River Banwy

The River Banwy is a modest river in Powys, Wales, about 31 kilometres long. It begins high in the hills near the A458 road between Mallwyd and Welshpool, where it is called Nant Cerrig-y-groes. From there it flows east, gathering smaller streams until it reaches Pont Twrch near Y Foel. Two kilometres further on, it meets the river Gam, which descends from the Nant yr Eira between Y Foel and Llangadfan. The Banwy passes the small village of Llanerfyl and winds between low hills before arriving at a bridge in Llanfair Caereinion. For its final eight kilometres it turns north through a narrow valley known locally as Yr Hafesb. The river then flows past Mathrafal, once the seat and court of the kings of Powys. It ends where it joins the River Vyrnwy near Newbridge. Visitors can follow the river’s gentle course through quiet countryside and rolling hills. The valley at Yr Hafesb offers a narrow, peaceful stretch before the river widens near its end. Mathrafal’s historic setting adds a sense of older times to the walk. The whole route is quiet, with few distractions, letting the landscape speak for itself.