Afon Mawddach River, Rivers Barmouth, Gwynedd - Wales where to go, what to see and where to stay in Wales

The Afon Mawddach is a river in Gwynedd, West Wales. It rises to the north of Rhobell Fawr, and Ddualt and flows south west through Ganllwyd, Llanelltyd and Penmaenpool before spilling into Cardigan Bay between the towns of Fairbourne and Barmouth. The main tributaries are: Afon Cwm Mynach, Afon Gamlan, Afon Eden, Afon Gain, Afon Wen and the Afon Wnion. <br><br> The estuary of the Mawddach is one of the most beautiful in Wales and it is a haven for wildlife and an important breeding ground for birds. The RSPB has two Nature reserves within the Mawddach valley. Visitors are encouraged to take the Mawddach Trail, an eight mile walking and cycle trail between Morfa Mawddach, close to Barmouth, and Dolgellau. <br><br> Given good water levels the Mawddach can be a superb angling river with good fishing for salmon, sea trout, and eels. Worm, fly, spinner, and shrimp are effective methods depending on water levels. From mid season onwards, salmon can be seen in the Mawddach and the Mawddach's largest tributary the Wnion. It is a very fine sea trout river, while the smaller River Eden is also a valuable game fishery. The confluence of the Eden and the Mawddach is a particularly good section.