River Neath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Neath |
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The river near to Neath Castle, looking upstream.
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| Native name | Afon Nedd |
| Country | United Kingdom, Wales |
| Region | South Wales |
| County | Neath Port Talbot |
| Settlements | Pontneddfechan, Glyn-neath, Resolven, Neath |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pontneddfechan, Powys, Wales |
| Length | 30.6 km (19.0 mi) |
| Discharge (location 2) |
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| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The River Neath (called Afon Nedd in Welsh) is a river in south Wales. It flows southwest from its beginnings in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The river ends at Baglan Bay, near Briton Ferry, which is on the east side of Swansea Bay.
Contents
The River's Journey
Where the River Starts
The River Neath begins high up in the mountains. Three smaller rivers, the Nedd Fechan, Mellte, and Hepste, start in south Powys. They flow down the southern slopes of a place called Fforest Fawr.
This area is made of a type of rock called Old Red Sandstone. As the rivers flow, they cross over a layer of Carboniferous Limestone. Then, they move through land made of layers of sandstone and shale. This area is known as the Millstone Grit.
In the limestone area, parts of these rivers flow underground, like in a cave. But when there's a lot of rain, the Afon Hepste can also flow on the surface.
Waterfall Country
As these rivers rush down towards the Vale of Neath, they create many amazing waterfalls. This happens because they flow over hard layers of sandstone within the Millstone Grit.
Other rivers like the Afon Pyrddin and Afon Sychryd also have waterfalls. These are smaller rivers that join the Nedd Fechan and Afon Mellte. This whole area is famous for its many waterfalls and is known as Waterfall Country. In Welsh, it's called Bro'r Sgydau.
Joining Forces and Flowing On
The Mellte and the Nedd Fechan rivers meet at a place called Pontneddfechan. From this point, the combined water is known as the River Neath. It then flows through the Vale of Neath. This is a long, straight valley that was carved out by a glacier during the ice ages.
As the river flows downstream from Pontneddfechan, it doesn't have many big rivers joining it. The largest one is the River Dulais. This river starts north of Seven Sisters.
Near where the Dulais meets the Neath, it drops over the Aberdulais Falls. This is a popular place for visitors. The National Trust looks after it, and it was once the site of an old tinworks factory. Close by, the river flows past a grand old estate called Ynysygerwn.
Another smaller river, the River Clydach, flows south through the village of Bryncoch. It joins the Neath at Neath Abbey. Other small streams that join the river include the Melincwrt Brook and the Clydach Brook.
Canals and Crossings
The River Neath provides water for two canals: the Neath Canal and the Tennant Canal. At a place called Aberdulais basin, both canals meet. The Tennant Canal actually crosses over the River Neath on a special bridge called an aqueduct.
The Vale of Neath Railway line and the A465 road also cross the river here. As the river gets closer to the town of Neath, it passes the old church of Saint Illtud at Llantwit. Further on, it flows around the old workhouse at Llety Nedd and past Penydre.
Here, the river flows close to the old Norman Neath Castle. Famous kings like King Henry II, King John, and King Edward I visited this castle a long time ago.
Passing Historical Sites
As the River Neath winds its way around the town of Neath, it passes some important historical places. It flows by the remains of a Roman fort called Nidum at Cwrt Herbert. It also goes past the Cistercian monastery of Neath Abbey. The monks from this abbey used their access to the river to trade. They even challenged the trading rights of the local people in the town of Neath.
The River's End: The Estuary
The wide part of the River Neath, called its estuary, stretches from Neath town down past Briton Ferry to the sea. This area is next to Jersey Marine Beach.
Some parts of the estuary are used for industry. There's a place where old ships are taken apart, a large waste disposal site, and wharves (docks) at Melincryddan, Briton Ferry, and Neath Abbey.
However, where the river is not disturbed by industry, there are important natural areas. These include salt marshes that stretch from Neath to Baglan Bay and Crymlyn Burrows. These areas are very important for nature and wildlife.
What Does "Neath" Mean?
The name "River Neath" comes from the original Welsh name, "Nedd". Like many river names in Europe, this name is very old. It might come from the Celtic or even older Pre-Celtic languages.
We're not completely sure what the name means. Some people think it means shining or brilliant. Others think it's linked to an even older word, *-nedi, which simply meant 'river'.
The name "Neath" might be related to the town of Stratton in Cornwall. That town was originally called Strat-Neth. It could also be related to the River Nidd in Northern England.
Images for kids
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Sgwd Gwladus waterfall on the Afon Pyrddin, a tributary of the Neath
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M4 over River Neath
