Monmouthshire and Brecon canal - rideable?

[digit]

Anyone know if the canalside path is rideable on the Monmouth/Brecon canal?
The better half isn't confident riding even quiet roads but wants to ride somewhere when we go away.

Cheers
digit

 

[Tim Hall]

I've ridden alongside bits of it on 25mm tyres without too much problem. Started at Brecon and finished at Crickhowell, although this was about 5 years ago, so it might have changed a bit.

 

[fossyant]

Most canals have useable tow paths. Some can be fairly muddy so bike or tyre choice is important

 

[andrew_s]

Brecon to Govilon (Abergavenny) was OK on 700x28 gatorskins. There was one stretch of maybe 1/4 mile that may have been tricky if it had been wet.
(about 3 years ago)

 

[digit]

Thanks all for the replies, she'll be using a hybrid with 32 tyres so should be ok,
is it mainly grass/mud track or is it gravelly?
Cheers

 

[digit]

Thanks queasy ... will probably be camping around Talybont and riding to Brecon, back then further south for a bit.
Cheers

 

[digit]

Always enjoy a trip away whatever the weather etc ... a dozen cars in an hour is a bit stiff around here .... tractors is another thing ... thanks for the tip on the reservoir
cheers

 

[jowwy]

As a regular user and local to the aea ( lived in gilwern and also worked for british waterways/canal trust ) all the canal stretch from pontypool to brecon is good. There are muddy stretches in the forestry sections that have to be kept natural due to habitat and wildlife. Put a set of 32mm cyclocross tyres on and the whole 33ish mile stretch is rideable.

I use it during the winter months as it keeps me off the icy roads and is such an enjoyable ride. Coffee stops at tal y bont, crickhowell and goytre wharf. Plenty of pubs on the way too.

Enjoy