Afon Ysgethin

Afon Ysgethin
Afon Ysgethin in Coed Cors-y-gedol
Map
Location
CountryWales
CountyGwynedd
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationDyffryn Ardudwy
Mouth 
 • location
Tal-y-bont, Dyffryn Ardudwy

The Afon Ysgethin is a short river in Gwynedd, Wales. Flowing entirely within Snowdonia National Park it rises beneath the peaks of Y Llethr and Diffwys within the Rhinogs mountain range and runs in a generally ESE direction towards Cardigan Bay.

Headwater streams flow into a small upper lake, Llyn Dulyn, and Llyn Bodlyn reservoir. Originally a natural lake, Llyn Bodlyn was enlarged in 1894 to provide Barmouth with water.[1] The river emerging from the reservoir is crossed by a historic track at Pont Scethin. This old stone arch bridge ("probably 18th century") was once used by packhorses and drovers moving between Harlech and London.[2]

A further 3 km downstream the river enters a narrower wooded valley and is crossed by Pont Fadog. An inscription on the bridge states that it was improved in 1762 by a mason called H. Edward, who was commissioned by William Vaughan, a member of the powerful owner family of nearby Cors-y-gedol hall (see Dyffryn Ardudwy).[3]

There are two further crossings at the village of Tal-y-bont: by the A496 road and by the Cambrian Coast railway. After another 1 km, the Afon Ysgethin enters the sea.[4]

  • Llyn Bodlyn
    Llyn Bodlyn
  • Pont Scethin and Moelfre
    Pont Scethin and Moelfre
  • Pont Fadog
    Pont Fadog
  • Inscription on Pont Fadog: W.V. 1762. H. Ed. saer (saer: mason)
    Inscription on Pont Fadog: W.V. 1762. H. Ed. saer (saer: mason)
  • Coed Cors-y-gedol, the small "rain forest" below Pont Fadog
    Coed Cors-y-gedol, the small "rain forest" below Pont Fadog

References

  1. ^ Roberts, Geraint. The Lakes of Eryri. Llanrwst: Carreg Gwalch, 1995.
  2. ^ "Pont Scethin Packhorse Bridge (24197)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Pont Fadog, Dyffryn Ardudwy". britishlistedbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 4 December 2021. — "Pont Fadog (24182)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  4. ^ OL 23 Cadair Idris & Llyn Tegid (Map) (A1 ed.). 1:25,000. Explorer. Ordnance Survey. 2005. ISBN 0319236226.

52°46′36″N 4°06′53″W / 52.77677°N 4.11480°W / 52.77677; -4.11480