Monmouthshire at 4mph

MEANDER leisurely along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in a narrowboat and you will most likely spot a haven of wildlife from herons to mallards, dragonflies and kingfishers.

Narrowboat hire companies in Monmouthshire have seen a surge in bookings this year due to Covid restrictions for both day cruises and longer holidays.

Often voted Britain’s prettiest canal, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is 35 miles long.  It boasts panoramic views across the valley, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The 200 year-old waterway, which features six locks, a tunnel and aquaduct, passes through several villages in Monmouthshire and our neighbouring Powys, including LLanfoist, Govilon, Gilwern, Llangattock and Talybont-on-Usk.

Originally two separate canals, the Monmouthshire canal ran from Newport to Pontymoile Basin, and the the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal ran from Pontymoile to Brecon. The two were linked at Pontymoile by 1812.

For a short break or even a day trip, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, offers beautiful scenery and a peace and tranquility that is hard to beat.

Between Llangynidr and Talybont-on-Usk is the longest tunnel on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, the Ashford Tunnel. The tunnel is around 343 metres long and an experience you should not miss, just remember to keep you head down.

As well as relaxing on the water you can also utilise the towpath for a long walk or a bicycle ride. The majority of the canal has a well kept towpath that makes them accessible all year around. Around Monmouthshire there are various places to park your car if you fancy a walk in particular Goytre Wharf and LLanfoist are the perfect to park your car for a few hours.