The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

The Monmouthshire and Brecon canal hugs the mountainside above the valley of the River Usk. This is one of the most scenic canal routes in Britain. It runs for a total of 32 miles (51.5 km) through idyllic scenery in the National Park between Brecon and Pontypool. Through the four seasons there a fine views and an abundance of wildlife to be seen.

The full length of the canal towpath is a public footpath. During its passage through the National Park it features six locks and several public houses are to be found adjacent to the canal enroute. 200 Years of History - Travel on this historical waterway, a fantastic feat of engineering, built before roads and railways.

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.

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.