River Rhiw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Rhiw |
|
|---|---|
| Native name | Afon Rhiw |
| Country | Wales |
| Region | Powys |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | River Severn, Berriew |
The River Rhiw is a small river located in the northern part of Powys, a county in Wales. Its Welsh name is Afon Rhiw, which means 'slope river' or 'stream river'. This river is an important part of the local landscape and history.
The River Rhiw actually starts as two separate streams, both called Afon Rhiw. These two streams flow east until they meet at a place called Dwyrhiew. From there, the combined river continues flowing generally eastward. It eventually joins the larger River Severn just east of the village of Berriew. The name Berriew itself comes from the Welsh Aberriw, meaning 'mouth of the Rhiw'.
The northern stream of the Rhiw begins at a lake called Llyn y Bugail. This Welsh name means 'lake of the shepherd'. This lake is found on a mountain called Mynydd Waun Fawr. The southern stream of the Rhiw starts near another mountain, Mynydd Dwyriw.
As the river flows, it passes by several small villages and communities. These include New Mills (known as Felin Newydd in Welsh), Manafon, and Pant-y-ffridd. The B4390 road follows the river's path all the way to Berriew.
Other smaller streams, called tributaries, also flow into the River Rhiw. Some of these include the Nant Wtre-wen, Crygnant, Nant y Llyn Mawr, and Dolgar Brook.
River Crossings and Structures
The River Rhiw has many bridges and shallow crossing points (fords) along its length. One very interesting structure is an aqueduct in Berriew. An aqueduct is like a bridge that carries water. This particular aqueduct carries the Montgomery Canal over the River Rhiw. This allows boats on the canal to cross above the river.
Near the eastern end of the river, you can find Glansevern Hall and its beautiful gardens. This historic estate adds to the scenic beauty of the area around the River Rhiw.
What Does the Name Rhiw Mean?
The name Rhiw has an interesting meaning in Welsh. The word rhiw usually means 'slope'. So, the river's name could mean 'slope river'. However, some experts think the name might come from an older British word, riu, which meant 'stream'.
The name of the village, Berriew, also tells us something about the river. It comes from the Welsh word Aberriw. In Welsh, 'aber' means 'mouth of a river'. So, Aberriw means 'mouth of the Rhiw'. This shows how important the river is to the identity of the village.
