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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 21 to 28.
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.
Abergavenny
Llanfoist Wharf is a picturesque corner of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, deep in the foothills of the Blorenge Mountain above Abergavenny.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pontypool
Medieval church first mentioned in c1100 but likely 14th century in origin.
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