River Usk
RIVER USK, a river of Wales and England, rising on the borders of Carmarthenshire and Brecknockshire, and flowing to the Bristol Channel with a course of 70 m., and a drainage area of 540 sq. m. The source lies at an elevation of 1700 ft. on the north flank of Carmarthen Van, a summit of the Brecon Beacons; and the course is at first northerly, but soon turns east through a beautiful valley closely beset with lofty hills. The river passes the finely situated town of Brecon, and then turns south-east past Crickhowell and south past Abergavenny. Between these towns it forms a short stretch of the Welsh boundary before entering England (Monmouthshire). The valley now broadens, and the course of the river becomes sinuous as it flows by the ancient towns of Usk and Caerleon. The scenery throughout is most beautiful. Not far from the mouth lies Newport, with its extensive docks, to which the estuary gives access. Except in this part, the Usk is not used for navigation, but the Monmouthshire and Brecon and Abergavenny canals, in part following the valley, carry a small trade up to Brecon. The Usk is noted for its salmon and trout fishing.
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
