Afon Duhonw & Bach Howey

Nearby Rivers:  Wye catchment - Rhayader to Hay

These are two tributaries of the Wye. On the maps both these rivers looked possibly excellent value. Both the rivers need good water; the Duhonw more than the Bach Howey.

We attempted the Duhonw river from a little side stream at Penllech GR016475. After numerous portages in the first kilometre, we pulled out leaving the gorge below well alone. From the get-out bridge at Llanddewi’r Cwm GR036488, where there are some exciting class IV drops, we checked upstream. There were four fallen trees in the first 150 metres. Enough said.

The Bach Howey is similar. It is a beautiful walk, but is fraught with fallen trees. Craig Pwll Ddu (‘Crag of the Black Pool’), a beautiful waterfall, is about one kilometre up from the confluence with the Wye. Far better to wallow in the pool on a midsummer’s night than to dodge tree after tree on a fraught river trip.

However, as this guide was going to press I was told there is a fishing group which is clearing the various tributaries of the Wye of all fallen debris. This is to encourage spawning salmon to ascend. And what salmon go up, paddlers come down - especially out of season!