Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
canal was bought by the Great Western Railway in 1880. Tolled trade continued until 1938,
although there were boat movements during the war.
The upper canal lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park, the requirements of which
have resulted in it remaining beautiful. Restoration of this section was completed by Brit-
ish Waterways and Monmouthshire and Brecon County Councils in 1970 and the change of
name recognises their efforts.
The gauge at the mouth of Ashford Tunnel gives an indication of how far it has dipped in the middle
.
The canal is supplied by a feeder from the River Usk in Brecon, a town built at the con-
fluence with the Afon Honddu and Afon Tarell. Mostly 18th century, the town has Roman
origins. Brecon Castle is largely 11th century, with the remains of a large motte, bailey, walls
and two towers. Most of the destruction took place in the Civil War with the assistance of
the locals, who were shrewd enough to realise that they would have a quieter life if neither
side occupied it. The Priory Church of St John, founded as a Benedictine priory in 1093, is
mostly 13th century but with a 14th century nave. It is noted for its fine glass and side chapels
dedicated to medieval trade guilds and has the colours rescued from Rorke's Drift in 1879.
It was made a cathedral in 1923. The Brecknock Museum includes the dugout canoe from
Llangorse Lake crannog, the most famous Welsh dugout, some 1,100-1,200 years old, de-
