Usk Valley, Valleys Talybont-on-Usk, Powys - Wales where to go, what to see and where to stay in Wales

The River Usk, Afon Wysg in Welsh, rises on the northern slopes of the Black Mountain (below Fan Brycheiniog) in Powys, Wales. The River Usk tumbles for most of its upper and middle reaches through the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. After passing through the market town of Brecon and the pretty little town of Crickhowell, the river runs through the Usk Valley before leaving the National Park at Abergavenny and meandering through the farmland of the broader valley beyond. Shortly after the attractive town of Usk, the river becomes tidal and enters the Bristol Channel at Newport. <br><br> Take the Usk Valley Walk, a 48 mile (77km) walk through the beautiful Vale of Usk to appreciate the true beauty of its largely unspoilt countryside. Follow the trail and visit the market towns of Caerleon, Usk, Chain Bridge, Llanvihangel Gobion, Llanellen, Abergavenny, Govilon, Llangattock, Crickhowell, Llangynidr, Aber, Talybont on Usk and Brecon. You are never far from the hills of the Brecon Beacons to the west or the Black Mountains to the east. <br><br> The Monmouth and Brecon Canal shares the valley with the River Usk and the towpath offers several miles of level walking. The canal is one of the most beautiful in Britain and has been restored along much of its length with narrow boats available for hire.