Though originally built to aid the transport of goods such as processed stone, lime and coal in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, today the canals known as the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal are used for a lot more than simply getting from A to B. Users of the canal now cruise along for pure enjoyment and may spend as long as a week journeying up and down its length.
Though the canal ceased to be used for commercial purposes in the 1930s, restoration to turn it into a recreational treasure began in the 1960s. Much of the 35 miles of canal run through the Brecon Beacons National Park and abounding with wildlife the natural beauty is astounding.
Originally known separately as the Monmouthshire Canal and the Brecon and Abergavenny Canal today it is now more commonly known as the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Much of the canal in the south is still in the process of being restored but it is possible to hire a boat and travel between Five Locks, not far south of Pontymoile where the original two canals meet, all the way up to Brecon where the canal terminates. Along the way you can enjoy beautiful views of open countryside and a varied wildlife. This truly is a treasure of South Wales.
For the majority of its length the canal is lined by different species of beautiful trees including willow, hawthorn, sycamore, oak, sweet chestnut and ash. The shelter they offer creates a tranquil private feel as you drift through nature’s tunnel mirrored in the still water. Every now and then the trees part and allow you a look across open fields where cows and sheep laze and graze and the green mountains of Wales offer a magnificent backdrop.
Beautiful blue damselflies flitter along the sides of the canal and you never know when you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one of the magnificent birds that make their homes along the canal. Herons can be spotted perched on posts in neighbouring fields and if you’re lucky right up on the banks of the canal. These large birds are truly majestic when they take to the air and swoop across the water in front of you. Kingfishers can also be spotted although in recent years their numbers have dwindled. Other than these you will be sure to see ducks and moorhens. Cruising along can be a real treat for any bird watcher who may also be able to spot woodpeckers, nuthatches and swallows in the trees, amongst other species. There is a wealth of life below the surface as well and the canal is also a great fishing spot with plenty of coarse fish such as carp, bream and roach to catch.
Those without a boat need not miss out on the beauty of the canal for there are some beautiful walks along the towpath running down its length. 
Locals can often be seen walking their dogs or just taking a leisurely stroll beneath the trees. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural beauty of the canal without having to pay a penny.
Unfortunately a serious breach in the banks at Gilwern in October 2007 led to a large section of the canal needing to be closed in order for repairs to be made. Regulars will no doubt be keen to get back on the newly filled canal in time for the new cruising season in 2009. As one of the most beautiful waterways in the country, we can be proud that such care is being taken to maintain this area of great natural beauty so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come.