For a relaxing day on the water, head to the beautiful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Running through the Brecon Beacons this scenic kayaking trip is full of picturesque views of rolling countryside and meandering waterways. The Brecon Beacons is a sought after-staycation destination in the UK, popular for its idyllic landscape and charming market towns.
ABOUT THE MONMOUTHSHIRE AND BRECON CANAL
The canal is a 35-mile stretch between Brecon Basin and Pontymoile Basin. The canal follows the contours of the hillsides for most of its route, giving lovely countryside views. It passes through the pretty villages of Pencelli, Talybont and Llangynidr before reaching the town of Crickhowell.
STARTING POINT
Before setting off have a good idea of the length of trip you want to take and plan for your journey, (you can find a shorter route alternative at the bottom of this post). Remember however far you go, you have to kayak back, also remember to take plenty of water, snacks and money. There a several pubs stops with dreamy beer gardens to enjoy a well-deserved cold cider.
A good place to park and launch your kayak for free is at bridge number 165. To find this bridge follow this postcode LD3 7EN, taking the bridge next to the pink house on your left handside situated just before you reach the Morrisons petrol station on the left. Park for free along the grass verge of the canal. You can see this spot in the image below.
MONMOUTHSHIRE AND BRECON CANAL MAP
This map of The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal was useful to show landmarks along the river. Where the water appears to cross over, this is at a height so unfortunately it is not possible to kayak down the canal and kayak back on the River Usk.
LUNCH STOP
Pack a picnic so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery over lunch. There are several great stops along the way with low canal banks so you can easily pull the kayak onto the bank.
TALYBONT-ON-USK
The village of Talybont-on-Usk and The White Hart Inn is a welcome stop for a cold cider before starting your journey back.
ALTERNATIVE SHORTER ROUTE
For a much shorter route exploring The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal start at Pencelli. For a good parking and launch spot follow the postcode for the Royal Oak pub LD3 7LX. When you reach the pub on your left follow the road down until you see the bridge on your left hand side. It will be the first left turning and there is a postbox visible from the road. Once you have crossed the bridge you will be able to see a small parking spot for several cars and a ramp into the water.
MONMOUTHSHIRE AND BRECON CANAL WALK/CYCLE
If kayaking isn’t your thing, you can always walk or cycle alongside The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, there is a path that follows the water which is perfect for walking or cycling.
MONMOUTHSHIRE AND BRECON CANAL KAYAK HIRE
If you don’t have your own kayak, there are plenty of places where you can hire one to explore either the canal or the River Usk. Backwaters offer kayak and canoe hire – Check out its launch and drop of points here.
NOTE
There is a lock and several bridges along The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal which require you to get out and carry your kayak through. This dosen’t require you to travel far, only a couple of meters walking.
Planning a trip to the Brecon Beacons, or know of any great kayaking routes in the UK? Please leave a comment, and share your adventures on social media using the hashtag #destinationdowntime.
