Afon Twrch

The Afon Twrch is a river which rises in the Black Mountain in south Wales. It forms the boundary between the counties of Brecknockshire (currently administered as part of the unitary authority of Powys) and Carmarthenshire and, downstream of Ystradowen, between Brecknockshire and Glamorgan (and unitary authorities of Powys and Neath Port Talbot).

For other rivers, see Afon Iwrch and Afon Twrch, Carmarthenshire.

Afon Twrch
Ribbon of river in shadow reflecting the sky, bending back and forth through a valley between moorland hills of grey scree and brown and green vegetation
Afon Twrch looking south downstream from the side of Pen yr Helyg
Etymologyafon / 'river' and twrch / 'boar'.
Location
CountryWales
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationSouthern slopes of Bannau Sir Gaer (Carmarthen Fans) and Fan Brycheiniog
 • coordinates51.880359°N 3.710933°W / 51.880359; -3.710933
 • elevation770 metres (2,530 ft)
Mouth 
 • location
River Tawe at Ystalyfera
 • coordinates
51.761194°N 3.782022°W / 51.761194; -3.782022
 • elevation
70 metres (230 ft)
Length8.7 miles (14 km)
Basin features
River systemRiver Tawe
Tributaries 
 • leftNant Gwys
 • rightNant Lluestau, Nant Manyn, Nant Y Ddraenen, Twrch Fechan, Nant Y Llyn, Nant Llynfell

Name

The name derives from Welsh afon / 'river' and twrch / 'boar'. In common with other rivers sharing the same name, it is believed to refer to the burrowing or snouting action of the waters of the river.[1] The river has also been associated with the legend of Twrch Trwyth.

Geography

The headwaters arise on the southern slopes of Bannau Sir Gaer (Carmarthen Fans) and Fan Brycheiniog and are soon joined by the waters of the Twrch Fechan. The river flows south-west and then south and finally south-east for about 14 km / 9 miles to its confluence with the River Tawe at Ystalyfera. Significant tributaries include the Nant Gwys and the Nant Llynfell.[2]

Settlements on the lower section of the river include Ystradowen, Cwm-twrch-uchaf, Cwm-twrch-isaf and Gurnos.

A colliery was established at Henllys Vale (OS grid ref SN762137) from which tramroads ran down the valley to Cwm-twrch-isaf. A tall brick chimney is the most impressive of the remains of several buildings associated with the former colliery. A bank of limekilns is also located at this spot which can be reached by a half-hour walk along the recently improved line of the tramway or waggonway running upstream from Brynhenllys Bridge (OS grid ref SN 756125).

Parts of Cwm Twrch on its Carmarthenshire side are designated as an SSSI because they expose a good example of a boundary between strata.[3][4]

References
  1. Owen, H.W. & Morgan, R. 2007 'Dictionary of the Place-names of Wales' Gomer Press, Ceredigion
  2. Ordnance Survey Explorer map OL12 'Brecon Beacons National Park: western area'
  3. "MAGIC Map Application". DEFRA MAGIC Map. DEFRA.
  4. "Site of Special Scientific Interest, Carmarthenshire, Cwm Twrch" (PDF).
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