Canoeing on the Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal

What the route offers:

When river conditions on the Wye aren’t suitable, the Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal offers a beautiful and peaceful alternative. Nestled within the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, this historic canal provides calm, sheltered waters surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and distant mountain views. Unlike a river, the canal has no current, making it ideal for relaxed paddling and perfect for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a gentle and scenic day on the water.

Our half-day trip begins in the heart of Brecon at the canal basin, a charming and historic starting point. Almost immediately after setting off, you’ll paddle across the magnificent Brynich Aqueduct, where the canal is carried high above the River Usk below. From the canoe, you’re treated to stunning panoramic views—looking out across the Brecon Beacons in the distance, while the clear waters of the River Usk flow beneath your feet. It’s a unique and memorable moment, and a real highlight of the journey. From here, the canal continues through quiet countryside, passing beneath old stone bridges and alongside wildlife-rich banks, before finishing at Pencelli near the welcoming Royal Oak pub—an ideal place to relax with a drink or enjoy a bite to eat after your paddle.

For those looking to spend longer on the water, our full-day trip continues further along this peaceful waterway, taking you from Brecon to the village of Talybont-on-Usk. This stretch offers some of the canal’s most picturesque scenery, with uninterrupted views across the National Park and a true sense of tranquillity. Your journey ends close to the Star Inn or the White Hart—two excellent, traditional pubs that provide the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on a wonderful day exploring the canal.

Canoeing the Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal is a completely different experience to the River Wye, offering calm, steady paddling in a quiet and timeless landscape. It’s an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the surroundings, and experience one of the most scenic and historic waterways in Britain, with highlights like the Brynich Aqueduct making it a truly special place to paddle.