Also called the Mitheithel, the Hoarwell had its source in the northern Misty Mountains. From there it flows to the southwest and eventually merges with the Bruinen (Loudwater) to form the Greyflood.

The area north of where the two rivers met was generally referred to as The Angle and was home to the Stoors, one of the three breeds of Hobbits from around 1150 to 1350 of the Third Age. They were driven away by wars and various groups of them settled in Bree, the southern Shire, and the Gladden Fields.

The southern length of the Hoarwell, from the Old Forest Road to The Angle served as the eastern border of the ancient Kingdom of Rhudaur.