Afon Iwrch

Access Officer: Dave Proctor, Capel Bethania, Cwm Cownwy, Llanwddyn, SY10 0NJ. 01691 870615

Nearby Rivers: Vyrnwy and Severn

Map:	Bala & Lake Vyrnwy & surrounding area, no. 125
Grade:	lower II to III
Length:	3 km
Access:	B4580 Llynclys to Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant
Notes:	few stock fences needed portaging
Quality:

The Iwrch is far better than its tree-snarled neighbour, the Rhaeadr. The lower section is good and continuous at its grade. The upper section actually looked a brilliant and continuous class IV to V? However, I soloed this river late on a mid-winter’s day and it was not sensible to run this stretch: but it did look good!

Cefnhirfarwr bridge to B4580 road bridge

3 km II to III; few stock fences

Taking the small C road out of Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant (eastwards) it is possible to get on at a little bridge over the river GR134267. This is just before the road goes up a steep hill.

The river is immediately continuous II or III depending on water level and on the first bend is a small weir - to catch the unwary. The river continues at this grade under the next two road bridges and all the way to the get-out. The only hazards are low branches which need a few sharp manoeuvres, plus a couple of stock fences (one hanging from the first bridge) that needed portaging. However, this is a pleasant run that will be enjoyed at the grade. Egress at the B4580 via the footpath on the left of the river GR144248. Alternatively, continue on down the beautiful Tanat valley - featured in the recent film The Man Who Went Up A Hill And Came Down A Mountain.