River Vyrnwy

Vyrnwy near Pont Llogel

The River Vyrnwy is a river which flows through Montgomeryshire, and Shropshire.

The river used to be sourced from the many rivers and streams running off the mountains surrounding the Vyrnwy valley. However, since the Lake Vyrnwy dam was built in the 1880s, the river has flowed directly from the base of the dam. The river runs for 39.7 miles, the last eight of which form part of the border between Montgomeryshire and Shropshire. It eventually joins the River Severn near the village of Melverley.

The river is paddled frequently by kayakers and canoeists, with the upper reaches of the river being predominantly Grade I white water with a few Grade III sections, most notably the Vyrnwy Gorge near the village of Dolanog. The other most prominent feature of the upper river is Dolanog Falls, a 20-ft-high man-made weir that requires a portage by both kayaks and canoes.

Much of the lower river below Pontrobert is Grade I and a good touring river.

Outside links

• Pictures of River Vyrnwy and the area on Geograph.co.uk

• Location map: 52°46’1"N, 3°0’0"W