5th May 2018 - Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal walk from Goytre Wharf

Like the starting scene from an episode of casualty.

This week’s walk is through the scenery of the Usk Valley and takes in some of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The walk started by a small wood near Goytre Wharf. The car park is big enough for about 15 cars and is free. We did a lap of the woods first which took all of about 10 minutes but it is pleasant. We followed the road west towards the Pentre Hill. The road crosses the canal over a lovely old stone bridge. The weather was beginning to get quite warm and the road was getting steeper. In the distance we could see the tower at Arbour in Pontypool Park. It definitely looks like something to check out in the future.

This could be barge but on reflection...

After a steep climb the hill plateaus into a rather pleasant leafy clearing. The tracks become slightly confusing up here. The most obvious path on the map is actually nothing more than an impassable muddy ditch and the main road is marked as a track. After a few hundred metres this became obvious so I knew where we were again. We carried on through the woods and popped out next to The Goose and Cuckoo Inn. However, it was only half ten so it would have been quite a wait to get in.

Steep hills and beaming sunshine. Stay hydrated.

We followed the small road down the hill which crossed a stream at the bottom. This was the perfect opportunity for Chuck to have a cool off. It must be hot under that furry jacket. It was road for the next mile or so but that didn’t matter. They were quiet and afforded views all across Abergavenny. We followed the road to the canal. We decided to get to the point where we had previously walked along the canal just so we didn’t leave any gaps. This involved dropping down through a re-entrant cut by a stream that goes under the canal. It was a beautifully tranquil little part of the world. I could have sat there all day.

Abergavenny nestled between Blorenge and Sugar Loaf.

The canal doubles as a cycle path so keep your eyes open. The more lycra worn, it seems, the less chance they will have a bell on their bike. Chuck was determined to go in the water but the banks have steep sides. Be aware, if you do let your dog in the water, you will be dragging it out again. The going on the canal was flat and easy so we made rapid progress on the way back. Further down the banks flatten out so Chuck finally got to go for his swim.

A glistening pool of tranquility.

Right near to where we parked was Goytre Wharf, a parking area for canal boats. It was packed with young families and seemed to have all the sorts of facilities young families like. Stuff for kids to climb on and a café for grown ups. We took a few pictures and moved on back to the car. This was a great walk of two halves. The first part was hilly and had great views, the second half was very leisurely. Hopefully we can walk some more of the canal and report back on what we find.

The traffic was just awful.