Hidden Usk Valley

Another beautiful weekend and by Saturday morning we were itching to get away, but no room at the inn! We tried our favourite haunts but it was fast approaching school holiday time and the weather looked promising. Finally, we decided to try somewhere new and Pont Kemys Caravan and Camping Park beckoned. Yes, they did have a space for a camper. Saturday morning and we were off.

40 minutes from home up the motorway, along an easy B 4598 through Usk from the A 40 over The Chain Bridge and we had arrived! Between Usk and Abergavenny it is an easy place to find. It looked very promising. Soon we were settled on a large pitch by the river with our own picnic bench.

Such a lovely site. Good hot shower block with  washing up sinks,laundry and even a TV room. There was a separate flat area for camping under the trees.

A dog walking area and an adults only section, on fully serviced pitches ( an extra £2 a night)

We were happy with our spot by the river. The adult only section was nice but nearer the road. All in all, we thought a good site for £21 a night. There was also a small shop for basics on site and a pub a mile away! The pub outside the site was being refurbished so that could be handy for the future use.

Off we set for our first little jaunt, up the hill to find the pub, The Black Bear. Out of the site turn left, follow the campers track and cross The Chain Bridge. 

The bridge was built in 1905 by George Palmer of Neath to replace an earlier chain link supported bridge. Originally built for horses and carts on a little B road, the bridge is now in need of refurbishment at a huge cost. Let's hope the they find the money! 

From the bridge we surveyed the wild life.

Up the lane on the other side of the bridge we went, a little breathless at the top of the climb to the pub. It was a beautiful walk in lovely countryside skirting above the river Usk. When we finally made it to the Black Bear it was shut. Back to the van for food and drink then!

We passed this on the way.

We would have preferred a beer!

Back at the campsite a bit of light entertainment. 

Just like home.

Day 2 and walking boots on we were off. The Usk Valley Walk beckoned. Back up the hill with a bit of help from the walking poles.

Someone is always in the wrong place at the wrong time. The woods were lovely and I made sure I was well sprayed this time.

Parts of the route were slightly over grown but we got through. 

A machete may have been more useful than walking poles. It was beginning to feel a bit like Africa.

We even managed to spot some wild life. A cormorant I think.

This lot were a bit scary as they had calves with them. Almost the wild west, we hoped they wouldn't stampede.

We actually had to walk through them, luckily another couple were walking through so we just tagged behind them. Not sure we would have been so brave on our own. 

Finally through a  National Trust property Clytha Estate and Castle.

 Delightful grounds surrounding the folly containing very old trees. A great climb, then another trip through the woods and across the fields. We did finally make it back to the pub and we actually got a drink!

This was another great weekend at a site we shall be going back to soon. We never had time to do the climb up to the other National Trust area where there is an iron age fort. So another visit very soon!