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
Gilwern, mid-way along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Castle Narrowboats hires out boats from Gilwern, ten minutes from Abergavenny. Gilwern is mid-way along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, so you can cruise in either direction from the start. The canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in South Wales. Along the way you pass rolling hills and ancient woodland, stone bridges and Welsh villages, with the peaks of the Brecon Beacons in view.
You set the speed on a narrowboat, and you choose where to stop. Moor up to visit historic towns, call in at pubs or set off on local walking trails. Look out for herons and kingfishers along the water. With luck you might see an otter.
Life on board
The boats come with all the essentials. Each has a cabin to return to at the end of the day and a kitchen of its own for cooking your meals. The operator says the holidays suit families and couples alike. You can share meals around the table, take a turn at steering or simply sit back and watch the countryside go by.
One of the fleet, Skenfrith Castle, appeared on Great Canal Journeys in 2017, when Tim and Pru cruised the canal aboard her.
A family-run base
Castle Narrowboats is a family business. The current owners took it over from the previous owners, but their link with this canal goes back much further: one of the family has been taking holidays on it since 1994. The family dog, the official "Wharf Dog", has also spent many weeks cruising the canal. It's a good fit for first-time hirers and for people coming back to the canals. You can check availability online.
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.
