River Gavenny

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The confluence of the Gavenny and Usk

The River Gavenny is a short river in Monmouthshire. It rises one mile south-west of the village of Llanvihangel Crucorney from springs in Blaengavenny Wood and flows south for about four miles to its confluence with the River Usk at Abergavenny.[1]

Abergavenny derives its name from the confluence, 'aber' meaning 'mouth of' in the Welsh language.

The diminutive Gavenny is now something of a misfit stream in its broad valley. This is due to the deposition of a spectacular terminal moraine at Llanvihangel Crucorney which has diverted the former headwaters of the river eastwards into the Wye catchment. It is believed that the River Honddu which rises in the Black Mountains and possibly also the upper River Monnow formerly flowed down the valley of the Gavenny to join the Usk.[2]

References

  1. Ordnance Survey Explorer map OL13 'Brecon Beacons National Park: eastern area'
  2. Campbell, S. & Bowen, D.Q. Geological Conservation Review: 'Quaternary of Wales', Nature Conservancy Council, Peterbrough

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