Researching rivers like the llyfni

Totally agree Tim. I visited the Llyfnii, Seiont and Gwyrfai when Oliver was up at Bangor University and checked out the put ins and take outs at the time and marked them on the relevant OS map 115. So the next one in that area looks like being the Gwyrfai, but check out the fall per Kilometre (gradient 18m /kilometre) The Llyfni is 8m /kilometre and so too the Seiont. I think the Gwyrfai is another river Mike has run before which is an added bonus.
Many rivers with poor write ups turn out to be far better than expected. Another example was last year’s first trip down the Alwen which from the write up you’d probably want to give it a miss. As it turned out we were all very impressed by this river and it left us all smiling. ( we reckon the river guide was written by a fisherman to keep us off it !! ) I’m sure there are many more hidden gems to find if we keep exploring.
The Twyrch is on the agenda for many of us especially after a few of us have scouted it a couple of times now and cleared a few trees.
The Welsh Rivers Book is excellent but let’s not forget it was written some considerable time ago and the updated version of 2012 still uses the old information and there are mistakes. Barry and I agree the picture on page 140 of the Afon Gam certainly does not seem to be the Gam we have run ! and the Conwy is on OS sheet 116 not 115.
I absolutely agree with your last comment ” go and find out for yourself”.

The danger in the future is we’re going to inspect rivers from the armchair via go pro footage and pre internet skills will be forgotten. I started kayaking because it was an adventure. The only guide book was Terry storey’s , no mobile phones so the only way to know a river was to go and look.

Hi Guy’s,
I see valid points from both sides. When I am out on my travels if I know of a river near by or spot one, I often stop off a couple of places to view and even make a few notes. The good thing with the likes of Google Maps is it enables us to see lay-bys bridges, put in’s and take out possibilities, parking etc etc. Along with getting a general picture of the surroundings in our mind which I feel can be useful.
Being part of a group of paddlers who look out for each other and work as a team is also very vital. Deciding who may lead an unknown section of water and who to position where within a group this along with deciding what to paddle depending on the experience and capabilities of the group and ensuring portages are available if members wish to walk round a particular feature.
Going and finding out is a real buzz, the excitement of the unknown which is fine if this is a viable option.