Usk Reservoir (1 Viewer)

[aldhp21]

Just thinking about getting away this weekend and thought about heading from Cheltenham to Usk Reservoir area for a couple of nights. With it being a bank holiday is it likely to be really busy? Can anyone recommend places for overnighting?

Many thanks
Al.

 

[Techno]

29 views and no replies.

With it being a bank holiday is it likely to be really busy?

I think you answered your own question perhaps

 

[mitzimad]

bank hols everywhere will be busier than usual

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[aldhp21]

I think you answered your own question perhaps

Last year on August Bank Holiday we went to Brecon and was surprised at how quiet it was, mind you the weather was sh*te. So we're going to give it a go again. My thinking being it's not too far from Cheltenham so we can always turn around. I'll let you know Monday

So the other question still remains, can anyone recommend places for overnighting by Usk reservoir?

Cheers
Al.

 

[Mark5204]

We are Sat here looking for somewhere to stop Brecon way too.

 

[wizzer59]

To be honest Usk is not the most attractive place in Wales but there is quite a large layby on the right hand end of the dam as you look down the valley, I've stayed there the odd night.
Other than that just drive around the res till you find somewhere better

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[aldhp21]

To be honest Usk is not the most attractive place in Wales but there is quite a large layby on the right hand end of the dam as you look down the valley, I've stayed there the odd night.
Other than that just drive around the res till you find somewhere better

Thanks Tim. Located a couple of possibles on google maps.

 

[wizzer59]

Thanks Tim. Located a couple of possibles on google maps.

Yep that's a good way of finding them as long as no bugger else is in there when you get there so it pays to have a few possibles

 

[aldhp21]

An update on our weekend.


Me, Lyn and Chester took the plunge on Friday and left Cheltenham mid morning. A bit of traffic around Monmouth as they seemed to be preparing for a carnival but most of the traffic appeared to be going the other way.

Arrived at Usk Reservoir about 2ish. Checked the car park which had about 8 cars in it, so drove around the accessible parts of the reservoir. When you get off the road onto the tracks, which are a bit tight as a couple of new scratches will confirm, there are signs saying “No Camping”. So we returned to the car park. By now only three cars remained. Parked up, checked satellite could get a signal and put kettle on. By 7pm it was only us and a man in a car. Had a quick chat with him and he’d driven here just to view the night sky.

The Friday night sky at midnight was fantastic. Not totally clear, a few cloud wisps, but the stars put on a show for us. An opportunity for me to practice night shots on my camera, with some mixed results. I obviously need a lot more practice.

Our plan was to move on to somewhere else on the Saturday morning but the sunrise greeting us told us to stay where we were. And we did, until Monday. We had enough food, an adequate selection of both rose and red wine, full tank of water and a near empty toilet cassette.

View from our bed in the morning.

Sunset

There are some great walks around the reservoir but Chester our ginger terrierist is now 13 so rather than long walks it was short and often, which restricted us a bit. I did venture out a bit further on my own with the camera but the 200-500 lens and tripod restricted me.

Lots of red kites on display. We even had a distant view of an osprey on Friday and Saturday, confirmed by the binoculars, a flock of meadow pipits, cormorants, pied and grey wagtails, and absolutely stunning views. I’ll drop some better photos on here later. I did miss what would have been the best shot of the weekend. A red kite dropping just 20 feet in front of me to take a fish off the top of the lake. I’m assuming it was a dead fish floating on the surface.

Over the weekend a few vehicles dropped into the car park, generally fishermen or people coming to walk the dog, but for the most part it was quiet and tranquil and the weather was gorgeous, spoilt only by the odd shower. Joining us on Sunday night a German camper van and another PVC but they kept themselves to themselves and there was plenty of room. In fact the only complaints I heard all weekend were the fishermen moaning about the smell of our breakfast cooking in the mornings.

On Monday we said goodbye after a late breakfast, Cranstons Cumberland sausages from Penrith, the best. Water down to 10%, toilet needing to be emptied and I’ve got work Tuesday. But one of those weekends where you say “This is why we bought a van”

Cheers
Alan & Lyn

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[Forester]

When you say Usk Reservoir do you mean Llandegfedd ? or is there another one? was that the car park thats on 3 levels? sections? How much was parking? Its only down the road from me and might be a good place to "hide" for a night. Glad you had a good w/e

 

[aldhp21]

When you say Usk Reservoir do you mean Llandegfedd ? or is there another one? was that the car park thats on 3 levels? sections? How much was parking? Its only down the road from me and might be a good place to "hide" for a night. Glad you had a good w/e

No Llandegfedd is a different one. Usk is the one near Trecastle on the Northwest part of the beacons. Parking was free. The only meters there are to pay for your fishing.

 

[Forester]

Just shows I fell into the trap of assuming Usk Reservoir would be the one I know of near Usk not miles from Usk, but on the Usk river! I will have to take a look next time I am on Epynt.

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[aldhp21]

Some of the better photos I took at the weekend.

Sunset over the dam

Sunset over the west side

Attempt at the night sky. Had to raise exposure but it didn't come out to bad

Misty view on Sunday morning

But then the mist cleared for awesome reflection

 

[aldhp21]

A couple more from Usk showing where we were parked.

 

[movan]

Wow wow wow

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