Afon Chwerfri

Nearby Rivers:  Wye catchment - Rhayader to Hay

In big flood the river is undoubtedly dangerous at the grade. However, when in a reasonable flood and for a few days or so after heavy rain, the Chwerfri is a beautiful little river rushing, as it does, through a beautiful wooded valley.

Comin-y-Garth to Builth

10 km I to II (one fall IV)

Turn off north opposite the public house in the little village of Cilmery, which is just along from Builth on the A483. By turning right, and then right again, it is possible to drive very close to the river at Comin y Garth GR980544. A convenient lay-by and short footpath leads down to the river where access can be had above a small footbridge. The river should be easily "floatable" but with a clear passage under this little bridge.

For the first kilometre or so the river winds around little bends and in between bowing branches before an excellent series of little rapids is reached. These carry on over the next four kilometres and at a decent water level there are plenty of little waves to surf on. A church on the right heralds the village of Cilmery SO011517 (good alternative access/egress). Soon after Cilmery there was a large fallen tree blocking the river (’98) which needed a 30-second portage left.

A little while later Builth Wells Golf Course is reached. Here, a little surprisingly, perhaps, in between the two footbridges is a major double drop - a class IV rapid. If one were writing a guide book from the map only one might miss this! It is best to finish the run by passing under the bridge, joining the Irfon and soon the Wye itself to finish in the pay-and-display car park in Builth GR042512.