The Wye Valley and Vale of Usk

The landscape of the Welsh border is dominated by two lovely rivers, the Usk and the Wye. They meander through green vales set in rolling countryside with a selection of vineyards which thrive in this gentle corner of Wales.

On the border line - The gateway to Wales, rich in historic sites, was not always so peaceful. Roman soldiers and Norman warlords left their mark. At the walled town of Chepstow stands Britain's first stone-built castle, on a bluff above the looping River Wye.

Winding woodland - North of Chepstow is the Wooded Wye Valley, an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' which winds its way through Tintern to Monmouth. Tintern, dominated by the soaring ruins of its medieval abbey, has attracted poets and artists for centuries. Today, it's also popular with country-lovers who follow the Wye Valley Walk or the Offa's Dyke Path in the hills above.

Famous sons - There's more history at Monmouth - the fortified Monnow Bridge and Agincourt Square with its statues to two famous sons, Henry V and Charles Rolls, of Rolls-Royce fame. Like Monmouth, Abergavenny is an attractive market town. Locals and visitors alike have flocked to its famous Tuesday market for centuries. Set between the Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid mountains, Abergavenny is also an excellent walking centre.

Wales in Bloom - The entire area is idyllic car touring country. Scenic roads weave across hill and vale dotted with pretty little towns and villages. Call into the historic floral town of Usk, for example, and you'll see why it is a regular winner of the 'Wales in Bloom' competition. Usk stands in the valley of the same name. Like the Wye, the Usk is a famous salmon fishing river and also has its own beautiful long-distance footpath, the Usk Valley Walk. At the mouth of the Usk stands Newport, another regular 'Wales in Bloom' winner.

King Arthur's Court - South of Usk, the river loops around Caerleon, a town in which King Arthur reputedly held court. Caerleon also has an important Roman ancestry still evident today in its amphitheatre, excavated bathhouse complex, barracks and museum. The Usk reaches the sea at Newport, a busy gateway town to Wales with the splendid Tredegar House and Country Park on its outskirts.

Castles galore - There are so many delightful - and different - things to see and do in this part of Wales. You can visit castles galore - medieval Caldicot set in a tranquil country park, Penhow, Wales' oldest lived-in castle, romantic Raglan Castle, and the strategic Three Castles: Grosmont, Skenfrith and White. There's a host of activities to enjoy - canal cruising on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, pony trekking, canoeing on the Wye and Usk. You can even go grass skiing or gliding.

Visit: Monmouthshire Tourism and City of Newport Tourism.