Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Affectionately known as the ‘Mon & Brec’ it’s considered by many to be Britain’s most picturesque canal, and for much of its length it lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park. This waterway is a great testimony to the skill of the 19^th century engineer Thomas Dadford, Junior who designed the canal to hug the mountainside high above the Usk valley.

The canal also forms part of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, which also boasts Big Pit National Coal Museum, Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, Blaenavon World Heritage Visitor Centre and Blaenavon Ironworks.

Formed in 1812 when the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal joined with the Monmouthshire Canal to transport coal, iron and limestone to the busy port of Newport and other towns in South Wales and the Midlands.

Today the canal offers stunning views, and peace and tranquillity, and is the perfect base for exploring the area.

Unlike many canals the Mon & Brec has trees along much of its length and an array of wildflowers on its banks. A colourful nature trail in every season, the canal is a diverse wildlife habitat, home to an impressive array of historical industrial architecture, a long distance path for walkers and cyclists, a pleasant route for exploring in a day boat or kayak, and a narrowboat holiday destination passing through pretty villages with canalside pubs.

Download a guide to the Monmouthshire section of the Mon & Brec canal