River Gavenny

The confluence of the Gavenny and the Usk at Abergavenny

The River Gavenny (Welsh: Afon Gafenni) is a short river in Monmouthshire in south Wales. It rises 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of the village of Llanfihangel Crucorney from springs in Blaengavenny Wood and flows south for about 4 miles (6.4 km)) to its confluence with the River Usk at Abergavenny.

The diminutive Gavenny is something of a misfit stream in its broad valley. This is due to the deposition of a spectacular terminal moraine at Llanfihangel Crucorney which has diverted the former headwaters of the river eastwards into the Wye catchment. It is believed that the Afon Honddu which rises in the Black Mountains and possibly also the upper River Monnow formerly flowed in the valley of the Gavenny to join the Usk.[1]

Abergavenny derives its English-language placename from the confluence, 'aber' meaning 'mouth of' in the Welsh language.

References

  1. ↑ Campbell, S. & Bowen, D.Q. Geological Conservation Review: 'Quaternary of Wales', Nature Conservancy Council, Peterbrough

Coordinates: 51°50′07″N 3°00′12″W / 51.83528°N 3.00333°W / 51.83528; -3.00333


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