The River Usk

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The River Usk
Where is the River Usk ?
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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.
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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
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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.
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USK RESERVOIR The reservoir supplies Swansea and
the Brecon area. It is used for recreation and
also regulates the river.
USK This small town developed because of its key
position on the river.
CRICKHOWELL An ancient bridging point.
SENNYBRIDGE
BRECON A regional market town. It is a classic
confluence town where the rivers Usk, Tarrell and
Honddu meet.
BLACK MOUNTAINS The source of the River Usk.
ABERGAVENNY The traditional gateway to Wales.
CAERLEON The Usk gave the town its Roman name of
Isca when it was inhabited by the Romans.
The main settlements along the course of the
River Usk.
NEWPORT A bustling port, industrial commercial
city. The mouth of the River Usk.
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What can you remember?
Click here to take you to the Settlements Smart
Notebook file.
Do you know where the River Usk is and where it
flows?