Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
away until Abergavenny. Hawthorns and occasional low-hanging willow and ash trees give
the canal very much the feel of a river; the
Dragonfly
trip boat passes regularly so navigation
must be easier than it appears. The trees obscure views of Slwch Tump fort, a hilltop aerial
and barracks on the north side. The view is dominated by a wooded ridge to the south. Over
the length of the canal the prevailing wind is either following or is blocked by the mountains,
which provide imposing scenery to the south. The valley ahead gives extensive views to the
east.
The canal runs along the right side of the valley towards Pontymoel with the towpath on
the left bank. Bridges have been built with the arch higher over the towpath than over the
canal. In addition, the right side of any road across is frequently much higher than the left so
that the asymmetric arch has a point of weakness above the towpath and many of the bridges
have had their arches reinforced to counter this problem.
Near the Star Inn the canal reaches a low electrically operated drawbridge of 1970, with
a notice forbidding it from being opened during rush hours for the local school. The canal
passes houses at rooftop level to cross the Caerfanell aqueduct, the embankment having been
conspicuously lined with concrete placed around the trunks of all the trees.
The 343m Ashford Tunnel has no towpath so boats were pushed through with poles using
notches in the walls. The tunnel dips in the middle so there are height marker boards across
the tops of the tunnel mouths. A vertical shaft in the centre adds a welcome but initially puzz-
ling pool of light. A chain hangs along the side to give assistance if required.
The boat hire centre at Llanfoist
.
Cwm Crawnon Lock and the four Llangynidr Locks drop the canal to a 40km level pound,
the longest in Wales, despite the mountainous terrain. Among the beechwoods, wild cherries,
