This is a substantial walk with 2 steep climbs, following very quiet country lanes and some rough tracks. Refreshments can be obtained at the Greyhound Inn near Llantrisant (in addition to the many pubs and cafes in Usk itself).

Leave the town square by the south east corner (i.e. the same side of the square as the Castle Inn) and proceed along Four Ash Street. Pass the former Greyhound Inn (now a private house) and continue on Chepstow Road. Turn right at the Olway Inn Hotel and go up the steep slope.

Continue along the lane, crossing above the dual carriageway. Shortly afterwards turn right at the crossroads (where the Flood Route is signposted).

After 1 mile turn left on the road in the tiny hamlet of Llanllowell and follow this for about half a mile, passing the Greyhound Inn near Llantrisant.

Go straight on at the junction, signposted Wentwood and Penhow, and after 60 metres take the lane on the left (a house called "The Hand" is situated at the corner).

The Usk Valley from Llanllowell

Heavy frost near Coed Cwnwr

Follow the lane for about 1½ miles, much of it uphill. Turn left in the first hamlet and soon afterwards left at a T-junction. In the next hamlet (Coed Cwnwr), where the road swings left, go straight on, taking a narrow lane marked with a dead end sign. This passes a few houses and Coed Cwnwr Farm, then becomes a track. Just before a stile next to a metal gate on the right, follow the track marked "Springdale" round to the left. There is a large house on the right soon afterwards.

When visibility is good, there are splendid views from here across to the hills surrounding Abergavenny.

Follow the track which eventually descends through a wood, this section being rutted, stony and muddy. Join a lane at a house on the right called "Graig-Yr-Ieir". Continue downhill and straight on at the crossroads. Follow the lane back to Usk, turning left after the Olway Inn Hotel. Follow this back to the town square.

Track through woods