Many of our guests tell us that walks along the canal are one of the most pleasurable parts of their holiday and it’s no surprise really when you see all that the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal has to offer.
The canal is a perfect way to explore the diverse scenery of the local area, the views are quite simply stunning. The straight and level paths are perfect for bikes, pushchairs and people that have mobility issues. What could be better than strolling along with varying scenes from ancient forests to rolling hills without having to navigate steep inclines, declines or changing terrain?
Nature lovers will be spoilt for choice as the wildlife along the canal is vast and varied. Birds are plentiful, ducks, kingfishers, buzzards, red kite, swans, herons and rumour has it an osprey! (and not just the Kingfisher, Buzzard, Kite, Heron & Osprey amongst our fleet!) You will notice many bird watchers along the way.
There are stoats, foxes, otters, water voles and bats as the forestry alongside the canal not only looks beautiful but provides the habitat needed for these mammals to thrive. We were quite shocked to see the stoat creep along the dock at Beacon Park Boats one sunny spring day!
Butterflies and dragonflies are common along the banks of the canal and can be seen dancing across the flowers that are dotted along the towpath throughout the warmer months of the year.
The wildflowers range from lady smock, cowslips, and bluebells. Huge rhododendrons bring splashes of bright purple to the otherwise bright green banks. Speaking of the bright green banks, with the ferns and varied tree varieties that grace the canal you sometimes get the feel that you are on the edge of a wild jungle, not in South Wales! There's also a giant redwood tree which is quite hard to miss.
If you are interested in history then there is something for you too! There are so many great historical sights along the canal that are still standing and that's without the actual canal itself. These places may have been converted or are remains now but with a bit of imagination you can be transported back in time to the hustle and bustle of a busy working canal at the heart of South Wales’ industries.
The South Wales Valleys were blessed with raw materials like iron ore, coal, timber and limestone. Transporting these heavy goods was expensive and slow by packhorse. When demand rapidly grew for these goods a group of wealthy businessmen started plans to build a canal. This was in 1792, and as they say, the rest is history!
By 1794 construction on the canal began and vast numbers of locals became workmen. They were called “navigators” as they were building a navigation. This was soon to be shortened to “navvies”
The canal became a vital part of these industries and networks of tramroads and buildings were built around this essential part of the infrastructure.
There are countless points of interest along the canal such as Llangynidr Locks, Goytre Wharf, Llanfoist Wharf, The Ashford Tunnel and Brynich Aqueduct to name but a few. We highly recommend the book 200 years of The Monmouthshire and The Brecknock & Abergavenny Canals, available to purchase from us at Beacon Park Boats if you want to know more and delve into the history of the canal in depth.
There is something about the canal that somehow magically slows the pace of life and immerses you in a calming and tranquil environment. What better place to get some gentle exercise whatever your fitness level and take in some spectacular views, marvel at the local wildlife and get to know the rich history of the area.
And what could be better than doing all of this with the added joy of a luxury canal boat to explore in and retreat to after a perfect day of immersing yourself in your interests with loved ones or friends.
Take a look at our fleet of five star boats or pick a date and see what we have to offer.