Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog


Brecon is the northern terminus of this canal, built between 1799 and 1812 for the movement of coal, iron ore, limestone and agricultural goods. The 33 miles from Brecon to Pontypool is back in business, transporting a generally less grimy cargo of holidaymakers and river-dwellers. The busiest section is around Brecon, with craft departing from the canal basin, 400m south of the town centre.

A peaceful 8.5-mile walk along the towpath leads to the picturesque village of Talybont-on-Usk. You can return on the X43 bus (two daily, no Sunday service).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog attractions

1. Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery

0.15 MILES

Behind the stolid neoclassical exterior of the former shire hall is the town's museum – although it's been shut for several years now. Various promised…

3. St Mary's Church

0.22 MILES

Built over 900 years ago as a chapel associated with the Benedictine monastery up the hill (now the cathedral), this large stone church dominates Brecon's…

4. Brecknock Castle

0.39 MILES

There's not much left of Brecon's 11th-century Norman castle, except for a couple of sturdy walls facing the intersection of the Rivers Usk and Honddu…

5. Ely Tower

0.41 MILES

Across the road from the Castle of Brecon Hotel and only partially visible from the road is the original Norman motte, capped by the ivy-clad Ely Tower …

6. Brecon Cathedral

0.51 MILES

Perched on a hill above the River Honddu, Brecon Cathedral was founded in 1093 as part of a Benedictine monastery, though little remains of the original…

7. Heritage Centre

0.52 MILES

Housed in a restored 15th-century tithe barn within the cathedral grounds, this centre has displays on the complex's history and some interesting objects,…

8. Pen-y-Fan

4.7 MILES

Ascending Pen-y-Fan (886m), the tallest peak in the Brecon Beacons, is one of the most popular hikes in the park (around 350,000 people make the climb…

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