About this trip.
Weighing up hire firms? UK narrowboat hire, compared lists 32 firms by canal, dog fees and fuel.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Goytre Wharf on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Goytre Wharf is your starting point on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, which runs for 35 miles of quiet, pretty countryside between Brecon and Cwmbran. It passes through the Brecon Beacons National Park and has just a few locks, so the boating is relaxed. The marina has a long history, and there's a visitor centre, woodland and a café nearby, so you have something to do before you set off.
The 'Mon & Brec' isn't connected to the cruising rings of the main canal network. Without a set loop to finish, there's no rush. You can moor where and when you like, take time for sightseeing and shopping, and turn back only when you need to return the boat.
Routes and stops along the way
For short breaks, the suggested routes run from Goytre Wharf to Llangynidr and back, or to Talybont-on-Usk and back. Another option is to moor up and take a short walk into Crickhowell, a town in the Usk Valley. It has plenty of pubs and shops and a 13th-century castle.
Boats built for a shallow canal
The fleet here is different from ABC's other marinas in Wales. These boats are specially designed for the shallow Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Boats sleep between two and eight people:
- The Wren is 49ft and takes up to 4 people. - The Finch is 47ft and sleeps up to 5. - The Swallow is 56ft and sleeps up to 8.
Getting to Goytre Wharf
The marina is at Llanover, near Abergavenny. From the Midlands and the North, drive to Abergavenny on the A40 and then follow the A4042 towards Pontypool and Newport. From the south and west, leave the M4 at junction 25a westbound or junction 26 eastbound and take the A4042 towards Cwmbran and Abergavenny. Exact directions are on the operator's website.
The nearest railway stations are Abergavenny and Pontypool, each a short taxi ride from the marina. From the North or Midlands you change trains at Hereford, and from the South or London Paddington you change at Newport.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in Wales. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
