Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal - Crosskeys and Risca

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is a small network of canals in South Wales.

For most of its 35-mile (56 km) length it runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park, and its present rural character and tranquillity belies its original purpose as an industrial corridor for coal and iron, which were brought to the canal by a network of tramways and/or railroads, many of which were built and owned by the canal company.

The "Mon and Brec" was originally two independent canals - the Monmouthshire Canal from Newport to Pontymoile Basin (including the Crumlin Arm) and the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal running from Pontymoile to Brecon. Both canals were abandoned in 1962, but the Brecknock and Abergavenny route and a small section of the Monmouthshire route have been reopened since 1970. Much of the rest of the original Monmouthshire Canal is the subject of a restoration plan, which includes the construction of a new marina at the Newport end of the canal.

Now visitors can enjoy a stroll along the banks of the canal through Risca and Crosskeys, which Route 47 of the National Cycle Network runs along.

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting a variety of species along the canal. Kingfishers and herons have been seen on the canal.

At Darren Road, Risca, overlooking the canal is the delightful 'Whysom's Wharf' Caravan park and Tea Rooms.

Caerphilly County Borough Council have carried out improvements to the tow path with tar-mac surfaces. This provides fully accessible tow paths for wheel chair users and pushchairs.