Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, 35-mile canal in Usk Valley, Wales
The canal is a 35-mile waterway stretching through the Usk Valley in Wales, linking two basin terminals and flowing past numerous locks that manage water levels. Its route winds through rolling terrain within a national park, creating a continuous passage for small boats and recreational traffic.
The waterway was built in the late 1700s to move coal, lime, and goods from South Wales industrial areas toward broader markets. Two separate routes were eventually joined together, creating a unified transport corridor that served the region's growing economy.
The waterway takes its name from the two counties it once connected, and today serves as a meeting place for walkers and boaters exploring the valley. Along its banks, you see remnants of old mills and industrial sites that remind visitors of the working landscape it once supported.
The water flows gently and suits newcomers well, especially along sections with fewer locks where navigation becomes easier and less demanding. Spring through autumn offers the most pleasant conditions for visiting, when weather is mild and boat rentals and facilities operate at full capacity.
A stretch of roughly 23 miles contains almost no locks, making it one of Britain's longest straightforward passages for small boats. This section draws visitors seeking a relaxing journey without the repeated stops and complex maneuvers that locks require elsewhere.
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