Afon Gwy begins its 155-mile journey at the Plynlimon mountain, along with its sister rivers: the Hafren (Severn) and Ystwyth (Afon Rheidol). Afon Gwy runs down to meet Hafren again at Chepstow.

 

The river constitutes much of the border between Wales and England, the spaces in between, the boundaries. An old legend suggests the water goddesses Gwy and her sisters were born from a giant who resided under the mountain. Sensing their potential, destiny and desire for the sea, the giant awoke and bid farewell to his daughters. They made their own choices about how they would reach the sea, each following different paths. The giant was not sad to say goodbye as he knew his daughters would return, every time it rained. They would continue on this cycle forevermore. Redbrook was once a port: the last recorded act of piracy was recorded here in the 18oos! A boat cargo was seized and shared out among local residents!

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The river is now facing destruction from pollution. Have you seen the green algae blooms caused by phosphates?