Bush in foreground canal and boats in background on a summer sunny day

Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Read this page in Welsh / Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

Meandering through the Welsh countryside the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is one of our most beautiful and peaceful waterways following the line of the Usk Valley through the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, or Mon & Brec for short lies in our Wales and South West region, and is a true hidden gem. A haven for wildlife and a favourite with nature-lovers, walkers and cyclists. The northern section forms part of the Taff Trail Long Distance Footpath, a 55 mile route that can be walked or cycled, starting at Brecon Basin and ending in Cardiff.

The navigable section of the canal runs for approx. 36 miles from Brecon to Five Locks, Cwmbran.

Boats moored on the offside of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, opposite sunny fields and hills

Boating the Mon & Brec Canal

All you need to know about boating the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Things to do on the Mon & Brec Canal

A favourite with holiday boaters, there are loads of activities to enjoy on this beautiful canal. Relax on a boat trip, take in the local heritage, there are lime kilns and old workings from our industrial heritage that can be seen all along its length, spot wildlife, buzzards, red kites, herons and dragonflies.

The Mon & Brecon at Govilon

Go fishing in Govilon, one of our top 10 fishing spots

Lime kiln openings blocked by iron bars and built up plantlife

The Limekilns Trail

By foot or by bike, this trail takes in three historic limekilns along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

3.2km linear Step by Step walk at Goytre Wharf

Starting at Goytre Wharf, this linear walk to Pentre Bridge is 3.2km long or 2 miles

3.5km Step by Step walk from Brecon Basin

Starting at Brecon Basin this linear walk to Brynich Aqueduct is 3.5km or 2.2 miles long

A canal scene with wildflowers and houses on the offside

5km Step by Step walk at Pontymoile Basin

Starting from Pontymoile Basin, this linear walk to Five Locks Basin is just under 5km or 3 miles

Places to visit on the Mon & Brec Canal

Enjoy a family day out to the wonderful sites of Brecon Basin, Llangynidr locks or Goytre Wharf, with its historic limekilns or pop in for a snack at Pontymoile or any of the numerous canal side pubs or cafes.

Looking down at moored boats on a rural section of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

History of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Discover more about the history and restoration of this scenic canal

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Down to the sea

Down to the sea is a new partnership between the Trust and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. A series of walking routes have been created suitable for families and will allow children to positively engage with the industrial past. To help, Down to the sea (Welsh version) features a number of exciting short animated videos that reveal the historic story of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

Where does the water come from?

The beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs alongside the River Usk for much of its length. The northern part of the canal is fed by the River Usk at Brecon. The water is taken from the river and piped under the town to the canal. The water in the lower parts of the canal is supplemented by five feeders (diverted streams) running off the Brecon Beacons. The southern most water source is Trosnant Spring an artesian well bringing water in the canal at Pontypool.

The canal runs around steep hills, so after heavy rain it can fill very quickly. We have plans in place to keep it topped up in dry weather, and to allow it to drain safely after prolonged rain.

The River Usk is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the water we take is carefully controlled to maintain the flow and ecology of the river.