The Walk
We completed this walk in August 2025 on another really warm summer's day. The towpath is fully surfaced and wide — great underfoot whatever the weather — and the shade from the overhanging trees makes it very manageable even on the hottest days.
There is plenty to see along the way: narrowboats moored up, the historic Gasworks Bridge (over 200 years old), the unique double-arch at Watton Bridge, lime kilns at the picnic site, and then the full drama of the Brynich Aqueduct at the end. Don't rush — there are benches at several points with gorgeous views across the Brecon Beacons.
On the return there's an alternative footpath that loosely follows the River Usk back to the Basin. It's a bit more rugged and gets pretty overgrown in places, but adds variety if you fancy it. The wildlife on this walk is outstanding — we spotted plenty along both the canal and river sections.
Step-by-Step Route
Brecon Basin (Start) — LD3 7EY
Brecon Basin, Theatre (Theatr Brycheiniog) and Dadford Bridge (167) were part of a 1997 regeneration scheme. Gasworks Bridge (166) next door is over 200 years old — part of the original Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal which reached Brecon on Christmas Eve 1800.
Watton Bridge (0.4 miles)
A unique double-arch bridge (165). Opened in 1816, the 24-mile Hay Tramway connected agricultural goods to the canal through this bridge at Watton Wharf.
Picnic Site & Lime Kilns (0.6 miles)
The Hay Tramway used cast iron L-shaped tramroad plates. Lime from the nearby Watton Limekilns was used as agricultural fertilizer and building mortar. The limekilns are 200m off the main path — worth the short detour.
Brynich Bridge (1.4 miles)
A classic stone arched bridge (164), the same style you'll find all the way along the canal to Newport. You're just over halfway.
Brynich Lock (2.0 miles)
Restored in 1958 after falling into dereliction in the 1930s. The lock works exactly as it did when built in 1800. Stand and watch a narrowboat work through if the timing is right — it's a great experience.
Brynich Aqueduct (2.2 miles — End)
The star of the show. This Grade II* four-arched aqueduct crosses the River Usk — built in 1800 and fully restored in 1997. Standing on it with the canal water beneath your feet and the Usk flowing below is genuinely spectacular. From here you get a beautiful open view of the Brecon Beacons. Turn around and retrace your steps back to the Basin.
The History
The whole route is rich with industrial heritage — from the original mileposts that helped Victorian boatmen track their distances, to the lime kilns, tramways, and hand-operated lock mechanisms that are still in working order today. It's a living piece of Welsh transport history.
Wildlife & Nature
The canal corridor supports a rich variety of wildlife. In August the water is calm and full of reflections — keep an eye out for kingfishers along the banks, herons standing motionless in the shallows, and the usual dragonfly activity over the water. The mature tree canopy along the towpath provides welcome cover and is home to plenty of birdsong. The River Usk section on the return path adds another habitat — look for dippers, wagtails and the occasional otter if you're quiet and lucky.
Practical Information
📍 Start: Brecon Basin, LD3 7EY
📍 End: Brynich Aqueduct, near LD3 7UY (linear — return same way)
🌐 More info: Canal & River Trust — Mon & Brec Canal
📷 Photos from the Walk
