Canals
Discover the charm of the canals in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, where peaceful waterways wind through stunning landscapes, perfect for boating, walking, and cycling.
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Fed by the clear waters of the River Usk, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, or the Mon and Brec as we like to call it, is clean and pleasant, muddy though it may look at times. The 35-mile stretch between Brecon Basin and Pontymoile Basin used to be called the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal. Almost all of its original course has been restored and is navigable – the only bit missing is a short stretch at the top, beyond Brecon Basin.
It’s a little under three miles from Brecon Basin to the first lock at Brynich. There are five locks in quick succession at Llangynidr. The final 23 miles from Llangynidr to Pontymoile are lock-free. Most of the way, it’s leafy and peaceful. It’s gorgeous in spring when the trees are in bud, and superb in autumn when the colours are at their best.
The canal follows the contours of the hillsides for most of its route, giving lovely views. It passes through the pretty villages of Pencelli, Talybont and Llangynidr before reaching the interesting little town of Crickhowell with its lovely waterside Bullpit Meadows.
After continuing through Llangattock, Gilwern, Govilon and Llanfoist near Abergavenny, eventually you reach the splendid Goytre Wharf which is not far from the end of the canal at Pontymoile Basin. At the wharf, there’s a marina with boats for hire and a Canal and River Trust visitor centre, restaurant and picnic area. It’s a special place, closely connected to the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, one of the cradles of the Industrial Revolution.
Messing about on our canal
All craft using the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, including canoes, must have a British Waterways Boat Licence, which is included in membership of the British Canoe Union or the Welsh Canoeing Association, or can be purchased from the Canal and River Trust. The funds raised help support this wonderful waterway.
Canoes, narrowboats and small motorboats can be hired at several points on the canal including Brecon Basin, Llangynidr, Gilwern and Goytre Wharf.
Travelling by narrowboat, it takes a couple of hours to get from Brecon to Brynich Lock and back, or seven hours to get from Brecon to Llangynidr, taking into account the Ashford Tunnel and the Llangynidr locks.
If you’d rather let someone else man the tiller, you can climb aboard a narrrowboat at Brecon Basin for a scenic cruise to Brynich Lock. This stretch of water has magnificent views of the Central Beacons with the sparkling River Usk just below. Canal trips also operate from Goytre Wharf.
Towpath walks and bike rides
All 35 miles of our towpath are yours to explore, with wildlife-watching opportunities, pubs and picnic spots along the way.
From Brecon Basin, there’s a short, all-ability walking route which passes information boards, community art projects and a picnic area with a reconstruction of a horse-drawn tram on a short length of track.
Brecon Basin is the start of the Taff Trail (National Cycle Route 8). The first part of this long distance cycle touring and walking route takes you along the towpath, past the remains of old lime kilns. The three mile ride from Brecon to Brynich Lock is easy-going and thoroughly pleasant. Whenever you’re cycling on the tow path, remember to give way to pedestrians.
