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.

Covering 35 miles, it 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.

The Monmouthshire and Brecon canal has for decades 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 otheur long and winding canal is the stretch between Llanfoist and Crickhowell, which they stress is a “deliciously peaceful walk” which never feels “samey.”

Last year, the iconic canal was under threat because the water supply was reportedly running out.

Although a lack of water in Wales might seem strange normally – except for the recent summer – it was a very real issue.

Thankfully before the taps were turned off and the 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?