Mon and Brec hailed as one of the UK’s greatest walks!

THE Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal has been selected as one of the UK’s most beautiful paths by a panel of walking experts.

Now you might wonder exactly what constitutes a walking expert, but that’s not the point. The point is our 35 miles of watery wonder has received rare acclaim in The Times from the authors of 100 Classic Country Walks, Jen and Sim Benson.

Somerset’s Strawberry Line came in at number one, but the ’The Precipice Walk’ from Dolgellau through Eyri was the only other walk in Wales to make the top 12.

But enough of all that, we’re here to talk about the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal which for decades has cast its spell on all those who have walked, jogged, or cycled on its tow-path, or boated sedately and serenely along its waterways.

Connoisseurs of canals appreciate the bridges, locks, and tunnels of the Mon and Brec, and frequent fliers love its languid and leisurely atmosphere.

Its diversity and beauty make it the prettiest waterway system in the UK by a country mile, and if its wildlife and history you want, the Mon and Brec has got it by the bucketful.

The Bensons' favourite stretch of our long and winding canal is the stretch between Llanfoist and Crickhowell, which they stress is a “deliciously peaceful walk” which never feels “samey.”

We couldn’t agree more.

You may remember that last year, our iconic canal was under threat. Apparently, the water supply was running out.

Although a lack of water in Wales, which seems to spend at least a third of every year labouring under rain clouds, might seem strange, it was a very real issue.

Thankfully before the taps were turned off and our beloved canal was left to rot and ruin a vital water supply agreement between Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water saved the day for future generations to enjoy one of the industrial revolution's greatest marvels.

After all, what point industry if not in the service of leisure?