The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Walks are great for activities throughout the year. Here we’ll provide some ideas for campers looking to visit the Brecon Beacons National Park in 2020. As a local caravan and camping site we wish to make all of our campers experiences amazing through providing informative information that helps everyone get out and explore the region.
Brecon and Monmouth Canal Map
The canal is 33 miles (53 km) long and is level for the first 23 miles (37 km) to Llangynidr, where there are five locks (canalrivertrust.org.uk).
Originally known as the Brecknock and Abegavenny canals, which were a series of two separate canals. Parliament decided to link the two canals at Pontymoile in the 1790’s, renaming it as one to indicate its starting and ending points.
The purpose of the canals were to transport coal, limestone and iron ore from the local mountains. Around the beginning of WW1 the canal ceased in the transport of goods for commercial use.
Great for walking, visitors will find remnants of the old wharf and limekilns. Heritage sites, the old Gotye Wharf and Limekilns have now been preserved. The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, completed the work on both sites.
Notable Sites To Visit Along The Brecon Canal Walk
Three great sites to visit along the Brecon canal walk would be the Brecon Basin, Goyte Wharf, and Limekilns Trail.
The Brecon Basin is great for walking, canoeing, fishing and cycling. 10 poems are along different areas of the trail to celebrate the cultural Olympiad of 2012. You’ll find 5 pieces written in welsh and another 5 written in English.
The canal makes its way through the center of Brecon Town. Their you’ll find great little gift shops in addition to the Theatr Brycheiniog.
Another site to visit along the canal would be Goyte Wharf. At Gotye visitors can hire canoes or bicycles. The area’s great for taking advantage of a number woodland walks.
If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, be sure to visit the Limekiln Trail. Visitors will find a series of three historic Limekilns along the canal. The Limekilns have now been restored to their former beauty. This was with the financial support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and Brecon Beacons Trust.
Notable Pubs to Visit
If you’re looking for good food or drink while walking along the canal we can recommend a number of excellent stops local to us.
In Gilwern, the Towpath Inn is located on the banks of the canal and serves wonderful food from a variety of pop up street food stalls. The Towpath Facebook page is updated regularly with information about the upcoming food events.
For those looking for a great bike ride from the campsite, cycle from Cwmdu over to the canal in Llangynidr. The Coach and Horses Inn, Llangynidr, serves excellent home-cooked food. Lunch is served daily between 12.00pm until 2.00pm. On a Sunday between 12pm until 3.00pm Sunday lunch is served, with dinner being served between 6.00pm and 9.00pm. Outside is a large, peaceful garden overlooking the canal with stunning views over the local countryside and ample, private car parking.
Additional Information
Visit the Home Page for further information about Cwmdu Campsite
Please fill in the form below with any questions you have about camping or campsite. Or, if you would like to check availability, please fill in a booking form here.
For information on 2020 prices, visit our tariffs page, click here.
For more information regarding our Glamping Pods please visit our site here.
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Walks. Dog Friendly. Campground Brecon Beacons. Cwmdu Campsite. Camping. Brecon Beacons. National Park. Wales, Tourism. 2020. Caravan. Motorhome, Tent. Pitches. Visit Wales.
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal  canalrivertrust.org.uk, accessed 10 March 2019
