Afon Cynin

Nearby Rivers: Tywi, Taf, Aman, Gwendraeth Fach and Gwendraeth Fawr

A delightful touring river through beautiful rolling countryside.

Gellywen to St Clears

10 km grade I to II

Take the B4299 in St Clears northwards through the village of Meidrum and turn off to Gellywen. Turn off right down the steep road (past the sign to Felindre) and drive up by the river. About a kilometre up here is a house named "Passby" right by the banks of the stream. The pleasant couple who live here will allow access onto the stream GR277243.

If there is enough water to float the boat, then there is enough to paddle; but the river should not be in flood. A little way down is a small weir above Gellywen. The surroundings are superb with clear, blue water flowing through wooded banks. If you pick your season, towards late April and May, then myriad bluebells adorn the river banks. There are a couple of weirs further on which pose no problems.

One tree required portaging at time of writing but this is an excellent trip for canoeists at this grade, or those who want to explore this type of water. As you pass under the obvious railway crossing, the character of the stream abruptly changes, and the grip of the sea on the fresh water is evident. Egress at St Clears’ boat house, which is reached by turning off left just before the bridge on the A4066 to Laugharne GR281153.