The River Usk is in Southeast Wales. It begins on the northern slopes of the Black Mountain high in the Brecon Beacons and flows 137 kilometres through mountains, moorland, fertile farmland, small villages and market towns. It then flows through the industrial landscape of Newport where it reaches the sea at the Severn estuary and mixes with the waters of the River Severn in the Bristol Channel.

The River Usk was the old border between England and Wales, and therefore was historically and strategically important. Over the centuries it attracted a large number of settlements along its banks. These villages and towns developed at key bridging points where the river provided water, food, transport and communication links. Bridging points are an important geographical feature, they are an easy crossing point where the river narrows or is shallower. The River Usk is crossed by an amazing number of different types of bridge, from ancient to modern. The Transporter Bridge at Newport The Bridge at Usk

The River Usk has influenced the location and development of settlements. Click here to view online aerial footage of the River Usk showing villages and towns which have developed at points where bridges have been built.online aerial footage

BLACK MOUNTAINS The source of the River Usk. USK RESERVOIR The reservoir supplies Swansea and the Brecon area. It is used for recreation and also regulates the river. SENNYBRIDGE BRECON A regional market town. It is a classic confluence town where the rivers Usk, Tarrell and Honddu meet. CRICKHOWELL An ancient bridging point. ABERGAVENNY The traditional gateway to Wales. USK This small town developed because of its key position on the river. CAERLEON The Usk gave the town its Roman name of Isca when it was inhabited by the Romans. NEWPORT A bustling port, industrial & commercial city. The mouth of the River Usk.

Click here to take you to the Settlements Smart Notebook file.Settlements Smart Notebook