Afon Tarell

The Afon Tarell is a river in Powys, Wales, which rises to the west of the Brecon Beacons in Brecon Beacons National Park and flows north, then north-east, for 12 miles (20 km) into the River Usk.

Afon Tarell River Tarell
Upper reaches of Afon Tarell
Location
Country	United Kingdom, Wales
Region	South Wales
County	Powys
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Pen y Fan, Powys, Wales
• coordinates	51°52′0.48″N 3°29′20.04″W
• elevation	562 m (1,844 ft)
Mouth	River Usk
• location	Brecon, Powys, Wales
• coordinates	51°56′58.56″N 3°24′0″W
• elevation	135 m (443 ft)
Length	20.0 km (12.4 mi)
Discharge
• location	River Usk
Basin features
Tributaries
• right	Nant Cwm Llwch

The river is followed for its entire length through Glyn Tarell (the Tarell valley) by the A470 road, passing by the hamlets of Libanus and Tai'r Bull and entering the Usk at Llanfaes on the southern edge of Brecon.

The most significant tributary of the river is Nant Cwm Llwch, which enters the Tarell on its right bank between Tai'r Bull and Llanfaes. This secondary river emerges from the glacial lake of Llyn Cwm Llwch beneath Pen y Fan.[1]

The name may have its origins in the old Welsh language words tarddu, "to bubble out", and tarddell, "a spring or source".[2]

The Afon Tarell, in common with the Usk and its other tributaries, is designated as a special area of conservation for its three species of lamprey, twaite shad, European bullhead, Atlantic salmon and otter.[3]