competent groups, though you can also paddle it during daylight hours if you wish.

Pencoed to Ogmore Castle

12 km grade II; one portage

From Junction 35 of the M4 drive towards Pencoed for 500 metres. Turn left where there is a bridge over the Ewenny and access to the river can be made over playing fields on the left bank GR963813. There should be enough flow here to easily float a boat. Lower down below the main A48(T) gives alternative access.

The tunnel under the motorway is clear and good fun to bounce along. There is a small weir a little way after the A473 bridge on a sharp right hand bend - excellent for playing in. Lots of interesting little steps follow. At Moor Farm there is a bridge over the river that needs to be portaged - this should be obvious from the river. Pass the following factories quickly and, soon afterwards, the police dog training area.

Under the A48(T) bridge is a second, slightly bigger but playable, and usually safe, weir. The old and attractive Ewenny Priory appears on the left and the river meanders its way through beautiful countryside to Ogmore Castle - good egress on left GR884774. If you leave vehicles in the car park beware of high tides! Visit the castle - fine views may be had as the sun sinks its way westwards.

One word of warning: there is a man, who looks like a gamekeeper, on this lower section who can be particularly aggressive. He once let a shotgun off over my head and was desperate for a fight! I discovered who this particular chap was, and don’t advise taking up his kind offers for a shindig.