River Towy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Towy |
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River Towy at Carmarthen
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Course of the River Towy
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| Cities | Llandovery, Llandeilo, Carmarthen |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cambrian Mountains (SN802631) 488 m (1,601 ft) |
| River mouth | Carmarthen Bay |
| Length | 120 km (75 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 515 km2 (199 sq mi) |
The River Towy (called Afon Tywi in Welsh) is one of the longest rivers that flows completely within Wales. It stretches for about 120 kilometers (75 miles). This river is very well-known for its excellent sea trout and salmon fishing.
Contents
Journey of the River Towy
The Towy starts high up in the Cambrian Mountains. Its source is close to where the River Teifi begins. The river then flows through the steep hills of the Tywi Forest. Here, it forms a natural border between Ceredigion and Powys.
As it continues, the river generally flows southwest. It passes through the county of Carmarthenshire. Along its way, it flows past the towns of Llandovery and Llandeilo.
Many smaller rivers join the Towy as it travels. These include the Cothi, Gwili, Brân, and Doethie. Near the town of Carmarthen, a large river called the River Gwili joins the Towy at a place called Abergwili.
The Towy then forms an estuary, which is where the river meets the sea. This estuary flows into Carmarthen Bay. It joins the River Taf and both parts of the River Gwendraeth there. In the past, Llansteffan Castle, a 12th-century Norman castle, helped protect this important estuary.
Llyn Brianne Dam: Controlling the River
About 10 kilometers (6 miles) from its source, the fast-flowing Towy is stopped by the Llyn Brianne reservoir. This reservoir was built in 1972. Its main purpose is to store rainwater that falls in winter. This stored water is then released into the river during dry times.
The reservoir helps provide drinking water to a large part of south-east Wales. Without the water released from the reservoir, the river would not have enough water to supply everyone.
River Life: Animals and Plants
Fish in the Towy
The Towy is famous for its large sea trout. These fish are also known locally as sewin. Sea trout are a type of brown trout that live in the sea but come into the river to breed. They enter the river every spring and early summer.
The river is believed to produce more very large sea trout (over 5 kilograms or 10 pounds) than any other river in Britain. Anglers have caught sea trout weighing over 20 pounds (9 kilograms) here. In summer and autumn, many Atlantic salmon also swim up the river to breed.
In May, the Towy also sees a run of rare and protected fish. These include the twaite shad and allis shad. Other fish found in the Towy are brown trout, eels, and pike. The river is also home to brook, river, and sea lampreys.
The Towy holds a special record for the biggest fish ever caught on a rod in British fresh water. This was a sturgeon weighing 176 kilograms (388 pounds). It was 2.8 meters (9 feet 2 inches) long! Alec Allen caught this huge fish near Nantgaredig on July 28, 1932.
Mammals of the River Towy
The Towy has a healthy population of otters. Many other common mammal species also live along the river. Grey seals are often seen in the lower parts of the river. They sometimes swim several miles upstream to hunt sea trout and salmon.
Birds of the Towy Valley
The Towy and its surrounding valley (called Dyffryn Tywi in Welsh) are home to many different water and wetland birds. Some unique birds found here include sand martins and common sandpipers. You can also spot little ringed plovers and dippers.
Kingfishers and grey wagtails are also common sights. Red kites and buzzards fly high above the valley. Goosanders and cormorants are birds that dive for sea trout and salmon.
Plants Along the River
The Towy valley has many oxbow lakes. These are U-shaped lakes formed when a river changes its course. In summer, Bishop's Pond in Abergwili is a great example. It was formed when the river flooded in 1802.
This pond becomes covered with beautiful yellow water lilies. The edges of the pond are fringed with reed sweet-grass. This plant is also found in other parts of Wales.
Glanrhyd Bridge Accident
On October 19, 1987, a tragic accident happened at Glanrhyd Bridge. This was near Llangadog. A train fell off the bridge into the flooded river. Four people were killed in this event.
See also
In Spanish: Río Towy para niños
