Afon Edw

Nearby Rivers:  Wye catchment - Rhayader to Hay

The Edw is a fine river that needs to be up to make it worth paddling. In flood it is dangerous as it piles down quickly over drops, stoppers, waves and, more importantly, through trees. Therefore, certainly in high water, it is not an intermediates river though when low it is quite pleasant. It is a surprisingly long river but has various escape routes should this be necessary.

Cregrina to Wye confluence

12 km grade III to IV; few portages

Work your way either upstream from Aberedw or via the A481 to the small village of Cregrina. Here, access can be made downstream right of the bridge and, indeed, this is the place to check-out whether you like what you see GR123521. Far from being grade II+, as it is in low water, the first drop, 50 metres downstream of the bridge, is class III+ to IV in big flood. There are two meaty stoppers to deal with - shoot far left. When lower it is much easier.

From below this awakening, the river rips off downstream for about 500 metres until a fallen tree is reached. In medium water this can be sneaked right and, in high flood, there is a sneak route far left. The water rushes down through low branches (easier medium water). A few kilometres further on, two static caravans and steepening of the water into a bouncy rapid give warning of a big drop approaching. This is just below a metal footbridge but by this time in big water you are well on your way, so get out above. Llanedw Falls is a reasonable class IV in medium water and a stiff IV in flood.

The water eases off to the next road bridge, under which is a good fall. A little farther on and a beautiful small gorge is entered with some exciting water. A few more bridges are passed along the way, with the odd drop you may want a quick look at. Below the picnic site are some fantastic stoppers and waves to shoot.

Aberedw bridge is next, after which a super gorge is entered. About 200 metres or so down this, the New Year storms of ’98 have deposited a large tree that could at a pinch be sneaked on the left but is best portaged right (ask permission). Below this are some great III to IV rapids. The final flourish above the old railway bridge and the B4567 is worth inspecting for the right line as, especially under the bridge, there is no stopping. Egress river right just before joining the river Wye - roaring its way downstream GR077470.