FAQs

The day starts at 10am and you must have the boat back to us by 5pm.

No experience of boating is required; all tuition necessary will be given on the day.

All the boats have canvas covers which are easily pulled up and fastened if the weather turns; we will supply umbrellas and towels if the weather is very wet, and we recommend bringing waterproofs.

Only an adult may book a boat, but children may drive if supervised by an adult.

A small boat is a 14ft aluminium boat which can accommodate a maximum of 4 adults and 2 children. There are three cushioned benches onboard; one at the back where the driver sits, one across the middle of the boat and one at the front. The boat has an electric outboard motor and is wheel steered.

A large boat is a 16ft fiberglass boat which can accommodate a maximum of 6 adults and 2 children. There is U-shaped cushioned seating running along the sides and back of the boat, and a bench across the front behind the steering wheel. The boat has an electric inboard motor and is wheel steered.

A child is anyone under 16 of average build. All under-16s and non-swimmers MUST wear a life jacket (these are provided).

​ You have two choices: If you go north for 2.5 hours you will reach the Coach and Horses pub which is located at the first lock. If you go south then you will reach Govilon in 2.5 hours and visit the Tafarn-y-Bont pub, or closer to us there is the Towpath Inn in Gilwern. If you bring a picnic then you can stop wherever you would like for lunch.

​ You may stop wherever you like on the towpath side of the canal; mooring equipment is provided on the boats.

Yes, along the whole length of the Monmouthsire and Brecon canal runs an excellent towpath within feet of the waters edge. The speed limit on the canal is 2.5mph which is a slow walking pace.

We have regulated the boat engines to comply with the 2.5mph speed limit on the canal – you can expect to be overtaken by walkers! Please do stick to the speed limit to keep your batteries from draining before you get back to us.

Dogs are welcome, but please remember that if you have filled the boat to capacity there will be room for small dogs only. Doggy life jackets will be provided upon request. Please do not allow your dog to swim alongside the boat – the boats have propellers at the back which would make this very dangerous.

No, but there is a toilet at our bae which you are free to use before you set off. During the day, if you head south then there are Canal and River Trust toilets at Gilwern accessible using a key we will provide, or you can use the toilets at any of the pubs you choose to visit.

Yes you may, but remember there is limited space especially on the smaller boats, so it may be better to book a large boat if you wish to bring one.

Life jackets are provided for all sizes/ages and for dogs also.

The luxury launch is a very rare Victorian wooden dayboat. This is our largest dayboat seating 6 adults, and it even has a small fridge where you will find glasses and a bottle of bubbly to enjoy during your trip! The boat is wheel steered and has an electric inboard motor. This is the Aston Martin of boats – without the noise or speed! Please note this boat has no rain cover so do bring waterproofs.

Fishing is permitted in certain places along the canal; sections where its forbidden are clearly signed. Ensure you have a valid rod fishing licence with you.

Toilet facilities for your day out

We have toilet facilities at our boathouse but there are none on the dayboats themselves.

Going North

Approximately two and a half hours to the north of the boathouse is the Coach and Horses Public House at Llangyndir where you may be able to use their facilities.

Alternatively, if the pub is closed, you could moor your boat this side of the first lock then walk another 10 minutes or so along the towpath. The Canal and River Trust Toilets are located on the right-hand side next to the towpath just after the 2nd lock.

Going South

Approximately one and a half to two hours to the south of the boathouse is the village of Gilwern. The Canal and river Trust toilets will be found on the left-hand side, just after bridge 104, opposite Castle Narrowboats. There is no mooring here, therefore someone would need to hold the boat temporarily at the canalside or there is mooring on the bend in the canal just a little further on.

Alternatively, further along the canal just beyond the next bridge 103, are fixed mooring points next to the Towpath Inn.

If you reach Govilon, the next village after Gilwern, there are Canal and River Trust Toilets at bridge 97 although there are a number of moored boats and mooring can be tricky. Alternatively, there are moorings on the bend, after bridge 99 then the Tafarn Y Bont Pub is just a couple of minutes' walk down the hill from the canal.

Accessibility

To access the towpath from the boat involves a step up out of the day boat. Our 6 seaters have a metal bar which may be used as support when exiting/entering the boat.

We advise that you bring a picnic and only paddle as far as your own fitness and comfort allows. The pubs are generally too far to reach by canoe, expect perhaps the Towpath pub at Gilwern which you may reach if you paddle fast! Otherwise simply paddle for half your time in one direction and then turn and head back.

The canal is no more than 1-1.5m deep in most places – if you capsize simply stand up and right your canoe, then walk to the bank.

​ Full instruction will be provided when you arrive, but the boat is simple enough; two people paddle facing one another and the person facing forward will steer the boat.

There are two seats for paddlers, with a small space between the pedals which would fit a small dog or child.