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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.
Gilwern
Come and experience the beautiful Monmouthshire and Brecon canal on one of our five narrowboats. It is an unhurried self catering holiday for anyone who enjoys wildlife, natural surroundings and local heritage. It suits active visitors, both…
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.
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
Llanfoist, Abergavenny
1.6 mile walk along the canal and return by path and minor road.
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
2.8 mile walk along the cycle track to Govilon and back along the canal.
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.
Pontypool
Medieval church first mentioned in c1100 but likely 14th century in origin.
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…
Abergavenny
Whether you're a hiker, biker or nature-lover, our Premier Inn Abergavenny hotel is great for a short break.
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.
Church Lane, Abergavenny
Incline Cottage is a romanic larch-clad cottage with a wooded background and canal sde terrace. Sleeps two.
Goytre, Abergavenny
A gentle 1.8 mile walk taking in woodland and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal at Goytre Wharf, south of Abergavenny.
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.
Abergavenny
3 mile walk through Llanover Park and return on lanes and the canal towpath.
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
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
Sat alongside the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal at Goytre Wharf, Penelope’s Café is an ideal stop for tasty food and refreshing drinks with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Church Lane, Abergavenny
Dry Dock Cottage is a relaxing stay on the banks of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal with a cinema snug, roll-top bath and king-size bed. It sleeps two.
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.
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