River Clydach

Nearby Rivers: Newport and Brecon Area - Usk Catchment

When I first paddled this river I took along a relative newcomer to paddling (albeit an extremely experienced and hardened outdoor man), in a low flood condition. In these conditions, there was enough water to float but, if push comes to shove, it would be possible to jump out of the boat and head to the side. Although I had never met anyone who had actually paddled this river, rumours suggested a reasonable run: what an adventure we had!

Clydach Gorge Park to River Usk

5 km of grade III (low water); III to IV in medium water; and IV to V in flood; several portages

At the bottom of the steep Clydach Gorge hill (A465T), turn off sharply towards Llanelly Hill. Just before the road heads uphill, turn off right down to a small bridge GR229133. where access can be made onto the beautiful little gorge. Easy enough for the first part, after which the gorge begins to deepens and a rumbling may be heard. A brown bridge comes into sight (about two kilometres from the start), directly under which is a large 20+ foot fall. The line in low water is horrible. In high flows, it can be run down the guts middle to left and straight over onto a huge boat- and paddler-gobbling stopper - class V+.

Further down, the river piles down a dark tunnel over which the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal passes. Directly below this is a nasty class IV to class IV+ drop. In low water it is possible to just about stop on the lip. In flood, you can only run blindly down the centre - this is worth inspecting beforehand by nipping along the towpath westward from the bridge in Gilwen GR244145. Again, immediately below, is a nasty little shoot which is more dangerous than hard. This is undercut. A little way on are two large weirs, before and after the A4072 road bridge. These are shootable depending on the amount of rubbish stuck in the shoots. Below, are a few pleasant drops, which are the last of the difficulties as you relax on the way down to the Usk. Get out 500 metres below on the right bank just before Glangrwyney bridge GR241161.