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Affectionately known as the ‘Mon & Brec’, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is 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 19th 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
Things to see & do along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
Number of results: 28
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Abergavenny
This grade 2 listed cottage is situated within Goytre Wharf. When it was built it housed the weighbridge and offices to weigh the loads carried by horse and carts which were ”on and off loading” to the canal boats at the wharf nearby.
Abergavenny
Goytre Hall Wood is 3.5 hectares of gently undulating broad-leaved woodland, set amongst a similarly flowing farmscape of small fields and woods
Govilon
The Tumble (also known as The Keepers) is a cycling climb near Abergavenny which heads up The Blorenge mountain from Govilon in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It is 5km in length with a consistent 10% incline for the first…
Llanfoist, Abergavenny
2.8 mile walk along the cycle track to Govilon and back along the canal.
Abergavenny
Llanfoist Wharf is a picturesque corner of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, deep in the foothills of the Blorenge Mountain above Abergavenny.
Llanfoist, Abergavenny
Llanfoist Crossing parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Nearby Sunday 2k junior parkrun events for 4 to 14 year olds and their families
Abergavenny
Three Mountains Luxury Retreats is set in the medieval Goytre Hall, which has been recently refurbished. Guests can stay in three luxury bed & breakfast suites, or our self catered loft room.
Pontypool
Medieval church first mentioned in c1100 but likely 14th century in origin.
Goytre, Abergavenny
A gentle 1.8 mile walk taking in woodland and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal at Goytre Wharf, south of Abergavenny.
Crickhowell
5-star boating holidays on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in the Brecon Beacons. Luxurious beds, exquisite shower rooms, high-spec kitchens, central heating & bow thrusters for easy boat handling. Boats sleep 2-7 people. Dogs welcome.
Abergavenny
The Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust (MBACT) is a local charity focusing on restoring the Mon & Brec canal for its entire length. The Trust operates 2 community trip boats from the popular Goytre Wharf. The boats normally run at…
Llanover
Canal boats offer something different from your usual holiday. Reach levels of peace and quiet you could’ve only imagined with this seven-night trip through the Welsh countryside.
Penperlleni, Pontypool
Baffle Haus is a motor inspired coffee shop, kitchen, retail and event space on the main carriageway of the A4042, just outside of Abergavenny.
Abergavenny
The Bridge Inn at Llanfoist, known as “The Bridge” is a small privately owned pub perched on the banks of the Usk river, easy to find, and just 1/2 mile from the ancient town of Abergavenny, often referred to as “The Gateway of Wales”.
Govilon
Govilon Activity Centre is a non-profit Outdoor Education Centre and Accommodation Venue in South Wales. We have been operating proudly for more than 45 years.
Llanfoist, Abergavenny
The site is a pedestrian and cycle access point to the old Railway Line and by foot to the Iron Mountain Trail from Llanfoist Wharf through the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site.
Abergavenny
Goytre Wharf is a 200 year old industrial heritage site that includes a busy visitor centre and marina on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Church Lane, Abergavenny
Wharfinger's Cottage is a stylish holiday home that abuts the canal, as it was home to the manager of the wharf in the 19th Century. It sleeps 6 in 3-bedrooms.
Gilwern
For a break that offers real relaxation, try a narrow boat holiday on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, within the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park.
Church Lane, Abergavenny
Incline Cottage is a romanic larch-clad cottage with a wooded background and canal sde terrace. Sleeps two.
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