Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: Brecon Basin to Brynich Aqueduct
Powys
The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal ends at Brecon Basin, beside Theatr Brycheiniog, and the first stretch of towpath out of town is one of the easiest walks in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. The Canal & River Trust's step by step route, flat and easy on dogs' paws, runs 3.5km to Brynich Aqueduct, making about 7km there and back on an all-weather surfaced towpath with virtually no climbing. Along the way you pass Dadford Bridge and the Gasworks Bridge, over 200 years old, the unusual double-arched Watton Bridge, and a picnic site by the old lime kilns and the line of the Hay Tramway. Beyond Brynich Bridge, Brynich Lock was restored in 1958 and still works as it did in the 1800s, and the walk ends at the Grade II listed aqueduct, built in 1800, whose four arches carry the canal over the River Usk. The stages are short, so it is easy to turn back early.
This is a dog friendly walk for dogs of any age, level and easy on the paws, and a quiet dog can walk off lead on the calmer stretches away from town. Keep dogs close to the water's edge near locks and moored boats, and give way to cyclists and anglers on the narrow towpath. The canal has steep sides, so it is not a safe place for a swim. There is shade in places from the trees along the bank. Parking, toilets, cafes and pubs are in Brecon.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 50 min
- Walk Type
- Canal, Historic
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets, cafes and pubs in Brecon; picnic site by the lime kilns on the route.
- Parking
- Theatr Brycheiniog car park by Brecon Basin and other town car parks in Brecon.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: Brecon Basin to Brynich Aqueduct, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Abercamlais Estate - Dovecote Cottage
Sleeps 6 · 3 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £710 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in PowysFrequently Asked Questions
Is Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: Brecon Basin to Brynich Aqueduct dog friendly?
Yes, this is a great option for dogs of all ages and fitness levels, earning a 7/10 dog friendly rating. The route runs 3.5km (7km there and back) along a flat, all-weather surfaced towpath with virtually no climbing, making it easy on paws whatever the weather.
Can dogs be off lead at Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: Brecon Basin to Brynich Aqueduct?
Quiet, well-behaved dogs can walk off lead on the calmer stretches away from town, which makes this a relaxed outing for confident dogs. That said, you'll want to keep them on lead near locks and moored boats, and be ready to give way to cyclists and anglers on the narrow towpath.
What should I know before visiting Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: Brecon Basin to Brynich Aqueduct with my dog?
The canal has steep sides throughout, so it's not a safe place for dogs to swim — keep them back from the edge, especially near the locks. There's some shade from trees along the bank, and the stages are short enough that you can easily turn back whenever suits you. Parking is available at Theatr Brycheiniog by the canal basin, with toilets, cafes and pubs all in Brecon, plus a picnic spot by the old lime kilns along the route.
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