Meandering through the Welsh countryside the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is one of our most beautiful and peaceful waterways following the line of the Usk valley through the Brecon Beacons National Park. 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.
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal
Cycling
Route 49 follows the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal towpath along the River Usk from the boundary with the City of Newport to Pontymoile Canal Basin. The canal provides a green corridor with an excellent, wide gravel towpath and views of hills rising to over 1000ft at its western end.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-49
Goytre Wharf, Old Abergavenny Rd NP7 9EW
At the southern end of the canal is Goytre Wharf between Pontypool and Llanover. You’ll find a visitors centre run by the Canal & River Trust with a gift shop, information, gallery and coffee shop.
You can hire canal boats, canoes, bicycles, with some great woodland walks and short boat trips during holidays & some weekends.
Car parking on site.
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/goytre-wharf
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081462756240
Penelope’s Cafe Goytre Wharf, NP7 9EW 01873 880899
Penelope’s Cafe is located at Goytre Wharf and open throughout the year – including 6 days a week from spring to autumn and 5 days a week in winter. With both inside & outside seating overlooking the wharf and canal, offering a wide range of tasty treats – including hot and cold drinks and foods, cakes, snacks & sandwiches, ploughman’s lunch, jacket potatoes and a full English breakfast. Dogs are very welcome with their own snug room.
Summer opening hours 10am – 4pm (4.30pm weekends) Tuesday -Sunday
More information on opening times and menu https://www.penelopescafegoytrewharf.co.uk
Live music and craft fairs throughout the year, check out their Facebook page for seasonal events