Longest Rivers In Wales

River Towy is the longest river flowing entirely within Wales.
River Towy is the longest river flowing entirely within Wales.

Wales is a country that makes up the United Kingdom together with England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The nation, which has an area of around 8,023 square miles, has a terrain that is mostly mountainous. Just like any other country in the world, Wales has a number of rivers that flow easily enough due to the natural gradient provided by the terrain. Wales has both international and local rivers. The longest river in Wales is the River Severn, which has a length of about 354 kilometers. River Wye is second with a length of about 217 kilometers while Teme River is third with about 130 kilometers. River Dee is fourth with a length of around 113 kilometers while River Towy closes the top five with about 121 kilometers. River Towy is the longest river that flows entirely within the borders of the country.

Longest Rivers in Wales

River Severn

Aside from being the longest river flowing through Wales, this river is also the longest in Great Britain. On a larger scale, this river is in the second position in terms of length in the British Isles. The flow of this river starts at Plynlimon, Wales at an elevation of about 2,000 feet. The mouth of the Severn is situated at the Severn Estuary. The Severn has a basin size of about 4,410 square miles and a number of tributaries such as the Tern, Avon, and Wye.

River Wye

This river, which has a basin size of about 1,597 square miles, flows through both Wales and England. The Wye starts flowing from its source at Plynlimon, Wales and flows all the way to its mouth at Chepstow, Severn Estuary. Most of its length forms part of the border between Wales and England. Some of its tributaries include the Lugg, Trothy, Monnow, Edw, and other rivers.

River Teme

The Teme, which is widely used for recreational sports, also flows through both England and Wales. The source of the river is at Kerry Hills, Wales while the mouth is situated at Powick, England. The Teme crosses into England at the border town of Knighton. The Teme can be crossed via a number of ancient bridges such as the one at Tenbury Wells. Some of its tributaries include the Clun, Crove, Kyre Brook, Ledwyche Brook, and other rivers.

River Dee

Just like the Wye, this river flows through both Wales and England and forms part of the border between the two nations. The source of this river is at the slopes of Dduallt, Wales while its mouth is at the Dee Estuary. The Dee has a basin size of about 701.5 square miles and passes through places like the Horseshoe Falls and Wrexham County Borough. Some of its tributaries include the Tryweryn and Wych Brook.

Longest River Entirely Within Wales

The Tywi River is the longest river that flows entirely within the borders of Wales. The source of the river is in the Cambrian Mountains while its mouth is at Carmarthen Bay. The river, which has a basin size of around 199 square miles, is known for a number of things such as salmon and sewin fishing. Some of its tributaries include the Doethie and BrĂ¢n.

Longest Rivers in Wales

RankRiverLength (km)
1Severn354
2Wye217
3Teme130
4Dee113
5Towy121
6Teifi117
7Usk90
8Taff64
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