Re our earlier message (below), we’ve now been informed by DCWW that the lock has now been replaced and reverted to the previous code. Previous message, 15 Aug: DCWW has just advised us that there is a temporary combination lock on the gate to the bay at Usk Reservoir, since the lock/chain that was there … Read more

Thanks to Mick Standing and Steffan Davies for these quotes and photographs from today: Mick: “Some kind of spillage in pool 2 down to cascades!” Steff: “Doesn’t smell, isn’t oily, doesn’t seem to affect skin (was in it this morning and no ill effects so far! 🤞).” We’ll pass on to NRW for investigation; in … Read more

DCWW has just advised us that there is a temporary combination lock on the gate to the bay at Usk Reservoir, since the lock/chain that was there was stolen last week. Passport holders have been sent the temporary code by e-mail from BBNPA, but feel free to contact coordinator@swoapg.com (07989 412415) if you need a … Read more

Thanks to Mike Smith of Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer for the following message: “We’ve received a polite request from the BBC to avoid using the Pontsticill Reservoir on July 5th. They will be filming near the forest next to Dolygaer, with views overlooking the reservoir. Parkwood will be assisting them with bank safety during this time. … Read more

If any of you have used Usk reservoir recently you will know that the access to the slipway at the northern end of the dam is currently closed (and will remain so for the foreseeable future) while major dam construction work is underway. As we’ve reported previously, the ‘southern’ access point is now available, via … Read more

NB we’ll aim to send an automatic reminder on the 4th – if it works! Thanks to Mike Smith of Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer for the following message: “We’ve received a polite request from the BBC to avoid using the Pontsticill Reservoir on July 5th. They will be filming near the forest next to Dolygaer, with … Read more

Thanks to Alan Bowring of BBNPA for the following message: stay watchful out there, folks: “Reading about the various rockfalls [notified by SWOAPG], I wanted to mention that walking beneath the big 1930s quarry wall collapse en route to Eglwys Faen from Llangattock hillside car park a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that a … Read more

We have had the following regrettable message from BBNPA: “Unfortunately we recently had some damage caused by a caving group member to the toilets at Cwm Porth. It looks like someone stood on the toilet pan and tried to kick the toilet roll holder off the wall. We cannot be 100% sure which caving group … Read more

Thanks to Black Mountain Activities for the following photos of a recent rock fall on the Sychryd Gorge (bottom of Cascades, river left). Stay careful out there!