Afon Dyffryn Gwyn facts for kids

Afon Dyffryn Gwyn is a river located in Gwynedd, a beautiful area in north-west Wales. Its journey begins high up on a hill called Trum Gelli, above a valley known as Cwm Maethlon. This valley is also sometimes called Dyffryn Gwyn or even "Happy Valley." The river flows towards the south-west. It eventually reaches the sea near a farm called Penllyn, which is just south of the town of Tywyn. In the past, this river was sometimes known as Caethle Brook.

The River's Past

For a long time, until the 1860s, the Afon Dyffryn Gwyn flowed into a lake. This lake was called Llyn y Borth, or sometimes Penllyn Pool. It was located just before the river reached the sea.

Fishing in the Lake

Both the river and the lake were famous for their trout. Trout are a type of fish that live in fresh water. People could even launch small boats on Llyn y Borth. It was a popular spot for fishing.

Pollution from Mining

However, things changed in the 1850s. Lead mining began in the Cwm Maethlon area. This mining activity caused pollution in the water. Sadly, the pollution harmed the fish and the natural environment of the river and the lake.

Changes to the River's Mouth

The place where the river met the sea, called its estuary, was changed in the early 1800s. This happened because of work done to improve drainage in the area.

Abernewydd: The New Estuary

After these drainage works, the river's mouth looked different. People started calling this new mouth "Abernewydd." This name literally means 'new estuary' in Welsh.

Impact of the Railway

More big changes came in 1862. New drainage work was done to help build the Aberystwith and Welsh Coast Railway. This project straightened the river's path. It also completely drained Llyn y Borth, the lake the river used to flow into. This work effectively removed the river's natural estuary.

Since then, the Afon Dyffryn Gwyn no longer flows directly into the sea as it once did. Instead, it reaches Cardigan Bay through a special outflow pipe.