Gilwern to Brecon

Starting at the hire base in the village of Gilwern you’ll leave the characteristic lime kilns of Llangatock behind and cross your first Aqueduct. You’ll cruise through pleasant Glanusk Park and find yourself among the Welsh hills and a thickly wooded area. Just after leaving the woods, you’ll reach the first of 5 locks. The lock flight has probably one of the most picturesque and idyllic settings in the U.K., located in the middle of the woods among the Welsh hills. Now, flat pastureland follows and you’ll have a pleasant and relaxing cruise through the Brecon Beacons. The remains of a castle in Pencelli and prehistoric remains around the settlement of Llanfrynach are only 2 of the highlights on the way to Brecon. A walk along the old tramway line to Talybont Reservoir or a stroll under the canal through the tunnel in Llanfoist make a nice change from cruising along the Mon and Brec and give you a great opportunity to explore the area away from the towpath.

After crossing another impressive Aqueduct, you’ll encounter your 6th and final lock before reaching Brecon. On the last mile, you’ll cruise your holiday boat high up on the hillside before entering the outskirts of Brecon and shortly arriving at Theatre Basin, the turning point for this journey. You can moor up in the basin and explore Brecon for an evening or even a day before you retrace your steps back to the hire base in Gilwern.