Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Monday 12th May 2008

The Mon & Brec six months on

17th Apr 2008

British Waterways have reported that canal repairs are progressing well on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and it is business as usual on much of the waterway.

Goytre Wharf

Just six months after the catastrophic breach on 16 October 2007, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is on target for a full re-opening in March 2009, while two large leisure sections remain open for visitors to enjoy as the new tourism season swings into action.

British Waterways’ Wales & Border Counties General Manager, Julie Sharman said £7.5 million had been pledged this year towards essential repairs to the waterway, and she urged local businesses and communities to focus also on the large section of the canal that remained undamaged.

Ms Sharman said: “It’s vitally important to the economy of the region that the message is loud and clear – eighteen miles of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal are still open for people to enjoy.”

Pointing to a number of factors demonstrating how the ‘Mon & Brec’ is still a thriving contributor to the economy, Ms Sharman added: “It is important everyone realises that the Mon & Brec is alive and well and has a long term future to play on the regional landscape as a leisure and social attraction.”

Ms Sharman outlined a number of factors such as:

- The full programme of events that is planned for the season, running from Sunday 18 May to Sunday 14 September.

- The eight mile stretch from Brecon to Ashford Tunnel at Talybont, and the 10 mile stretch of the canal between Llanover and Cwmbran that are operating as usual. With boat trips running from Brecon and boat or kayak hire available from Goytre Wharf.

- The eight acre site at Goytre Wharf, complete with visitor centre, restaurant, daily boat hire and way marked walks, that is already embracing the new visitor season.

- The towpath, other than the affected stretch, that is accessible for visitors and communities to use and enjoy.

- Cycling being encouraged on three stretches of the towpath from Brecon to Brynich Lock, Goytre Wharf to Llanfoist, and nine miles from Pontymoile to Newport.

- Pubs that are still open along the entire length of the canal, with many places to eat, including Marina Tea Rooms at Pontymoile Basin and Waterside Rest in Goytre Wharf.

Find out more information on forthcoming events in Monmouthshire