GUIDE TO THE RIVER USK

(Brecon to Talybont)

NAME OF RIVER: Usk.

WHERE IS IT?: South Wales, starts in Brecon.

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Access at Brecon Promenade, egress at Talybont Bridge, above bridge, river right. Another possibility is to continue downstream.

APPROX LENGTH: 12 km.

TIME NEEDED: 4 hours.

ACCESS HASSLES: There is an access agreement, some details can be found at http://www.welsh-canoeing.org.uk/access/rights_and_agreements.htm#usk. Also see http://www.mountainandwater.co.uk for more info.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Possible in most water levels, although shoals appear at lower levels.

GRADING: Mostly Grade I-II.

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This rarely paddled section has beautiful scenery and pleasant riffles, ideal for a touring party or a group of virtual novices. A few 100m long wave trains and the odd bridge caused wave make for a gentle and relaxing trip, adrenaline it's not. After about 6km the river passes under a stone bridge, which causes a small playwave. The section below this has more whitewater interest.

OTHER NOTES: In flood beware the many trees which line the bank.

Consider also the section below...another stretch of the Usk which offers more continuous but still easy rapids is that from Sennybridge to Nant Bran Bridge...recommended.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Sam (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)