Afon Twrch

The headwaters arise on the southern slopes of Carmarthen Fans (Bannau Sir Gaer) 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 9 miles (14 km) to its confluence with the River Tawe at Ystalyfera. Tributaries include the Nant Gwys and the Nant Llynfell.^[2]

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

Parts of Cwm Twrch on its Carmarthenshire side are designated as an SSSI because they expose a good example of a boundary between strata.^[3][4]

A colliery was established at Henllys Vale (OS grid ref SN762137) from which tramroads or waggonway ran down the valley to Cwm-twrch-isaf. A tall brick chimney is among 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 walk along the line of the tramway running upstream from Brynhenllys Bridge (OS grid ref SN 756125).^{[citation needed]}