The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal — widely recognised as the most scenic canal in Britain, winding 35 miles through the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog) along the Usk Valley. Built in the 1790s to transport coal, iron ore and limestone, it has transformed into a tranquil leisure haven. Board the Dragonfly cruise boat from Brecon Canal Basin and glide gently across the 200-year-old Brynich Aqueduct; explore the Victorian lime kiln ruins at Goytre Wharf and cycle along the towpath through oak woodland and wildflower meadows; finally reach the Fourteen Locks in Newport — Thomas Dadford's engineering marvel, lifting boats 160 feet in just half a mile. Kingfishers skim the water surface and red kites circle overhead as the canal reveals the poetry of the Welsh countryside in the gentlest way imaginable.
Board the Dragonfly cruise from Brecon Canal Basin, explore industrial heritage and cycle along the towpath at Goytre Wharf, and marvel at the 18th-century engineering wonder of the Fourteen Locks
In the morning, board the Dragonfly cruise from Brecon Canal Basin for a 2.5-hour scenic voyage — crossing the 200-year-old Brynich Aqueduct, experiencing lock operation, and enjoying views of the Llangattock Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest. Arrive at Goytre Wharf at midday for lunch at Penelope's Café, then cycle or walk along the towpath to the Llangynidr five-lock flight. In the afternoon, drive or continue cycling south to the Fourteen Locks in Newport, learning about the 18th-century canal engineering marvel at the heritage centre, and finish with a cup of afternoon tea at the Dadford Tea Room.
A cosy café situated beside the Goytre Wharf canal basin, serving Italian coffee, homemade cakes, hot and cold snacks and full English breakfast. Indoor and outdoor seating both overlook the canal and the wharf's lime kiln ruins; the garden seating in spring and summer is the best spot to watch boats coming and going. Open Fri-Sun in winter, expanding to 6 days a week in spring and summer. Dog-friendly, with a dedicated "doggy corner." Average £8-15 per person.
A 17th-century coaching inn built beside the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and the Llangynidr five-lock flight, the perfect refreshment stop for cyclists and walkers on the towpath. The pub serves Cask Marque accredited fine ales, homemade pies and Sunday roasts; the garden seating allows you to watch lock operations while you dine. TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice winner, offering vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Average £12-25 per person.
A charming tea room inside the Fourteen Locks Canal Heritage Centre, named after canal engineer Thomas Dadford. Serves freshly baked scones, Victoria sponge cake and homemade soups, with hot food available until 3pm. The tea room is decorated with historic canal photographs and engineering drawings, with windows overlooking the Cefn Flight lock ruins. Live music performances on Fridays. Average £6-12 per person.
A classic English pub beside the canal in Gilwern village, famous for its Detroit deep-dish pizza — thick, crispy base with stretchy cheese, the perfect reward after a day's canal walking. The pub also serves a wide selection of local craft beers and ciders, with historic canal photographs hanging on the walls behind the bar. The summer garden extends alongside the towpath, letting you enjoy a beer as narrowboats glide slowly past. Average £10-20 per person.