We're delighted to see that some very special pubs in our area are ranked among the best in the UK, according to the latest edition of the AA's Pub Guide 2020. Well done to the teams who provide great beer and good food in these lovely settings.

Two are within walking distance of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and shouldn't be missed during your boating holiday.

Moor up in Talybont-on-Usk and it's just a 2-minute stroll to The Usk Inn which was established in the 1840s when the canal was a hive of industrial activity.

They've been welcoming visitors at The Bear since 1432. Loved by locals and tourists alike, it's at the heart of Crickhowell which is a 20-30 minute stroll from the canal.

 If you're staying in our cottages, you can venture to the following more rural pubs during your holiday or perhaps on your way home.

Take a look at our other suggestions.   

Local pubs in the AA Pub Guide 2020

We are proud to announce that, in 2019, the newest member of our fleet will be our first hybrid diesel-electric narrowboat, Coot With accommodation for four guests in a double/twin bedroom and double sofabed, Coot has the same layout as our other new narrowboatHobby. But that’s where the similarity ends.

Over the past ten years we have kept a close eye on developments in automotive technology, with the aim of building an electric boat that can cruise the canal without customers fretting about reaching the next charging point. While suitable technology, similar to that used in Tesla cars, has recently been developed for boats, we think it comes at a cost that would make holiday hire unaffordable. However, we are impressed with latest hybrid technologies and decided that our newest narrowboat should be a hybrid diesel-electric with solar panels on the roof.

Unlike some electric narrowboats which can be recharged only at designated points on a canal, Coot recharges her batteries continuously while you are cruising. Set off in the morning cruising on (virtually silent) electric power then, after a lunch stop, switch the power source. The batteries recharge as you continue cruising so you’ve plenty of power for the next morning and you can moor up for the night wherever you fancy. 

a canopied front deck, a wood burning stove, an additional loo, a spacious shower room and a large kitchen. With a bedroom that can be made up with a double bed or two single beds, and a sofa in the lounge which converts to a double bed, Coot provides flexible accommodation for groups of friends and families of all ages. And she has 'green' appeal.

Keep an eye on our blog for progress on this exciting project!

Hybrid electric boat launches in 2019

We are delighted that our local town, Crickhowell, has been shortlisted for the Great British High Street Awards. Please show your support by posting on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #MYHIGHSTREET and #GBHSCrickhowell to register a vote.

The high street is looking smarter than ever - ready for the judges who will be in town on Thursday 25th October.

Here are some of the reasons why Crickhowell is on the shortlist:

Crickhowell brings the community together with its Totally Locally campaign, where over 100 shops and businesses run initiatives to boost local spending and connect with the community.

Crickhowell is proud of the fiercely independent nature of the shops on its high street and recently residents, visitors and retailers came together to buy and renovate a local pub to maintain this ethos.

Crickhowell also has the first Zero Waste shop in Wales, which acts as a focal point for coordinating the community’s sustainability efforts.

Businesses in Crickhowell work together to promote each other on social media to benefit the high street as a whole.

If you haven't already visited this gorgeous town, it's a must for your next holiday. Find out more. 

Crickhowell shortlisted for award

From 24 March 2018 you can hire an electric boat from our wharf at Llangattock, and explore this particularly beautiful section of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal for a half day or a full day. 

Our electric boats seat up to six adults, two children and two dogs. Advance booking is recommended, to ensure that you get your preferred day and time. Just call 01873 858227 to check availability and make a booking.

It's the perfect, relaxed day out for all ages. You are welcomed to our wharf by a member of staff and shown to your boat. No experience is needed, as the boats are very easy to steer and you will be able to watch an instructional video before setting off for guidance. And if the weather turns a little chilly, simply pull up the rainproof cover and you're sitting inside.

From our wharf, head north and you can reach Llangynidr with its pubs. Or cruise south towards Gilwern and Govilon with stunning views across the Usk valley towards the Sugar Loaf mountain above Abergavenny. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, from herons waiting to catch their fish supper to red kites soaring overhead, while along the way you'll pass sheep, horses and cows in neighbouring fields.

Why not stop at a canalside pub for refreshment or take a picnic with you? You can moor up almost anywhere along the Mon and Brec canal so you might like to bring a picnic rug. We recommend calling into Crickhowell before you arrive at our wharf so you can buy some items for your picnic from the lovely independent shops in the town.

Electric day boats join the narrowboat fleet at Llangattock

5 little-known facts about Llangattock

Mallard is on her way

Guest blog: Kate's Country School

Wren is ahead of the curve

The Arts are Alive in Crickhowell

This year we’re building two new boats, Kingfisher and Wren, bringing our fleet up to 17. Here’s a look behind the scenes at some of the work that went into making Kingfisher.

After the boat is insulated and the first fix electrics are in place, the painted ceiling goes up.

The ceiling paintwork is carefully masked ready for the wood trim to be varnished.

Our supremely talented carpenter, Jeff, takes rough planks of walnut, oak and ash.....

…and turns them into sublime interiors for our narrowboats.

Each boat has a Shire 40 diesel engine (using a Yanmar 4 cylinder block which has been marinised by Barrus, for use in marine applications).

And we use this hoist to carefully place it into the engine bay.

And, of course, we carefully paint the engine bay before we install the engine.

Sarah is responsible for the glossy green and cream exterior paintwork.

We spray each boat in our purpose-built paint booth – shown here with the sides rolled up.

Kingfisher has large, opening, double-glazed windows.

Once the paintwork is properly cured we fit the brass fittings, including the mushroom air vents, and pole and boarding plank supports on the roof.

Finally, she’s ready to have her nameplate attached. Kingfisher is the longest name so her nameplate is the largest in the fleet.

Now, Kingfisher is cruising the canal and we're taking bookings for 2018. Check Kingfisher’s availability.

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