Goytre Wharf in Monmouthshire

Llanover, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 9EW

Things to do from Goytre Wharf

The Monmouthshire and Brecon canal meanders through 36 miles of countryside with a diversity of scenary and often following the River Usk

Goytre - An ideal location to view the majestic beauty of the Welsh countryside. Discover the hidden valley of Cwm Lasgarn which literally translates to the valley of the pile of blue stones or make the arduous climb to the summit of Mynydd Garn Wen - one of the highest peaks in Monmouthshire.

Abergavenny - This vibrant and unspoilt market town acts as the Gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park. Moor up and visit Abergavenny Museum which is set in the grounds of a ruined Norman Castle. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds during the summer or take a stroll past the castle and into the castle meadows, these large meadows take you past the River Usk and to the bridge at Llanfois.

Brecon - Explore the narrow streets and passageways which are lined with Georgian and Jacobean shop fronts. Visit the Cathedral built by the half brother of William the Conqueror after he captured the town in 1094. Learn about the area at The Brecon Cathedral Heritage Centre which tells a fascinating story of local history.

Breacon Beacon National Park - Situated between south and mid-Wales and covering an area of 520 sq miles the park contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. A perfect location for riding, walking or biking with spectacular scenery and wealth of wildlife . Climb Pen y Fan the highest point in southern Britain or Fforest Fawr where you will marvel at the water rushing from the hills in its many spectacular waterfalls.

Crickhowell - A pretty market town snuggling between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons in a beautiful valley within the National Park. Well worth a visit for its array of shops and superb restaurants and for the adventurous spend a day at the Mountain Water outdoor activity centre.

Directions

By Road : Goytre Wharf is located off the A4042, between Abergavenny and Pontypool. From the Midlands and North, travel to Abergavenny on the A40.

At the roundabout approaching Abergavenny, take the first (sharp) left exit from the roundabout onto the A4042, signposted to Pontypool and Newport.

Follow this road for about 3 miles through the village of Llanellen, to the village of Llanover. The road goes through the village, and just past the lowest point, take the right turn, signposted Pencroesoped (the sign is quite hard to see). You will find the turning into Goytre Wharf after approximately one mile, signposted on the left.

From the South and West leave the M4 at junction 25a westbound, or 26 eastbound, onto the A4042 signposted to Cwmbran and Abergavenny. Follow the signs for Abergavenny, past the access roundabouts for Cwmbran, Pontypool and New Inn. Turn left at the second roundabout after McDonalds, signposted to Mamhilad. Follow this country road for almost three miles, when Goytre Wharf will be found on your right.

After turning into Goytre Wharf, follow the road to the clearing in the wood. Before reaching the aqueduct, you will see the marina above the old kiln works, just after the British Waterways notice board. Turn right up the short hill into the marina car park.

By Rail: The nearest rail stations are Abergavenny or Pontypool, where you will be just a short taxi ride away (please contact the taxi companies directly for an estimated fare).

If travelling from the North or Midlands you will need to change at Hereford, or if travelling from the South or London (London Paddington), you will need to change at Newport.

For information about train timetables and ticket costs for all mainline rail transport, please go to www.thetrainline.com.

By Air : From London airports, make your way via the London Underground, bus or taxi, to London Paddington station. From there follow the rail directions above. From Bristol, either take a taxi directly (1hr 15min) or travel by rail to either station mentioned above.

From Birmingham International, take the train to Birmingham New Street Station, then follow the train directions above.

The canal meanders and threads its way through the countryside for 36 miles with a remarkable diversity of scenery and often following the magnificent River Usk.

Goytre Wharf itself, the name meaning ‘place in the woods’, was once used to supply coal to the nearby estate. Lime kilns remain as well as an aqueduct dating from 1812 and with its licensed restaurant providing a popular place for visitors.

Pontymoile at one end of the canal was once a place thriving with activity with its warehouses and neighbouring industry and is now a convenient mooring place for Pontypool Leisure Centre with its swimming pool and dry ski slope.

Between here and Brecon at the other end it passes close to Abergavenny, often referred to as the gateway to Wales, Crickhowell with its 13 arch bridge, Talybont -on- Usk with its four mile long reservoir, and a number of other delightful villages.

 

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Llangynidr & return
3 nights, 7 hours a day, 0 or 2 locks

You can choose a leisurely lock free cruise with fine views along the valley and by turning below the lock at Llangynidr village, or if you want the experience of locking the boat, you can turn just above the first lock.

Talybont-on–Usk & return
4 nights, 7 hours a day, 10 locks

This trip takes you further up the canal climbing 5 locks and passing through the Ashford Tunnel to the village of Talybont-on-Usk where you can still see the wharf with its lime kilns and the old tramroad up the side of the mountain.