Afon Lwyd

Afon Lwyd is a small river in south-east Wales. It rises near Blaenavon and flows south for 21 kilometres through several towns before joining the River Usk at Caerleon. The name means ‘grey river’ in Welsh, describing its colour when carrying silt.

The river suffered badly from mine waste and fly-tipping in the past. In the 1980s local groups began cleaning it and building fish ladders. By 2011 tests showed the water was cleaner than at any time since the Middle Ages. Salmon and trout now swim upstream again after weirs were lowered at Ty Nant Ddu and Cwmavon.

A 26-kilometre trail follows the river from Blaenavon Ironworks to Cwmbran. Walkers and cyclists share the route which uses old railway lines and canals. Signs of wildlife appear along the banks, though American crayfish threaten the native white-clawed crayfish.