| The Brecon and
Abergavenny Canal which is now generally referred to as the Monmouthshire and
Brecon Canal, was constructed under Acts of Parliament dated 1793 and 1804. Building
actually started at Llangattock and here in Gilwern on the aqueduct where the canal
crosses the river Clydach. Built originally to carry coal, limestone and iron, the canal
is used now only for leisure and is considered by many to be the most beautiful waterway
in Great Britain. It has the distinction of running for most of its length through the
Brecon Beacons National Park, an area of often spectacular natural scenery covering some
515 square miles. |
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| Gilwern where we are
based, is approximately mid-way along the canal, being about 14 miles above Pontymoile and
19 below Brecon, The village is some four miles west of Abergavenny and is one of seven
villages situated on the canal where you can buy a drink, a meal, or stock up with
provisions, The canal offers a leisurely holiday, having only six locks, with excellent
opportunity for walking at all levels of difficulty. |
For much of its length the canal travels high on hillsides, at times
making horse-shoe bends and passing on aqueducts over rushing streams far below. There are
spectacular views throughout its length with wooded hillsides and gently undulating
pastures offering a wide variety of peaceful and tranquil scenery.
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