From its mountain source at the grand and brooding Lake Vyrnwy, the river makes a picturesque descent over rocks, then a weir at Dolanog.

Settling into its remote and pastoral setting, it then winds its way through forty miles of north Powys farmland. Its shallow banks mostly shaded by trees, the river is dreamlike and serene. Soon the English border hugs its course, and at Melverley they both nudge past the ancient little church, rebuilt in 1406, following Glyndwr’s rising. Still tranquil and serene, its banks grazed by cattle, the river turns southwards, and as though taken by surprise, is suddenly swallowed by the river Severn.