The Mon and Brec Canal at Llangynidr
Overview
Llangynidr is one of the focal points of the Mon and Brec canal. It has 5 of the 6 locks that currently exist on the navigable part of the canal.
Location
Llangynidr is about 10 miles south east of Brecon, and about 23 miles north of Pontymoile.
Llangynidr is a village of just over a thousand people. It has the canal, and the River Usk flowing through it. The village is spread out along the B4558 and provides a number of services that can be used from the canal.
The Canal
The canal passes through the length of the village and runs east to west.
In the western part of the village is the focal point of the canal. It is here that the 5 locks are located. These raise the canal up about 55ft towards Brecon. Above and below the locks are good moorings for a small number of boats. There are also moorings between lock 64 Bottom Lock and lock 65 Depot Lock. Though the canal can be shallow here.
Lock 65 Coombes (Depot) is where the Canal and River Trust (CRT) has a small workshop, and a Welcome station with useful information on the canal, the locks and the surrounding area. It is here that a small number of CRT volunteer lock keepers are based. Their role is to support boaters navigate the locks safely if they require help. However, the volunteer lock keepers only work part-time hours, and only through the main boating season. With CRT Rangers they also provide visitors with information on the best way to get the most out of the canal and the surrounding countryside.
There is also a small narrowboat hire company located next to Lock 65 – Country Craft Narrowboats,
The Llangynidr Locks
The 5 locks at Llangynidr are:
- 68 Top Lock
- 67 Little Lock
- 66 Gwlawcoed Lock
- 65 Coombes (Depot) Lock
- 64 Lower Lock
Locks 67 and 68 are close together with a short pound between them. To ensure that there’s enough water available, and that too much water doesn’t bypass lock 67, there is a side pond connected to the pound to act as a water buffer.
Local Facilities
Between Lock 65 and Lock 64 – Lower Lock is the Coach & Horses Inn, Llangynidr, which has a great beer garden right next to the canal. The restaurant is also well worth a visit. Thoroughly recommended!
The village also has a small store near the Usk river bridge – the Walnut Tree stores. There is also another pub – the Red Lion Hotel, near the Church of St Cynidr & St Mary.