Accessible Britain

Brecon Canal Walk
Brecon Canal Walk
WALES
section of the trail starts from Brecon Wharf and follows the canal as far as Brynich
Lock and back. As well as stunning scenery, the trail passes interpretation boards,
community art projects and two picnic areas with wheelchair accessible tables – here,
on a short track, is a reconstruction of one of the horse-drawn Hay Railway trams that
once worked the length of the canal. A little further along there is a resting point with
views over the River Usk – for a short while the river flows alongside the canal. A
brightly coloured canal boat called the Dragonfly is in operation sporadically – for those
lucky enough to be present at the same time, it offers an alternative, fun and wheelchair
accessible way to reach the lock.
A small car park is located at Brecon, where there is a ramp onto the towpath. The
start of the trail is narrow and uneven in places, but soon broadens out to become a
wide and hard-surfaced cycle path, only restricted at bridges where headroom is also
reduced. On wet days, deep puddles can form, so wheelchair users, mobility-impaired
walkers and visitors with toddlers and pushchairs are best visiting on sunny days –
when the scenery and views are at their best anyway. Deaf and hearing-impaired
visitors should be aware that this is a busy cycle route and while signs request that
priority is given to pedestrians, many cyclists speed along, ringing their bells as the
only sign of their presence. On return to the Brecon car park, avoid a push back up
the ramp by using the road on the left of the bridge, just before the wharf. There are
other barrier-free access points to the towpath at Talybont-on-Usk, Llangynidr to
Llangattock, Gilwern and Govilon, but some of these have steep inclines.
FOOD & DRINK aa The canalside Tipple’n’Tiffin bistro (www.brycheiniog.co.uk/tipple-ntiffin)
in Brecon serves lunches averaging £10 for a main course, but doesn’t have a
children’s menu. Alternatively, the nearby Rich Way Café is a cheaper option serving
good food.
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