Afon Twrch

Not to be confused with the River Twrch / Afon Twrch which is a tributary of the Severn rising on the Berwyn range in North Wales or the Afon Twrch which is a tributary of the River Cothi in West Wales.

The Afon Twrch is a river which rises in the Black Mountain in south Wales. It forms the boundary between the counties of Powys (former county of Brecknockshire) and Carmarthenshire and, downstream of Ystradowen, between Powys and Neath Port Talbot county borough.

The headwaters arise on the southern slopes of Bannau Sir Gaer (Carmarthen Fans) and Fan Brycheiniog and are soon joined by the waters of the Twrch Fechan. The river flows south-west and then south and finally south-east for about 14km / 9 miles to its confluence with the River Tawe at Ystalyfera. Significant tributaries include the Nant Gwys and the Nant Llynfell.

The name derives from Welsh afon / 'river' and twrch / 'boar'. In common with other rivers sharing the same name, it is believed to refer to the burrowing or snouting action of the waters of the river. The river has also been associated with the legend of Twrch Trwyth.

Settlements on the lower section of the river include Ystradowen, Cwm-twrch-uchaf, Cwm-twrch-isaf and Gurnos.

A colliery was established at Henllys Vale (OS grid ref SN762137) from which tramroads ran down the valley to Cwm-twrch-isaf. A tall brick chimney is the most impressive of the remains of several buildings associated with the former colliery. A bank of limekilns is also located at this spot which can be reached by a half-hour walk along the recently improved line of the tramway or waggonway running upstream from Brynhenllys Bridge (OS grid ref SN 756125).

Parts of Cwm Twrch on its Carmarthenshire side are designated as an SSSI.