Abergavenny Castle and River Usk Circular Walk
This lovely circular walk takes you around the pretty meadows surrounding Abergavenny Castle. You'll also enjoy a riverside stroll along the River Usk and a visit to the delightful Linda Vista Gardens.
The route starts near the tourist information centre in Abergavenny and takes you along the River Usk on a good path which is also open to cyclists. The path then heads to Linda Vista gardens, which is a well laid out public park with a variety of plants and flowers. You then pass the ruins of the 11th century Abergavenny Castle where there is a good museum detailing the history of the castle.
Please note, only the first section of the route along the river is open to cyclists.
If you'd like to continue your walking in the area you could pick up the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal for more waterside footpaths.
You could follow it south to visit nearby Pontypool where there are some fine trails around Pontypool Park. Heading west will take you to the pretty Gilwern Wharf where there's some lovely scenery and a fine canalside pub.
Abergavenny Castle and River Usk Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
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Abergavenny Castle and River Usk Circular Walk Open Street Map 
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Abergavenny Castle and River Usk Circular Walk OS Map 
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Abergavenny Castle and River Usk Circular Walk Open Street Map 
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The neighbouring town of Bleanavon is located just a few miles south west of the town. You can explore the worthy town on the circular Blaenavon Walk. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes a fascinating industrial museum and a wonderful heritage steam railway. Also located north of the town on the slopes of Blorenge is the delightful Keepers Pond. The small lake is a popular place for easy walks, wild swimming and picnics.
Head south east of the town and you could visit the ruins of Raglan Castle. The 15th century fortress is considered one of the grandest castles in the country.
A few miles to the west you'll find the splendid Clydach Gorge. The scenic steep-sided valley is where the River Clydach flows to the River Usk.
The epic Cambrian Way passes through the town. The long distance waymarked route starts from the city of Cardiff and runs for nearly 300 miles through the Brecon Beacons, the Cambrian Mountains and Snowdonia before finishing on the North Wales coast at Conwy.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Brecon Beacons Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Abergavenny Castle. The castle is located immediately to the south of the town centre. It was built by the Normans to overlook the River Usk and its valley, and so guard against incursions into the lowland areas south and east of the town by the Welsh from the hills to the north and west. The castle and the hunting lodge, now the Abergavenny Museum, are Grade I and Grade II listed respectively.
The castle stands as a testament to the region's tumultuous history. Established around 1087 by the Norman lord Hamelin de Balun, the castle's strategic location atop a hill overlooking the River Usk allowed it to oversee the surrounding lowlands and monitor movements from the Welsh hills to the north and west. Initially constructed as a wooden motte-and-bailey fortress, it underwent significant transformations over the centuries. One of the most infamous events associated with the castle is the 1175 massacre, where William de Braose orchestrated the killing of Welsh noblemen during a feast, an act that has marred the castle's legacy with tales of treachery. Throughout the medieval period, the castle faced multiple attacks, including those during the Glyndŵr Rising in the early 15th century. In the 19th century, the Marquess of Abergavenny constructed a hunting lodge within the castle grounds, which now houses the Abergavenny Museum, offering visitors insights into the town's rich heritage.
Colourful flowerbeds on the northern edge of Linda Vista Gardens. The town of Abergavenny, often referred to as the "Gateway to Wales," boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Its origins trace back to the Roman fort of Gobannium, established to guard the road along the valley of the River Usk. The town's strategic position at the confluence of the Rivers Gavenny and Usk facilitated its growth during the Norman era, especially under the protection of the Lords of Abergavenny. The establishment of the Benedictine priory, now known as the Priory Church of St Mary, further cemented its significance. Over the centuries, Abergavenny has been a focal point of various historical events, including the 12th-century massacre at the castle and attacks during Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion in the 15th century. Today, the town is celebrated for its vibrant market scene, historic architecture, and cultural festivals, reflecting a harmonious blend of its storied past and dynamic present.
Gardens and Mist Trees and flowers in Linda Vista Gardens. In the distance, the Blorenge mountain can just be seen though the mist.
Lawns and the Blorenge Trees frame lawns dotted with daisies in Linda Vista Gardens. The Blorenge mountain makes a scenic background.
River Usk, Abergavenny. The River Usk, known in Welsh as Afon Wysg, is a prominent waterway that meanders through the heart of South Wales. Originating from the slopes of Fan Brycheiniog in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the river traverses approximately 120 kilometers, passing through towns such as Brecon, Crickhowell, Abergavenny, and Usk, before emptying into the Bristol Channel at Newport. Historically, the tidal reaches of the Usk have served as significant shipping ports, facilitating trade and transportation for centuries. The river is also renowned for its fishing, particularly for salmon and trout, attracting anglers from various regions. Its diverse ecosystems support a rich array of wildlife, making it a vital natural asset for both ecological balance and recreational activities in Wales
Stone bridge across the Usk, Abergavenny