Peny y Fan Pond, high above Newport, used to be a feeder pond for the local collieries. Now reclaimed, the six-acre site is the venue for the fifth round of the National series for hovercraft racing. The area is almost 70 per cent water, providing the hovercrafts with fast acceleration, particularly the Formula One craft, which can achieve 80mph. The circuit is mainly flat, but tortuous. This is an attraction for spectators, but a headache for drivers as the hovercrafts have no brakes and control at corners and bends requires concentration. Seventy craft have entered.
How to get there: Pen y Fan Pond, north of Crumlin, near Newport, Gwent is reached from junction 28 of M4 and A467. Racing starts at noon tomorrow and Sunday. Spectating is free.
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