Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales

We start our explorations on the banks of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal near Abergavenny. Building of the canal started in 1797 and was completed in 1812. Its raison d'etre was to link Brecon with the Bristol Channel for the carriage of goods such as coal, iron, lime and agricultural produce. With the coming of the railways and the advent of the car, the canal fell into disrepair like many others. In 1970, it was re-opened as a recreational waterway. Surprisingly, when I was rambling along its tow-path, I did not encounter many walkers although narrow boats were relatively abundant.