Wye Valley & Vale of Usk Blog

Our area is (rightly) known for some fantastic key attributes: Scenic, pastoral landscapes; quaint, historic market towns; the sweeping beauty of the Rivers Usk & Wye (and surrounding areas); magnificent monuments such as Tintern Abbey, Caerleon Ampitheatre and our numerous castles; and the stunning, windswept eastern Brecon Beacons.

However, to only look at our 'main attractions' would mean you are missing out on some fantastic 'hidden gems', areas and places that are sometimes overlooked, or off the beaten track. I've listed three that come to mind below, but feel free to add your own in the comments.

Monmouthshire & Newport Coastline

Next year sees the launch of the Wales Coast Path, the first time a country has aimed to have a path which traces its whole coastline. But guess what? We also have a coastline! I know, it surprises many people. The Severn estuary has the second highest tidal range in the World, producing shifting, changing, mud-flats that are a haven for birdlife. The Newport Wetlands Centre gives you a chance to learn about the myriad wildlife that makes its home in the reeds and marshes of our coast. Or you can settle for a picnic at the Black Rock Picnic site, looking over the estuary towards England (& the Severn Bridge) and, during the summer months, watching the Lave Net Fishermen ply their ancient trade.

Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve

Not to be confused with the identically named RSPB Reserve in Swansea, this gem of a valley is nestled between Abergavenny & Brynmawr, a 'gateway to the Valleys'. People are quick to forget that Monmouthshire includes some Valleys regions, but this is a great example. Perfect for cycling in, it was originally a South Wales industrial centre but the glorious wildlife has since taken over.

But don't just take my word for it, check out his great video of the area from the Countryside Council for Wales.

Hidden Castles

Raglan, Chepstow, Caldicot, Goodrich. These castles are well known, commanding your attention as you near and in a relatively good state of repair. However if you are feeling truly adventurous, the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk offers an array of castles, many abandoned & seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

For example, between Magor and Newport in the little village of Llandevaud lies Pencoed Castle from the 16th Century, a haunting ruin in the countryside evoking a grander time.  

Or Llangibby/Llangybi/Tregrug Castle, a mile from the village of Llangybi (between Usk and Caerleon). A simple google image search gives an example of how this once grand castle is slowly being taken over by the wood, lending an ethereal quality to it all. It requires a bit of trekking but is well worth it.  

Now your turn...

These are just a few quick examples that come to mind when I was thinking about this. Do you agree? Do you have an even more hidden gem you are willing to make a little less hidden? Tell us below in the comments!