Goytre Wharf, Monmouthshire

Discover the hidden delights of the South Wales countryside on a dog-friendly canal boat cruise beginning at Goytre Wharf. Together with your best furry friend, meander along the gentle waterways on a comfortable berth packed with modern amenities through routes around the Welsh countryside. Stop off for some fabulous walking opportunities and make sure to visit fido-friendly sights along your route starting in Goytre. Explore the picturesque countryside views of Brecon Beacons National Park venturing through The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, inaccessible from any other waterway and offers 35 miles of quiet picturesque countryside from Brecon to Cwmbran. All ABC Boat Hire canal boats at Goytre berth two to eight and come equipped with all you need to swap the hustle and bustle of life in the city for an idyllic boating escape with your canine companion.

Begin your boating adventure for the first time or as a more experienced crew member with full tuition provided at the start of every journey. A handover ensures you are comfortable operating the canal boat and includes where you can moor and how to operate locks, lifts and swing bridges. Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers are governed by the Canal & River Trust and are free of charge, meaning your boat will be permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal as long as no obstruction is being caused. An overnight fee may be charged for overnight moorings at a select number of privately owned sites.

A suggested journey for those wanting a longer escape is Brecon & Return from Goytre Wharf, a tranquil cruise featuring sweeping views with only a handful of locks. This route from Goytre Wharf includes 12 locks and can be completed in seven nights. When heading towards Pencelli, the stunning views of the Welsh countryside can be enjoyed, overlooked by the National Park’s highest peak, Pen y Fan, an idyllic place to soak up unrivalled Welsh views perfect for dog-walking opportunities. When continuing to meander through Brecon, the outdoor capital of Wales for cycling, hiking, scrambling, kayaking, caving, pony trekking and more, stop by Canal Basin, a short walk to Theatr Brycheiniog. This historic market town is great to explore the cathedral with your canine companion and visit its cathedral and many dog-friendly pubs including Brecon Tap.

If you’re looking for a shorter break, Llangynidr & return from Goytre Wharf passes through two locks and can be completed in three nights. Highlights include Llanfoist Wharf where the Blaenavon World Heritage Site meets the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal with Llanfoist Wharf being an idyllic place to stop off and enjoy the beauty and peace of the woodland with your furry friend. After passing through more stretches of woodland, take time to explore the cultural highlights of Crickhowell including Crickhowell Castle where you can then relax with a visit to dog-friendly The Swan Inn pub.

All dog-friendly canal boats are available from April to November. Arrive on Friday, Saturday or Monday for a 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 or 14 night stay. Please note that each route has individual changeover dates. In a canal boat berthing 4, enjoy a 3 night stay from £999 or 7 night stay from £1,399 in the low season, excluding fuel supplement. Supplements apply on summer dates and larger boats.