River Wye, Wales

River Wye (Afon Gwy)
River
The Wye at Hay-on-Wye
Countries	Wales, England
Tributaries
- left	River Lugg, Bachawy, Afon Edw, more
- right	River Trothy, River Monnow, Dulas Brook, more
Source
- location	Plynlimon
- elevation	690 m (2,264 ft)
- coordinates	52°28′5.170″N 3°45′56.282″W / 52.46810278°N 3.76563389°W / 52.46810278; -3.76563389
Mouth
- location	Chepstow, Severn Estuary
- elevation	0 m (0 ft)
- coordinates	51°36′36.086″N 2°39′42.423″W / 51.61002389°N 2.66178417°W / 51.61002389; -2.66178417Coordinates: 51°36′36.086″N 2°39′42.423″W / 51.61002389°N 2.66178417°W / 51.61002389; -2.66178417
Length	215 km (134 mi)
Basin	4,136 km2 (1,597 sq mi)

The River Wye (Welsh: Afon Gwy) is the fifth-longest river in the UK, stretching some 215 kilometres (134 miles) from its source on Plynlimon in mid Wales to the Severn estuary. For much of its length the river forms part of the border between England and Wales. The Wye Valley (lower part) is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Wye is important for nature conservation and recreation.

The Wye's Latin name is Vaga, an adjective meaning 'wandering'. The Tithe map references a Vagas Field in both Whitchurch and Chepstow. The modern Welsh name Gwy may be derived from old Welsh Gwybiol or Gwyr (crooked wandering hills).

The source of the Wye is in the Welsh mountains at Plynlimon. It flows through or past several towns and villages including Rhayader, Builth Wells, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford (the only city on the River Wye), Ross-on-Wye, Symonds Yat, Monmouth and Tintern, meeting the Severn estuary just below Chepstow. Its total length is 134 miles (216 km). The lower 16 miles (26 km) of the river from Redbrook to Chepstow forms the border between England and Wales.