The Association

The Monnow Rivers Association was formed to bring together those who had an interest in protecting the river Monnow and restoring it to its former status as “one of the best trouting rivers on the border or beyond it” (A.G.Bradley – In the March & Borderland of Wales).

Through a series of projects aimed at improving the productivity and holding capacity of the river by the creation of increased good habitat for all life stages of the brown trout, we are already well on the way to reversing the damage suffered over the last few decades. Such works of course also benefit a wide range of other important species such as otters, native crayfish and water voles. There remains a great deal of work to do and we appeal to all those that gain pleasure from the Monnow to join us in our struggle, join our association and help us make a difference.

Forming, for much of its length, the border between Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, the Monnow Valley is not only rich in historical features but is also arguably one of the most beautiful valleys in either England or Wales.

Rising in the black mountains, the River Monnow system can be split into three sections: the first, consisting the Olchon Brook, the Monnow itself & the Escley Brook, flowing south east; the middle section, flowing north-east from Pandy, where the Honddu joins from the south, to Llangua; finally, from the Dore, flowing south-east again to join the Wye at Monmouth. It is likely that the first section once drained south to join the Usk near Abergavenny, while the Dore appears to be the original headstream of the Lower Monnow.

Whether you are fisherman, rambler, cyclist, naturalist, bird watcher or historian you will find plenty to interest you in the Monnow Valley.