Canoe Wales - Canw Cymru

Access Officer: Vacant - Contact National Access Development Officer
Ashley Charlwood
c/o Canolfan Tryweryn, Frongoch, Bala LL2 3 7NU
Tel. 01341 422692 Mobile 07817 761125 Email: Cwmbychan@aol.com

Map:	125 Bala & Lake Vyrnwy 124 Dolgellau & surrounding area 125 Aberystwyth
Grade:	Sections of I to II, and III+, with one short stretch IV to -V
Length:	37 km
Access:	A470(T) Machynlleth to Dolgellau road
Notes:	Trees in upper gorge; one section IV to V
Quality:	Sections of and

The Dyfi is a beautiful mountain river rising from Creiglyn Dyfi, which lies below the crags of the Aran mountains. It is a fine fishing river and is guarded in its lower reaches by banner proud fishermen. However, that said, all the farmers we have met on our various journeys down the river have been exceptionally kind. I very much believe in sport for all and so would ask paddlers to keep off the river during the fishing season - that would be seen to be reasonable on our front.

Turning off the A470 in Dinas Mawddwy it is possible to follow the river upstream until access is found at the small bridge in Llanymawddwy, GR908194. The river is beautiful as its winds its way down under several bridges in a very easy and relaxed fashion. After about five kilometres or so there are a few class III rapids as the walls begin to close in. One of these had a tree a jammed in it at time of paddling which required a portage.

Above the little bridge in Cywarch are a series of three drops which are grade IV+ to V, dependent upon water levels. The last drop is the most dangerous due to pinning possibilities on the left. Egress here GR873156.

Below the above egress point to the footbridge in Dinas Mawddwy the river should be easy enough but I haven't done this one kilometre or so. Access below this kilometre is by a footbridge below the confluence with the Afon Cerist GR861149.

A medium spate is a good level for this river whereas, in flood, it will be just that little bit harder. Grade I to two rapids lead under the main A470 bridge and then a beautiful little stone arched bridge follows. Just after the Dugoed enters, is a sharp right-hand left-hand bend with a house on the right-hand bank. Here, there is a class III to IV fall which is easy to shoot, but there are a few spikes in this drop and these may be hidden at high water! Easier water leads to egress at Aberangell caravan park GR847099.

Access as above. This is an easy and beautiful touring section suitable for Canadian canoes and beginners alike. In part it follows a dismantled railway track but this doesn't distract from the pleasures of bubbling down small rapids and carving around placid curves. Egress is by the public footpath, on the B4404, GR809043.

For those wanting a longer trip it is possible to continue down to Machynlleth on, once again, beautiful and bubbling water. There are no nasties on this section, apart from perhaps the two-legged variety! The river is topped up by the two Dulais rivers as it nears Machynlleth. Egress by the public footpath on the main A487 bridge GR744019. The parking is difficult here.

There is no access at the tidal limit. Access at Aberdyfi via public slips GR613959 . The channel mostly follows the North shore - this is one of the major estuaries of Wales, and is popular with canoeists and centres.