Paddleboarding-Pencelli to Talybont

Paddleboarding Pencelli to Talybont

Meander along the pretty Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal through the wooded Usk Valley, with glimpses of the mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Built to transport coal, limestone and agricultural produce, traces of this industrial heritage are still visible along the canal today.

Paddle from Pencelli on a peaceful out-and-back route to Talybont-on-Usk, with an optional tunnel extension (an extra 2.5km return). From the Pencelli slipway, turn right (southeast), passing the Royal Oak pub and continuing beneath a succession of bridges and drawbridges, with fine views across to The Blorenge.

Reach the main drawbridge on the outskirts of Talybont-on-Usk. Portage on the left bank, cross the road to rejoin the canal, then continue across the aqueduct between the Star Inn and the White Hart. For an optional extra, paddle a further 1km to reach the 343m-long Ashford Tunnel, where halfway through a ventilation shaft opens dramatically to the sky. Return the same way.

Full route map: www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-pencelli-to-talybont/

Access British Waterways Licence required, which is included in membership of the Paddle UK or PaddleCymru, or can be purchased from the Canal and River Trust

Launch: Pencelli Slipway, Talybont-on-Usk, Powys, LD3 7LX. Grid ref. SO 092 250; Lat/long 51.916, -3.322

Parking Small parking area alongside launch point (alternatively, park on roadside on B4558 towards Pencelli Castle campsite, and access canal down steps beside road bridge)

Pitstops Pencelli Good beer, popular local canal side inn, The Royal Oak www.facebook.com/TheRoyalOakPencelli/?locale=en_GB ; Talybont-on-Usk, The White Hart Inn, canalside pub and bunkhouse; Canalside Café in the centre of Talybont village for breakfast, lunch, cake and Indian food https://talybontstores.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=114

Camping Fabulous camping and caravan site on edge of Pencelli village close to canal and local pub, Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park www.pencelli-castle.com

Getting there A40 E from Brecon signed towards Abergavenny; R onto B4558 signed to Pencelli; continue through village, the R following signs towards Plas Pencelli

Special points Launch from signed canoe access points only to protect the canal banks. If entering Ashford Tunnel, check the tunnel is clear of other craft before entering, wear a forward facing bright white light and a personal floatation device with attached whistle. Do not attempt to paddle the tunnel alone.

Map: OS Explorer OL12, Brecon Beacons National Park (Western Area).

Pencelli to Talybont

Paddleboarding South West