Afon Lwyd: The Story of Ponthir’s Silver Stream

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and farmland surrounding Ponthir and flowing directly behind Barneys Cafe, the Afon Lwyd—literally the “grey” or “silver” river in Welsh—has been a silent witness to centuries of change. Flowing for about 13 miles from its source northwest of Blaenavon to its junction with the River Usk at Caerleon, Afon Lwyd has shaped geography, industry, community, and ecology alike.

Image Courtesy of https://fishingwales.net/fishing-locations/afon-lwyd-pontypool-angling-association/

Origins & Industrial Legacy

From Blaenavon—a UNESCO World Heritage site today famed for its ironworks—the river descends through Abersychan, Pontypool, Ponthir itself, and Cwmbran before joining the River Usk. During the 18th and 19th centuries, its swift currents powered waterwheels for nearby forges. The weir and sluice system at Pontymoile is a well-known example. It helped early industrial activity.

The story goes on in Ponthir. The name of the village, Pont-hir, means "long bridge", and it probably comes from the river crossing that was rebuilt around 1800. The river has always been an important part of this community's identity and purpose.

Pollution, Revival & Wildlife

The Afon Lwyd suffered heavily from the legacy of coal mining, ironworks, sewage discharge, and fly-tipping, particularly through the mid-20th century. Locals recall murky brown water and foul odours persisting for decades. But since the 1980s, and particularly following focused efforts in the 2000s, a remarkable transformation has taken place.

The Environment Agency put in a fish ladder at Pontymoile weir in 2010. This helped brown trout, salmon, and sea trout come back. Local councils, anglers, and environmental groups have all worked together to restore the health and habitat of rivers. Wikipedia says that by 2011, the Afon Lwyd was probably the cleanest it had been since the Middle Ages.

In 2008 the introduction of non-native American signal crayfish was a threat to the native white-clawed crayfish because they compete with them and spread disease. This shows how important it is for conservationists to keep things in balance.

Floods & Force of Nature

Due to its valley catchment, the river can surge dramatically during heavy rain. Flash floods have affected towns like Pontypool, Abersychan, and Ponthir over the years. For example, during Storm Bert in 2020, river levels were even higher than during the infamous Storm Dennis.

The Afon Lwyd Trail: A Ribbon of Greenway

Today, the river is celebrated through the Afon Lwyd Trail—a 16‑mile traffic-free route forming part of the National Cycle Network (routes NCN 49 & 492). Stretching from Cwmbran to Blaenavon, it follows canal towpaths and former railway lines, linking nature reserves, heritage sites, and towns.

Highlights include:

• The elevated aqueduct at New Inn—a Grade II listed structure from the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal era—arches gracefully over the river.

• Pontymoile weir and its modern fish ladder represent a thoughtful fusion of engineering and conservation.

• Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve and scenic sections through Pontypool Park offer quiet spots for reflection or picnicking.

For more about walking and cycling the trail, visit the Torfaen Council’s official trail guide.

Why Ponthir’s Section Matters

Along Ponthir and its immediate environs, the river offers:

• Scenic serenity: Woodland-lined banks, gentle rapids, and reflections of sky and farmland.

• Recreation: Ideal for strolling, birdwatching, and even fishing—wild brown trout up to 2 lb are found in these waters.

• Community pride: A living emblem of ecological restoration and local stewardship.

The stretch near Ponthir encapsulates the river’s transformation—from industrial victim to beautiful natural haven.

Nature-Based Innovation: Welsh Water’s £13 Million Upgrade at Pont-y-Felin Lane

As part of an ambitious commitment to improving river health, Welsh Water has announced a major investment of £13 million to upgrade a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) located beneath Pont-y-Felin Lane, which discharges into the Afon Lwyd.

This forward-thinking project will use a nature-based solution to treat stormwater spills and significantly boost water quality—not just in the Afon Lwyd, but downstream in the River Usk as well. This method uses natural processes like sedimentation and filtration through wetland plants to get rid of pollutants in a way that doesn't harm the environment. This is different from traditional infrastructure upgrades.

Welsh Water worked with a top engineering consulting firm to do detailed site and environmental assessments and come up with the final design. They also held a wide-ranging public consultation to get feedback from local residents and important stakeholders. The information gathered helped shape the final plan, which takes into account both environmental concerns and the needs of the community.

More details on the development of the project can be found under the ‘Developing Solutions’ and ‘Public Consultation’ tabs on Welsh Water’s project page.

This upgrade represents a major step toward safeguarding the health of the Afon Lwyd for future generations—while also creating an opportunity for education, biodiversity, and community connection along its banks.

In Summary

The Afon Lwyd is more than just a river; it's the "grey" thread that ties together centuries of Welsh industry, community growth, and environmental recovery. The Ponthir part of the river is especially moving: it's beautiful, easy to get to, and a symbol of how local effort and long-term thinking can bring new life to even the most damaged natural areas.

So the next time you cross that long bridge in Ponthir, stop. The steady flow of the river is a calm but strong reminder of strength, community, and care.