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Feature Pages The Monmouth & Brecon Canal

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful canals of the network, set within the spectacular mountain scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal offers wonderful opportunities not only for idyllic canal trips but also the canal path is delightful for tranquil, accessible walking and cycling. Brecon Basin is at the northern extent of the navigable section of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, right in the heart of the delightful town of Brecon.

The canal runs for 32 miles from Newport to Brecon. The canal was built as a link from Brecon to the Severn Estuary between 1797 and 1812.

For much of its length the canal winds its way through the Brecon Beacons National Park, offering constantly changing landscape and spectacular scenery. Evidence of its original purpose to transport coal, iron-ore and limestone from narrow gauge tramways in the hills can still be seen at the wharfs at Talybont, Llangattock and Llanfoist.

The many aqueducts, locks and lift bridges along the route are a testimony to the architectural and engineering feats of over 200 years ago. There are a good variety of canal side pubs offering fo

Brecon Basin is at the northern extent of the navigable section of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, right in the heart of the delightful town of Brecon.

As well as the shops, pubs and hotels of this busy market town, Brecon is a major tourist base for those wishing to explore the National Park and its surrounding attractions - including the book town of Hay-on-Wye, Abergavenny, Crickhowell, the World Heritage Site at Blaenavon (including the Big Pit Mining Museum and Ironworks), the Brecon Mountain Railway at Merthyr Tydfil and the border castles and historic houses including those at Tretower, Whitecastle and Grosmontod & drink.

CANAL CYCLE ROUTE
Pedal along one of the most beautiful canals on the network, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, from Brecon to Brynich, or take advantage of the Newtown Traffic Free Cycle Route and see the sights of the River Severn as well as the now in filled Montgomery Canal.

Taff Trail to Brynich Lock Cycle Route - Good for Families with Younger Children
This traffic free section of the Taff Trail, starts from the car park at the Brecon Canal Basin and follows the well-surfaced tow path of the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal for 3 easy miles down to its first lock at Brynich.

WALKING THE CANAL
The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is one of the most beautiful in the country and attracts walkers from far afield. The surroundings are rural and picturesque with good pubs along the way and the northern section of the towpath forms part of the Taff Trail – which links Cardiff and the valleys to Brecon.

Brecon Canal Walking Routes - A range of walks
The towpath offers walkers a gentle walking experience through some very pretty countryside. British Waterways has produced a booklet containing information on walks along the canal towpath which highlight some of the points of interest along the way, which can be obtained from tourist information centres.

A number of well described, accessible canal-side walks are listed at the website link website. A fantastic short route (500metres) starts at Theatr Brycheiniog and passes interpretation boards, community art projects and a picnic area with a reconstruction of a horse-drawn Hay Railway tram on a short length track.

Information on easier access points across the National Park including the canal are available and contact the Brecon Tourism Information Centre

WILDLIFE AROUND THE CANAL
You'll find all sorts of wildlife on Britain's canals and rivers - from common sights such as mallards and moorhens, to the more shy and retiring residents of the riverbank, like the otter and water vole. And the good news is that half of the UK population live within five miles of the waterways, so there's nothing to stop you taking a walk along the towpath and spotting some waterside wildlife.

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