Canal Boat Holiday Destinations from Goytre in South Wales
Our Goytre Wharf narrow boat hire base is on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal (Mon & Brec), near Abergavenny.
The 36-mile long Mon & Brec Canal runs from Brecon Basin to Five Locks at Cwmbrn. The canal follows the line of the beautiful Usk Valley through the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. There are just six locks on the Mon & Brec, and one short tunnel.
There are a series of fascinating restored lime kilns along the canal at Watton, Llangattock and Goytre, a legacy of the canal’s industrial past.
Three-night destinations from Goytre
Llangynidr and back (32 miles, 0 locks, 13 hours)
Following the winding contours of this canal through wooded scenery. You’ll soon pass Llanellen to the east, and to the west there are spectacular views of the hills. At Llanfoist you can moor up and walk 2 miles into Abergavenny, famous for the quality of its restaurants and the local produce served. Abergavenny also has plenty of shops, a museum, a castle and bike hire. From Llanfoist, you can also follow the line of the old tramway into the Black Mountains. Continuing on, Llangattock is a good place to moor to explore the Brecon Beacons and there’s a choice of pubs, including the Horseshoe Inn and the Vine Tree.
From Llangattock, you can walk to the little market town of Crickhowell, home of Crickhowell Castle. Cruising on, when you reach Llangynidr, turn around before the locks and moor up to visit the Coach & Horses pub. Or you can take a 20 minute walk to The Red Lion.
Four-night destinations from Goytre
Talybont-on-Usk and back (39 miles, 10 locks, 18 hours)
Follow the 3-night route to Llangynidr and continue cruising on through the Usk Valley. Just beyond Llangynidr are five locks and soon after you’ll go through the 375-yard long Ashford Tunnel. Turn the boat around at Talybont-on-Usk just before the aqueduct which passes over the Caerfanell River. Talybont has a village store and the Star Inn.
7-night destinations from Goytre
Brecon Basin and back (51 miles, 12 locks, 24.5 hours)
Follow the 4-night route to Talybont-on-Usk and continue cruising through the beautiful Usk Valley. At Pencelli, you’ll find the ruins of Pencelli Castle and the canalside Royal Oak pub. Continuing on, you’ll soon reach the four-arched Brynich Aqueduct carrying the canal over the River Usk. Mountain views and pretty houses and gardens then lead you into Brecon Basin. This market town is home to Theatre Brycheiniog, Brecon Cathedral, Brecknock Museum and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh. Take time to explore the many winding streets, and discover a choice of places to eat and shop, including the Wellington pub, a 10 minute walk from the canal, Llanfaes Dairy selling locally produced ice creams and sorbets and St. Marys Bakery.
