Afon Crai

Nearby Rivers: Newport and Brecon Area - Usk Catchment

This is clearly a salmon-spawning river. It should only be done when the water is high enough to amply cover all shingle beds, and when the fish have finished spawning. It is suitable for groups of three to four paddlers only. An excellent little river for the lower grade paddler, with a lively gorge to finish on.

Felin Crai to Sennybridge

10 km grade II+ to III(+); one bridge portage

Turn off the A4067 about two kilometres downstream of Cray reservoir and drive to the small bridge at Felin Crai GR882236. This is not suitable for large groups or those leaving minibuses - the locals are friendly - so let’s keep it so. As stated above, this is a spawning stream for salmon and the river needs to be just below bank full to ensure all reeds are well covered. Salmo salar has one of the most interesting of all nature’s journeys. From its feeding grounds over the deep ledges of the Atlantic to its home rivers, the journey is fraught with dangers. From net to rod and gaff, the salmon is hunted by man on its passage home. Like the salmon, the canoeist is excited by the spate but must surely pass each others paths with equanimity.

The rapids barely touch grade II on the way down to the second (double) bridge at Tanyfedw. Trees are the only problem until now but this piped low bridge must be portaged (left). There are two more road bridges and then a smaller bridge which heralds the approach of the Crai gorge. A right hand bend leads excitingly into a kilometre of grade II to III drops (III+ in high water). Excellent play stoppers cry out for attention for most of the way until the paddler joins the Usk at Pantysgallog. Above the bridge is a four-foot drop III to III+ which can be shot (with care in flood) until easy water leads down to good access on the left bank in Sennybridge, GR920287.