Beacon Park Boats

Find Your Dream Narrowboat Holiday In The Brecon Beacons

Our 5-star narrowboats.

Cruise along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in luxury. You'll find that Beacon Park narrowboats are extra special with our entire fleet awarded a 5-star grading by Visit Britain. Designed and made by us, each boat is unique in its own way, providing you with those additional touches that make for a holiday of a lifetime.

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Self-drive boats

Self-drive boats

Map & canal guide

Map & canal guide

It’s all happening now…

It’s all happening now…

We’ve got a very busy weekend ahead, it’s good to see the sun out, blue sky and we look …

Getting the canal ready for the new season

Getting the canal ready for the new season

Repairing canals is a major civil-engineering task, as we have witnessed from Beacon Park …

Looking forward to 2022 at Beacon Park Boats

Looking forward to 2022 at Beacon Park Boats

Spring 2022 and the reopening of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal to hire boats may …

Day boats

Hire an electric dayboat, cycle boat or canoe from our wharf at Llangattock and explore at your leisure. Stop off for lunch at a canalside pub or visit picturesque villages with their independent shops and cafes. Available April to October.

Houseboats

Discover the romance of life afloat during winter and spring when the canal is at its most tranquil. Owl and Grouse are permanently moored as houseboats at our wharf in Llangattock from November to March.

Check out our brochure

Checkout our brochure

For more great reasons to book your canal holiday with us simply download our brochure or request a printed copy.

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The Best Way to See Wales Is by Canal Boat — Here's How to Plan Your Trip

On a watery journey through Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales, learn to let fate take the wheel.

brecon beacons canal boat trip

Courtesy of Country Craft Narrowboats

“Slower!” my partner, Alex, yelled from the footpath beside the canal I was barreling down. His warm Welsh accent and deliberate tone almost masked the panic in his voice. 

In response, I promptly pushed the wrong lever forward and ran our 45-foot-long narrowboat full speed into the metal underhang of the drawbridge Alex had just cranked open. Luckily, full speed on this vessel is about four miles per hour. Still, metal hitting metal produced a resounding bang, stopping a small crowd of passersby in their tracks. Nothing like an American taking the wheel in the U.K. 

“Really… slowly,” Alex repeated. Beside me, my golden retriever, Cali, eyed the shore as though she might abandon ship.

Courtesy of Nina Ruggiero

For our three-day canal trip through Brecon Beacons National Park , in South Wales, we had rented the boat from Country Craft Narrowboats in the village of Llangynidr. Alex grew up about 30 miles away, and often went fishing and camping in the area with his family. Our boat, Country Girl, had a double bed with plaid bedding, a full kitchen, a lounge and dining area, a bathroom with a shower, and a deck big enough for two camping chairs, where we would sit with our morning coffees while ducks paddled beside us. 

Our 20-mile round-trip took us along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, from Llangyndir to the town of Brecon and back. We floated past rural villages, sheep-filled pastures, and the red sandstone peaks of the Brecon Beacons, the mountain range for which the park is named. We followed a map of canal-side pubs , mooring up overnight so we could easily retire to our boat after dinner for a game of cards or go straight to sleep in our cozy floating home. 

Our days were spent in blissful solitude. For hours at a time, we soaked in the sights and sounds of the park, sometimes stopping for a stroll or picnic.

After a wet, windy day of lifting and lowering canal locks and maneuvering out of mudbanks, no place embodies a cwtch (the Welsh word for a cuddle, hug, or small, safe space) quite like a warm pub. We often pulled up — hair drenched, clothes dirty, damp dog in tow — and were welcomed with open arms. After stopping at the Royal Oak , in the village of Pencelli, it wasn’t long before we received a call that our boat had come loose and was floating mid-canal; Alex ran out into the rain to fetch it. Sitting by the fire with a glass of Brecon Gin — a Welsh spirit that’s distilled with water from the national park — helped take the edge off.

More Trip Ideas: 16 Fairy-tale Castles in Wales to Inspire Your Next Trip

Naturally, we celebrated our halfway point in Brecon with to-go gins with all the trimmings — rosemary sprigs, grapefruit slices, and black peppercorns — from Hop In Beer & Gin House . Later that evening we docked near Three Horseshoes Inn , a hilltop gastropub in Groesffordd, and feasted on braised leeks, pork belly, and Cornish monkfish inside a wooden beach hut in the back garden.

Other than mingling with a few volunteer lock keepers — who graciously walked me through operating the locks along the rest of our path while Alex steered the tiller (we learn from our mistakes) — our days were spent in blissful solitude. For hours at a time, we soaked in the sights and sounds of the park, sometimes stopping for a stroll or picnic. When the rain came, as it did each day, we would comically jump into survival mode, grabbing our waterproof gear and shouting directions, our voices lost in the wind as we teamed up to haphazardly guide our ship to safety.

Somewhere within that contrast of peace and adrenaline, I gained a deeper understanding of the fondness with which Alex always speaks of his childhood trips to the Brecon Beacons. His deep-rooted positivity and enthusiasm for the everyday, which felt so refreshingly foreign to me when I first met him, suddenly made sense: if the Welsh didn’t learn to dance in the rain, they wouldn’t have much time to dance at all. 

Canal Cruising in Wales

The six barges offered by Country Craft Narrowboats have all the comforts of home. Available March–October.

Pubs to Visit

The coach & horses inn, llangynidr.

Find traditional ales at this 16th-century inn’ s casual bar and sophisticated, seafood-forward takes on pub grub in its dining room, including fish pie with saffron mash and roasted cod loin with pea and mint purée.

White Hart Inn, Talybont on Usk

Just off the Taff Trail, re-fuel after a hike or cycle with a traditional Sunday roast or a hearty steak and ale pie, lamb shank, or chili con carne accompanied by a wide selection of local cask beers and gins.

The Royal Oak, Pencelli

Home-cooked classics including gammon and eggs, fish and chips, and chicken curry are best enjoyed in this family-run pub's waterfront beer garden on sunny days and inside by the open fire on rainy ones.

The Three Horseshoes Inn, Groesffordd

Seasonal gastropub fare like venison haunch with turnip and crispy kale; pork belly with granny smith apple and braised shallots; and charred braised leek with nori seaweed emulsion is served in garden beach huts so patrons can enjoy the hilltop view in any weather.

Hop In Beer & Gin House, Brecon

Opened in 2020, Hop In serves craft beer from “progressive breweries” and gin from all over the world alongside tapas made with ingredients from local purveyors, including traditional lamb cawl with Welsh cheddar; mussels in white wine, garlic, and leek; and confit of duck leg with spring onion and ginger croquettes.

To explore Wales more deeply, contact Nicola Butler , a T+L A-List advisor who plans trips throughout the country, including hidden gems like the Pembrokeshire coast. Email: [email protected].

A version of this story first appeared in the December 2022/January 2023 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Tales of the Riverbank ."

brecon beacons canal boat trip

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Plan Your Day Trip

Enjoy a relaxing day out cruising the beautiful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal as it winds its way through the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Choose from an easy-to-drive electric day boat, an even more eco-friendly two-person bike boat, or an Indian Canoe. All are available to hire from Beacon Park Boats.

Get up close to wildlife and enjoy spectacular views as one of Britain’s most scenic waterways meanders along the mountainsides lining the Usk Valley.

Our electric boats are very quiet, and you can glide along listening to the birds singing and the water rippling above the steady thrum of the propeller turning.

Even quieter is our bike boat and our canoes. Both are stable, easy to handle and use.

We have different-sized boats to suit all parties, and you can book more than one boat at a time. Dogs and children are very welcome on board.

Your day trip begins at 10 am when you are offered life jackets and given a safety brief aboard your boat. Our electric day boats are easy to drive, with a steering wheel and hand forward/reverse hand throttle. It’s great fun, and you’re sure to learn something new. And don’t worry, there are no locks to navigate on our section of the canal.

Turn left and head north out of Beacon Park Boat’s base in Llangattock and you can cruise along the tree-lined elevated section of the canal with views out to Table Mountain and Crickhowell. Stop for a picnic or, alternatively, a 2.5-hour ride will bring you to Llangynidr Locks. Moor up there, leaving room for the canal boats passing through the locks, and walk a short distance over the bridge to the Coach and Horses pub. Here, you can enjoy a selection of Real Ales and beautifully prepared locally sourced food, served in the canal-side garden or amongst the oak beams of this historic coaching inn.  Click on the button below to view the route North.

View Map going North

Turn right and head south along the canal and you will enjoy the more open countryside of the middle reaches of the Usk Valley, with spectacular views across open fields towards Sugarloaf Mountain. Pass a Giant Redwood tree, feed the ducks, spot the wildlife and stop for a picnic. If you fancy a pub lunch, the Towpath Inn at Gilwern is within reach. Here, they serve ales, coffee and tea, ice cream and a range of freshly cooked meals, served indoors or out, right next to the canal towpath. Click on the button below to view the route North.

View Map going South

Top speed on the canal is 2.5 miles an hour and cruising gently in either direction leaves enough time, and battery to get back in time for 5 pm when all boats must be returned. You can turn round moor up anywhere as long as you avoid private moorings and don’t cause an obstruction to the waterway.

All our boats are equipped with mooring pins and ropes in case you want to stop and wander and a pole for pushing off again. Our electric boats all have rain covers in case of inclement weather, but you should also bring waterproofs and warm clothing with you.

It’s a great day out, a new experience, a chance to relax, slow down and enjoy the scenery; electric day boat hire from Beacon Park Boats.

Please book online.  We also ask that you leave your car keys with us while cruising. We will keep them locked away safely until you return.

Things to take with you

Some of these things might seem really obvious but we know people who’ve forgotten them!

  • Flask of tea/coffee, bottled water, cakes and snacks
  • Warm clothing and waterproofs, in case it turns cold or wet
  • Sensible footwear
  • Sun cream and hats
  • Cushions for anyone who wants a softer seat
  • Money, if you intend stopping at one of the canalside pubs
  • You’ll be given and Canal and River Trust key which gives you access to toilets along the route (look out for the signs).

Jonathan & Camilla, Cambrian Cruisers, Ty Newydd, Pencelli, Brecon LD3 7LJ   |     Tel: 01874 665315   |        Email us

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We are now taking bookings for our 2024 season!!! Check our online availability for prices.

Stunning scenery, relaxing holidays

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           , why choose cambrian cruisers for your holiday.

  • We are a family run canal boat business operating for over 25 years offering our guests the highest standard of service and quality that they deserve.
  • Our Marina base is the only canal boat holiday hire company located at the Northern end of the canal nestled in the foothills of Penyfan in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
  • Our luxury canal boats are all 4 -5 stars on the VB rating. We are constantly reviewing and updating our designs to maintain our impeccable standards.
  • Our fleet of canal holiday boats, range from two to six berth all offering uncompromised levels of comfort and luxury and are all built on site by us!
  • All our prices are fully inclusive with no hidden extras. A full inventory of what is provided is given on ‘Our Boats’ page. Dogs are welcome.
  •  Our team are welcoming and knowledgable in all aspects of the canal and narrowboating holidays.

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Jonathan and Camilla Cambrian Cruisers

Ty Newydd Pencelli Brecon LD3 7LJ

[email protected]

Tel: 01874 665315

Cambrian Cruisers canal boat hire in the Brecon Beacons

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Enjoy cruising the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Self drive boats.

Self Drive Boats based at Brecon Basin on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

  • Launches carry 8 people
  • Plush Seating
  • Picnic Tables Built-in
  • Hire for up to 3 hours
  • Easy Electric Start Motors
  • Tuition Provided
  • Rain Cover in case of poor weather
  • 1 hour: £40
  • 2 hours £50
  • 3 hours: £60

Welcome to Dragon Fly Day Boats!

Spend a delightful few hours cruising through some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain, lying within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The Monmouthshire and Brecon canal hugs the mountainside above the valley of the River Usk. Through the four seasons there a fine views and an abundance of wildlife to be seen.

The launches carry up to eight people and can be hired for up to 3 hours to the lock and return, with landing points at both ends.

The boats have plush seating with picnic tables, the boats are steady in the water with easy to use electric start engines. In case you experience rain, they also have rain covers.

The boats travel through to the lock at Brynich and give a safe steady and relaxing ride, with easy controls. The deeper design also makes it safer for children. Tuition is given at the start of the hire and we are always close to hand in the event of problems.

So come and relax for a morning, afternoon or early evening boat ride and take in the historic beauty that the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal has to offer from our own personal dayboat!

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brecon beacons canal boat trip

It’s Time To Discover The Beauty Of Wales

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The Mon and Brec Canal

Narrow boat cruising out of a lock

Prices and Availability

Narrowboat cruising in the sun

Diesel Narrowboats

Stunning views along the Monmouthshire Canal

Electric Narrowboats

Pets welcome aboard most of our boats

Questions and Answers

Dog enjoying a narrowboat trip

Testimonials

Narrowboats, canal boats & barge holidays in south wales.

Looking for a relaxing canal boat, barge or narrowboat holiday in the beautiful Brecon Beacons, Monmouthshire and South Wales?

Castle Narrowboats have boats to hire for a few days or a few weeks.

See what the Guardian thought about our electric narrowboats by clicking  here

Or see what some of our customers thought by clicking here

See how Tim and Pru got on in 2017 aboard Skenfrith Castle on another Great Canal Journey by clicking here

Tim and Pru on Great Canal Journeys

Grosmont Castle cruising on the Mon & Brec Canal

Canal Locks Explained

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RibRide, Menai Bridge, North Wales

Welsh sightseeing tours by boat

Pick your speed, stately or supercharged, then sit back and enjoy the surroundings along our coasts, canals and rivers. There's a lot to see including puffins, dolphins and the iconic heritage of the Menai Suspension Bridge.

See dolphins in Cardigan Bay

You’ve got a decent chance of spotting Britain’s biggest resident pod of dolphins almost anywhere along  Ceredigion’s southern coast, and there are plenty of  boat trips  for hire. To help support vital conservation work, head for the  Wildlife Trust’s centre in New Quay . They run  survey trips  out into the bay, complete with underwater microphone, so you can eavesdrop on dolphin gossip. Back at base, there’s plenty of information about dolphins, porpoises, seals, whales, sharks, sunfish, turtles, and all the other watery residents of Cardigan Bay.

Dolphin spotting in Cardigan Bay, Mid Wales

brecon beacons canal boat trip

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre

Dolphin Survey Boat Trips

Dolphin Survey Boat Trips

Visit the islands of pembrokeshire.

The cluster of islands in St Bride’s Bay, on the westernmost tip of Wales, are some of the world’s most important places for seabirds. A  boat trip  from Martin’s Haven to  Skomer  and Skokholm islands is especially popular in puffin season (May to July), but there are also seals, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks to spot. A little further out to sea, Grassholm is home to one of the world’s largest gannet colonies, with 40,000 breeding pairs. On the other side of the bay near  St Davids , the lifeboat station at St Justinians makes a gorgeous embarkation point for a trip to the RSPB reserve on  Ramsay Island , crossing a treacherous reef called  The Bitches .

Boat trip to Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, West Wales

Drift down the River Wye

There’s plenty of white-water action in Wales, but here we’re thinking of something rather more leisurely. The  River Wye  is a famously pretty river, and the stretch either side of  Hay-on-Wye  is perfect for gently drifting downstream in an open canoe. The stretch from Glasbury to Hay is a good half-day introduction, although you can spend four or five days doing the whole 100 miles (160km) down to Chepstow: there are  plenty of operators  to choose from.

Canoeing down the River Wye, Monmouthshire, South Wales

Explore the Menai Strait

The Menai Strait is a fascinating place. It’s a geological fault line, filled with weird tides and whirlpools, which separates the mainland from our largest island,  Anglesey . There are plenty of  boat operators  who run trips along the Strait, taking in Thomas Telford’s magnificent  suspension bridge , the various nooks and islets, and the wildlife sanctuary of  Puffin Island . Take an exhilarating  RIB ride  adventure out of Menai Bridge - tours include a high speed Menai Adventure and wildlife trips.

Read more:  Exploring the Menai Strait by boat

RIB ride on the Menai Strait, North Wales

brecon beacons canal boat trip

Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust

Bangor Pier

RibRide Adventure Boats

A trip to ynys enlli.

Off the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, Ynys Enlli, or  Bardsey Island , is apparently the resting place of 20,000 saints, who share this beautiful island with an abundance of wildlife. The  boat trip  over is an adventure in itself: skipper Colin Evans’ family have fished and farmed on the island for centuries, and he turns the trip into a magical history tour and wildlife safari.

Read more:  Living and working as a warden on a Welsh island

Scenes from around Ynys Enlli, North Wales

Tour the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Known locally as the Mon and Brec, the  Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal  follows the Usk Valley through the ravishing scenery of the Brecon Beacons. It has 35 navigable miles (56km), and several options to enjoy them. From March to October,  Dragonfly Cruises  run friendly, wheelchair-accessible narrowboat trips from Brecon. You can also hire narrow boats at various locations along the way, for day-trips or longer breaks.

Read more:  Narrowboat and canal boat holidays in Wales

Dragonfly Cruises narrowboat in front of Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Mid Wales

brecon beacons canal boat trip

Dragonfly Cruises

Princess Katharine

Cardiff Boat Tours

A tour of cardiff bay.

This was once Tiger Bay, the world’s greatest coal port. In the 1990s a barrage was built across the rivers Taff and Ely, creating a vast freshwater lagoon that’s become a playground for water sports. Several boat operators ply their trade here:  Cardiff Boat Tours  and  Aquabus  offer water taxi services up to Bute Park in the city centre, and also sightseeing trips, which are also provided by  Cardiff Cruises  and  The Open Boat . For high-speed thrills,  Bay Island Voyages  run RIB-ride blasts around the Bay, and longer trips out into the open sea and to  Flat Holm Island .

Water taxi on the River Taff, Cardiff, South Wales

Marianne of Manchester

Cardiff Cruises

Exploring the Bay

The Open Boat

Rib in the Cardiff Bay

Bay Island Voyages

brecon beacons canal boat trip

Flat Holm Island

Horse-drawn cruise on llangollen canal.

In Llangollen, you can cruise back in time to an era when a towpath really was a path for towing, rather than for strolling, jogging or haring along on bikes. A trip with the Horse Drawn Boat Company  is a supremely romantic way to relax. After that, switch to a motorised boat – there are  plenty of operators  - to cross the spectacular  Pontcysyllte Aqueduct , which has World Heritage status.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen, North Wales

brecon beacons canal boat trip

Horse Drawn Boat Company

brecon beacons canal boat trip

Gower Coast Adventures

Oxwich Bay

Oxwich Bay Beach

brecon beacons canal boat trip

Rhossili, Worm's Head & Visitor Centre

Explore gower's coast.

You haven’t really seen Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty  if you’ve only explored it on land. Set out to sea in a RIB with an expert guide from  Gower Coast Adventures  and a whole new dimension is revealed, from grassy banks to towering cliffs of textured rock with mysterious, hidden caves. They run trips from  Oxwich Bay  to the spectacular headland of  Worm’s Head , where there’s a fair chance of seeing dolphins and porpoises, and guaranteed close encounters with seals and sea birds.

Worm's Head, Gower, West Wales

Priory Bay

Priory Bay (Caldey Island)

Take a trip from tenby.

If there’s one Welsh resort that never, ever fails to deliver a great time, it’s  Tenby . The town is achingly beautiful, and fringed with perfect beaches. Its ancient town walls enclose plenty of history, and a lot of fun. To enjoy the views from offshore, head for the harbour, where local operators have their ticket booths. Take your pick from short  mackerel fishing  trips, to jet ski safaris, to day-trips over to  Caldey Island .

Tenby harbour and a boat trip to Caldey Island, Pembrokeshire, West Wales

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Go kayaking, cycling, walking or wildlife-watching in our beautiful Welsh lakeland landscapes.

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Excite your family with a trip to the coast

What better than an action-packed day of family fun, followed by a homemade ice cream on the beach?

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Top spots to discover the seas, lakes, rivers and canals of Wales by kayak or canoe.

Lakes and rivers of Wales

Welsh rivers and canals to picnic by and lakes with hidden depths and intriguing back-stories.

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Dragonfly Cruises

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Enjoy cruising the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

200 years of history.

Travel on this historical waterway, a fantastic feat of engineering, built before roads and railways. Cruise through a canal lock and over an aqueduct carry the canal over the River Usk,

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Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

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Top ways to experience Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and nearby attractions

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Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

  • (0.66 mi) The Lodge Brecon B&B
  • (0.84 mi) Peterstone Court Restaurant with Rooms
  • (1.05 mi) Ty Newydd B&B
  • (1.91 mi) The Grange Guest House
  • (0.49 mi) Brynich Caravan Club Site
  • (0.40 mi) The Three Horseshoes
  • (1.21 mi) The Old Ford Inn
  • (1.99 mi) Hop In Beer & Gin
  • (2.07 mi) Proper Pizza Company Limited
  • (1.92 mi) The Clarence Inn
  • (1.77 mi) The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum
  • (2.26 mi) Brecon Cathedral
  • (5.63 mi) Alpaca My Boots
  • (6.19 mi) Good Day Out
  • (1.52 mi) Cantref Adventure Farm and Riding Centre

Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Information

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Beacon Park Boats

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Luxury canal boat holidays and day hire boat experiences in the Brecon Beacons. Beacon Park Boats has 19 luxury canal boats and electric day boats, canoes and a pedal boat all available for hire on the beautiful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

We have narrowboats with a four-poster, real fires, roll-top bath or hot tub.

They are all unique, designed and made by us. Explore the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park, get close to nature, stargaze in the International Dark Sky Reserve and if on a narrowboat, wake up to a different view every morning.

Beacon Park Boats are dog friendly, and there are hundreds of miles of footpaths for dogs of all abilities. The canal is lined with real-ale pubs serving fine food, so you can really get away from it all.

Visit our website to book.

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Home / Our Routes / Featured Routes / Goytre Wharf / Brecon Return

Brecon & Return Featured Routes

Brecon & return from goytre wharf.

Duration: 7 Nights TOTAL LOCKS: 12 CRUISING TIME PER DAY: 4 HOURS (25 HOURS IN TOTAL)

Maps & Guides for this route:  P3, N4, L24 | Click here buy maps

With only a handful of locks, this is utterly lazy water. But don’t be fooled by the tranquillity, the tumultuous scenery is a heart stopper. The route twists under canopies of leaves and then, with an innocent bend in the water, it will thrust you into the sort of sublime panorama that only Wales can do. Revel in its peace, sweeping views and beautiful remoteness.

Featured Boats

Featured boats from goytre wharf, south wales, two to five berth boats.

brecon beacons canal boat trip

Red Line Finch

Max: 5 People

Length: 47ft

Six to eight berth Boats

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Red Swallow

Max: 8 People

Length: 56ft

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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.

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Check for any canal closures or service updates on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal before you travel along your route

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, or Mon & Brec for short, 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.

Days out and waterside walks

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.

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.

Visit Brecon Basin

With a poetry trail, walks and the Brecon Becons national park all around, your visit to Brecon could take you anywhere

Go to Goytre

Goytre Wharf has plenty to see and do from hiring a canoe, a bicycle or taking advantage of some great woodland walks

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

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

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.

The Mon & Brec today

This peaceful and almost entirely rural waterway is a must-see for nature-lovers. The Llangattock escarpment is designated as a Special Site Of Scientific Interest (SSSI), and is the entrance to an extensive cave network.

The canal passes through a World Heritage Site, which contains industrial landmarks such as the Big Pit Mining Museum. The Cefn Flight of fourteen locks has also been recognised as being of international significance, and is on Cadw 's list of Scheduled Ancient Monuments . [18]

As the Mon & Brec is not currently accessible from any other waterway, most boaters cruise it on a hire-boat. There are several fleets based on the canal.

History of the Mon & Brec

The Mon & Brec actually started life as two separate canals: the Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal, and the Monmouthshire Canal. The 35-mile navigable section seen today is mostly the former. In the 1790s, the Monmouthshire Canal Company received its Act of Parliament at the same time that the Brecknock & Abergavenny was being planned. Following discussions, it was decided to link the two at Pontymoile. The Monmouthshire Canal, including a branch from Malpas to Crumlin, was opened in 1799 with the Brecknock & Abergavenny extending from Brecon to Gilwern by 1800, finally reaching Pontymoile by 1812.

Both canals were supported by horsedrawn tramroads that were mainly used to bring coal, limestone and iron ore from the hillsides. The canal played a significant part in our industrial heritage, connecting Hill's tramroads to the iron works in Blaenavon and the forges at Garnddyrys.

Though originally constructed to transport coal, lime and agricultural products the canal was used extensively by ironmasters and industrialists as their main transport network, bringing the raw iron ore up the canal from Newport to Llanfoist Wharf and thence by tramroads to the iron works and returning with trams loaded with iron, the finished product. Remains of this heritage can still be viewed along the canal today these include wharfs and lime kilns.

The Blaenavon area and a section of the canal were granted World Heritage status in 2000 in recognition of its historical significance. In 1880 the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canals were taken over by the Great Western Railway. Within 35 years, commercial carrying had all but ceased.

Restoration

Throughout the 20th century various parts of the Monmouthshire Canal and its Crumlin Arm were filled in for road construction. The line was all but obliterated through Cwmbran, and was effectively unnavigable further north. It's fair to say that this beautiful part of our canal network came close to disappearing altogether. But vigorous campaigning by canal enthusiasts heralded a new dawn for the canal, and in 1968 restoration work from Brecon to Pontymoile began in earnest.

Recent developments have included a complete regeneration of the terminus at Brecon, and various works continue to reclaim the navigation between Pontymoile and Newport.

Part of the Crumlin Arm has also been restored, and the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre is open regularly to the public.

Find out more about local news, events and the work going on to improve wellbeing on the Mon & Brec

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Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

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Top ways to experience Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and nearby attractions

brecon beacons canal boat trip

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MONMOUTHSHIRE & BRECON CANAL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

  • (0.66 mi) The Lodge Brecon B&B
  • (0.84 mi) Peterstone Court Restaurant with Rooms
  • (1.05 mi) Ty Newydd B&B
  • (1.91 mi) The Grange Guest House
  • (0.49 mi) Brynich Caravan Club Site
  • (0.40 mi) The Three Horseshoes
  • (1.21 mi) The Old Ford Inn
  • (1.99 mi) Hop In Beer & Gin
  • (2.07 mi) Proper Pizza Company Limited
  • (1.92 mi) The Clarence Inn
  • (1.77 mi) The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum
  • (2.26 mi) Brecon Cathedral
  • (5.63 mi) Alpaca My Boots
  • (6.19 mi) Good Day Out
  • (1.52 mi) Cantref Adventure Farm and Riding Centre

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  5. √ Monmouthshire And Brecon Canal Boat Hire

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COMMENTS

  1. Luxury canal boat holidays

    Houseboats. Discover the romance of life afloat during winter and spring when the canal is at its most tranquil. Owl and Grouse are permanently moored as houseboats at our wharf in Llangattock from November to March. View our houseboats. Enjoy a relaxing trip down the scenic Brecon & Monmouthshire canal in one of our luxurious narrowboats.

  2. Dragonfly Cruises

    Welcome to Dragon Fly Cruises! Spend a delightful few hours cruising through some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain, lying within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Monmouthshire and Brecon canal hugs the mountainside above the valley of the River Usk. Through the four seasons there a fine views and an abundance of wildlife to be seen.

  3. The Best Way to See Wales Is by Canal Boat

    For our three-day canal trip through Brecon Beacons National Park, in South Wales, we had rented the boat from Country Craft Narrowboats in the village of Llangynidr. Alex grew up about 30 miles ...

  4. Dragonfly Cruises

    Public Boat Trips on Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal. Our season begins in March and finishes at the end of October. We have a fairly diverse customer range from babies to our silver surfers and cater for public walk-on trips to pre-books individuals or groups. We run up to seven days a week with trips ranging from morning to evening.

  5. Beacon Park Day Boats

    Plan Your Day Trip. Enjoy a relaxing day out cruising the beautiful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal as it winds its way through the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Choose from an easy-to-drive electric day boat, an even more eco-friendly two-person bike boat, or an Indian Canoe. All are available to hire from Beacon Park Boats.

  6. Brecon canal boat holiday with Cambrian Cruisers on the Mon & Brec

    Our Marina base is the only canal boat holiday hire company located at the Northern end of the canal nestled in the foothills of Penyfan in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Our luxury canal boats are all 4 -5 stars on the VB rating. We are constantly reviewing and updating our designs to maintain our impeccable standards. Our fleet of canal ...

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    South to Pontymoile then north to Llanfoist, Llangynidr Locks, Talybont, Brecon and back - 7nts - total locks 12 (6 x 2) This Welsh canal is a secret hideaway in the Brecon Beacons for the boater seeking escape. This is the Diva of Britain's canals, set in the Brecon Beacons National Park with the Black Mountains as a spectacular backdrop ...

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    Andy's Amazing Six Brecon Beacons Waterfalls Hiking Tour. 33. Adventure Tours. from . $76.71. per adult. The Wandering Bard's Mythical West Wales Tour. 47. Historical Tours. from . $122.48. ... Booked for 6 on the canal boat at 3pm on Email (4 adults and 2 children), but not pre paying. When we arrived at 2:53 the man said that we we're ment to ...

  9. Dragonfly Day Boats

    Welcome to Dragon Fly Day Boats! Spend a delightful few hours cruising through some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain, lying within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Monmouthshire and Brecon canal hugs the mountainside above the valley of the River Usk. Through the four seasons there a fine views and an abundance of wildlife to be ...

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    Dragonfly Cruises. Dragonfly Cruises. 253 reviews. #1 of 4 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Brecon. Boat Tours. Write a review. See all photos. About. Brecon, Wales.

  11. THE 10 BEST Brecon Beacons National Park Boat Rides & Cruises

    We have just come back from a fantastic trip on the Monmouth and Brec canal on narrow boat Deryn from Cambrian Cruisers. 8. Country Craft Narrowboats. 4. Boat Hire. By cathylB6895HW. Country Craft Narrowboats are very friendly and accommodating and very helpful with the locks, we highly recommend them. 9. Brecon Adventures.

  12. Narrowboat Holidays In Wales

    Looking for a relaxing canal boat, barge or narrowboat holiday in the beautiful Brecon Beacons, Monmouthshire and South Wales? Castle Narrowboats have boats to hire for a few days or a few weeks. See what the Guardian thought about our electric narrowboats by clicking here. See how Tim and Pru got on in 2017 aboard Skenfrith Castle on another ...

  13. Goytre Wharf Canal Boat Hire

    The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal offers 35 miles of quiet pretty countryside from Brecon to Cwmbran. It runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park, containing just a few locks. Learn more about Goytre Wharf canal boat hire now. Phone: 01873 880516. Phone to book: 0330 3330 590 (Free UK calls) Address: Llanover, Abergavenny, Monmouth, NP7 9EW.

  14. Explore Wales by boat: sea, river and canal trips

    Tour the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. Known locally as the Mon and Brec, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal follows the Usk Valley through the ravishing scenery of the Brecon Beacons. It has 35 navigable miles (56km), and several options to enjoy them. From March to October, Dragonfly Cruises run friendly, wheelchair-accessible narrowboat trips ...

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    The handover and instructional DVD made the start of the trip so easy. The boat itself is so clean and the finish to the boat is to a very high standard. There were so many finishing touches that made the boat stay feel unique. The fresh little flowers around the boat added to the quality feel of the boat.

  17. Goytre Wharf: cruise the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

    10.00 Arrive and check in for boat hire and briefing session. 10.40 Cruise canal enjoying stops along the way. 12.15 Picnic lunch after mooring boat. 13.15 Return journey. 15.00 Return boat and explore marina and lime kilns. 16.00 Afternoon tea at the Waterside Rest.

  18. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE AND BRECON CANAL

    All craft using the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, including canoes, must have a British Waterways Boat Licence, which is included in membership of the British Canoe Union or the Welsh Canoeing Association, or can be purchased from the Canal and River Trust. The funds raised help support this wonderful waterway.

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  20. Beacon Park Boats

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    The Monmouthshire Canal, including a branch from Malpas to Crumlin, was opened in 1799 with the Brecknock & Abergavenny extending from Brecon to Gilwern by 1800, finally reaching Pontymoile by 1812. Both canals were supported by horsedrawn tramroads that were mainly used to bring coal, limestone and iron ore from the hillsides.

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