Depending on your arrival time, you may have time for a canal walk before a leisurely meal at the cottage. There’s a delightful 1.5 mile circular walk from the cottages which is accessible by wheelchairs / scooters / buggies. Walk down Church Lane, cross the main road and turn left onto the former railway line; after roughly ½ mile take a zig-zag path on your left to reach the towpath, then turn left and head back to your cottage. Or perhaps you’d rather sit and watch the world go by on the canal before heading into Abergavenny for supper at a restaurant such as Pizzorante, Casa Bianca, The Kings Arms or The Angel Hotel. For your evening out in Abergavenny, why not walk there? It’ll take about 20 minutes – across the river Usk and through Castle Meadows. You can always get a taxi back!
Enjoy exploring the distinctive towns along the canal. Abergavenny is known for its weekly markets – the largest take place on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and the high street is full of independent shops and cafes. A short drive away is the pretty town of Crickhowell, winner of the Great British High Street Award 2018, which is famed for its independent retailers. Further west is Brecon, with a good mix of shops and cafés, and the lively Theatr Brycheiniog at the end of the canal. Plus, you’ll see some great views of the highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons. Pick up some delicious local produce for supper/BBQ back at the cottage.
Explore one of the historic sites such as Blaenavon World Heritage Site, Big Pit, Blaenavon Heritage Railway, Blaenavon Ironworks, Raglan Castle, Tintern Abbey or Tredegar House. The lesser known fortresses at Grosmont, Skenfrith and White Castle are joined by a 19-mile circular walk. End this fascinating day with supper in the cottage, and a good film.
You really can’t leave without exploring the canal a little further. Try one of these walking routes: Canal West Walk or Canal East Walk. At Beacon Park Day Boats in Llangattock, you can take an electric boat out on the water for the day, stopping for a picnic or refreshment at a canalside pub. If you enjoy an evening walk, follow the towpath westwards for roughly 3 miles to Gilwern, where there’s a fish and chip shop and The Towpath Inn. Or, for a special occasion, book a table at one of the area’s finest restaurants: The Angel Hotel, The Walnut Tree or The Hardwick.
