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River Usk – Crickhowell Castle ruins loop from Crickhowell

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Hiking trails & Routes

River Usk – Crickhowell Castle ruins loop from Crickhowell

Hard

hikers

River Usk – Crickhowell Castle ruins loop from Crickhowell

05:47

19.6km

500m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 27, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.24 km

River Usk

Highlight • River

The River Usk rises on the northern slopes of the Black Mountain (y Mynydd Du), Wales, in the westernmost part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Initially forming the boundary between Carmarthenshire and Powys, it flows north into Usk Reservoir, then east by Sennybridge to Brecon before turning southeast to flow by Talybont-on-Usk, Crickhowell and Abergavenny after which it takes a more southerly course.

Beyond the eponymous town of Usk it passes the Roman legionary fortress of Caerleon to flow through the heart of the city of Newport and into the Severn estuary at Uskmouth beyond Newport at Newport Wetlands. The river is about 125 km (78 mi) long.

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal follows the Usk for most of the length of the canal.

Tip by

2.27 km

Crickhowell Bridge

Highlight • River

Crickhowell bridge is a pretty crossing point of the River Usk.

Crickhowell itself is a small market town with the remains of a motte and bailey castle built by the Normans.

Tip by

5.23 km

Rheld Wood

Forest

5.54 km

River Usk Walk, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

The town lies on the River Usk, on the southern edge of the Black Mountains and in the eastern part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Significant parts of the surrounding countryside, over 20,000 acres (81 km2) form part of the Glanusk Park estate.

Tip by

6.32 km

The Dragon's Head

Highlight • Natural Monument

Beautiful views, riverside paths,field tracks and lanes.River sections may flood after heavy rain mainly dog friendly

Tip by

10.7 km

View of Crickhowell and the Usk Valley

Highlight • Historical Site

The views just below Crug Hywel or Table Mountain are wonderful. You are just below this iconic flat-topped hillock that is positioned just below Pen Cerrig-Calch. Crug Hywel is also an Iron Age hill fort and is visible from a long way away. In fact, locally, the Crug is an iconic local viewpoint. The views down over Crickhowell and the Usk Valley are just simply magical from here.

Tip by

11.3 km

Crug Hywel (Table Mountain) — summit and Iron Age hillfort

Highlight • Summit

The flat and slightly sloping summit of Table Mountain looms over Crickhowell. At 1,480 feet (451 m) high, its flat top — at a slightly tipsy-looking angle — is an iconic Brecon Beacons feature. The views are sensational too. Gazing westwards you have the lovely Usk valley rising into the central Brecon Beacons and the industrial valleys of South Wales, while the brooding Black Mountains look over your shoulder.

Tip by

13.4 km

Cwm Cumbeth

Forest

17.0 km

Alisby Castle

Highlight • Castle

17.0 km

Crickhowell Castle ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

Crickhowell Castle, also known as Alisby's castle, dominates the views from the delightful market town. The now Grade I-listed ruin began life as a motte and bailey castle in the 12th century and was rebuilt in stone in 1272. If you are in town to climb Table Mountain or hit the Sugar Loaf circuit, it's worth a visit.

Tip by

19.6 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.39 km

3.26 km

2.61 km

2.14 km

1.72 km

451 m

Surfaces

8.52 km

4.10 km

3.06 km

2.49 km

1.35 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (440 m)

Lowest point (60 m)

Weather

Monday 20 July

27°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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River Usk – Crickhowell Castle ruins loop from Crickhowell

River Usk

Crickhowell Bridge

River Usk Walk, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

The Dragon's Head

View of Crickhowell and the Usk Valley

Crug Hywel (Table Mountain) — summit and Iron Age hillfort

Alisby Castle

Crickhowell Castle ruins

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