Afon Ysgethin Explained

Afon Ysgethin
Source1 Location:Dyffryn Ardudwy
Mouth Location:Tal-y-bont, Dyffryn Ardudwy
Subdivision Type1:Country
Subdivision Name1:Wales
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Gwynedd

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.

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).[2]

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.[3]

References

52.7768°N -4.1148°W

Notes and References

  1. Roberts, Geraint. The Lakes of Eryri. Llanrwst: Carreg Gwalch, 1995.
  2. http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk./wa-84360-pont-fadog-dyffryn-ardudwy "Pont Fadog, Dyffryn Ardudwy"
  3. OL 23 Cadair Idris & Llyn Tegid . 2005. 1:25,000. Explorer. Ordnance Survey. A1. 0319236226.