Derwenlas

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…