Overview
Derwenlas is a hamlet in northern Powys, Wales. It is part of the community of Cadfarch. Part of the historic county of Montgomeryshire () from 1536 to 1974, it lies on the River Dyfi and was once a port serving the market town of Machynlleth. Derwenlas lies on the A487 trunk road from Machynlleth to Aberystwyth.
History
Between 1797 and 1812 a road was built from Machynlleth to Garreg near Glandyfi, passing through Derwenlas. This new route enabled Derwenlas to develop as a port as it was the highest point on the Dyfi that was navigable by coastal ships - boats of up to 70 tons could reach there at high tide. A wide variety of goods were shipped into and out of the port. Incoming goods included gunpowder to be stored in Morben Quarry, lime and coal for the limekilns at Pentre Cilyn, rye, wheat and hides. Outgoing goods included slate and lead from local mines, timber, bark and corn. From 1830, traffic at the port increased substantially. With ever increasing demand for water transport, shipbuilding began at Derwenlas, with three separate builders established by the quays. The tramroad continued to Cei Ward at Morben where further quays gave access to the river.
The last of these was abandoned in 1869 when Braich Goch quarry moved to its newly built wharf at station. The tramroad between station and Cei Ward was then abandoned and the track was lifted.
External links
*Photos of Derwenlas and surrounding area on geograph.org.uk