Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Torfaen

The canal is widely considered one of the most scenic waterways in the UK. It comprises 35 miles of navigable canal from Brecon to Five Locks Basin in Cwmbran, a further 7 miles of unnavigable canal to Newport on the main line, and 7 miles to Cwmcarn on the Crumlin Arm.

The northern section is owned and managed by Glandŵr Cymru - the Canal and River Trust in Wales, while the section south of Pontypool is in the ownership of the respective local authorities – Torfaen, Newport, and Caerphilly. 

Visiting the canal

The canal can be accessed on foot or by bicycle. 

For information about walking and cycling routes, benches and toilets, visit Data Map Wales

Free parking is available at Pontymoile Basin (opening times vary), Five Locks Basin and Mount Pleasant Car Park (no restrictions). 

For information about events, visit Connect Torfaen.

For information about fishing on the canal, contact Brian Evans from Cwmbran Angling Association on 01633 873426 or BrianEvans08@aol.com

Volunteering on the Canal

Pontymoile Task Force 

Hannah Cubie, Community Links Coordinator for Canal and River Trust, runs a group undertaking tasks to look after Pontymoile Basin and canal tow path. Contact Hannah at hannah.cubie@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

Bridge 46 to Five Locks Canal Group

The group holds a volunteer work party once a month, usually on a Sunday morning.  They also arrange events to celebrate the canal and demonstrate its value, as well as campaigning for the canal throughout the year.  For more information, visit the Bridge 46 to Five Locks Canal Group Facebook page

Torfaen Canal Volunteer Group

Volunteers meeting monthly in Cwmbran to litter pick and manage vegetation, usually on a Sunday. Contact secretary Hugh Woodford on heatherhugh@hotmail.com.

Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canal Trust

The group usually meets on a Saturday and tasks include habitat management and maintenance of the restored lock structures at Ty Coch.  For more information visit https://mbact.org.uk/volunteering-opportunities 

Torfaen’s Jewel in the Crown

The council’s Canal Co-ordinator is responsible for overseeing the council’s 10-year strategy to protect and improve the canal in Torfaen.  

The plan is set out in three phases: 

• Building the foundations 2024-2026: The navigable canal is developed to attract more visitors and the availability of a sustainable water supply is established. 
• Moving towards restoration 2026-2029: Navigation has been reinstated up to Mount Pleasant Road, Cwmbran. 
• Moving towards reaching the town centre 2029-2034: Navigation is reinstated to Cwmbran Town Centre has been reinstated to a new canal destination within Cwmbran Town Centre

The strategy is supported by an action plan, which focuses on five main areas of work:

• Sustainable Maintenance and Management 
• Destination Development, Leisure and Travel 
• Community and Partnership 
• Resilient Heritage 
• Achieving Restoration and Navigation to Cwmbran Town Centre

If you have any questions, contact the Canal Co-ordinator.

Last Modified: 29/02/2024 Back to top