Introduction

Visit bustling local towns and charming villages all within walking distance of the canal, each offering a tantalising range of food, drink and locally-made gifts through independent cafés and shops.

Cruise along the beautiful still waters of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. This stunning, 36-mile long waterway is regarded as the UK's most picturesque, rising unusually high above the valley floor and offering amazing views of the countryside. Separate from the rest of the UK canal network, it remains tranquil and uncrowded, passing through truly spectacular scenery.

This stunning, 36-mile long waterway is regarded as the UK's most picturesque, rising unusually high above the valley floor and offering amazing views of the countryside. Separate from the rest of the UK canal network, it remains tranquil and uncrowded, passing through truly spectacular scenery.

Rich in heritage and wildlife, the Mon and Brec (as it's known locally) forms part of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site and the Brecon Beacons National Park. If you want to explore further than your boat allows, the national park has hundreds of miles of accessible footpaths with walks to suit all abilities.

Tantalising range of food, drink and locally-made gifts through independent cafés and shops.

Wake up to a different view every morning and stargaze by night with some of the highest quality dark skies in the UK. The Brecon Beacons was the fifth destination in the world to be named an International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association.

We are proud to offer the finest narrowboat holidays in a world class location. Our passion for luxury, our attention to detail and our exceptional personalised service set us apart.


Explore the canal


Locations nearby

Abergavenny
Abergavenny
Brecon Beacons
Brecon Beacons
Crickhowell
Crickhowell
Pen y Fan
Pen y Fan

Canal History

Two canals were planned for this part of Wales and a decision was made to link them at Pontymoile Basin, near Pontypool.
The two arms of the Monmouthshire Canal (from Newport to Pontnewynydd and Newport to Crumlin) were opened.
The Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal (from Brecon to Pontymoile) was fully open. The canals linked with over 200 miles of horse-drawn tramroads.
The canals were purchased by Great Western Railway and became known as the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Trade on the canal had virtually ceased. The Monmouthshire stretch was to be badly affected by road and bridge building.
The Inland Waterways Association was campaigning to restore the canal.
The canal was reopened to navigation from Brecon to Pontymoile.
An additional 2-mile stretch reopened to Five Locks, Cwmbran.

Canal map

Canal map

The perfect companion to your canal holiday

Alasdair Kirkpatrick (of Beacon Park Boats) and local artist and historian, Michael Blackmore, document the canal's past in their fascinating book, 200 Years of the Monmouthshire and the Brecknock & Abergavenny Canals. Detailed illustrations and insightful commentary describe the significance of the Mon & Brec in the area's industrial past as well as its key position today in the Brecon Beacons National Park and Blaenavon World Heritage Site.

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Book