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Lime Kilns at Goytre Wharf

 The return journey was even more leisurely than the outward trip. If that was possible.

I always allow more time than is necessary for the return, as it is a holiday and the last thing one needs is pressure to get back on time.

The first photo shows the old Lime Kilns at Goytre Wharf, as well as one of the original trams that were used to transport the limestone down from the quarries.
On previous walks we saw the steep slopes on which these trams ran and made us realise what a tough life people had in those days. At this site there is also a heritage and information centre with history of the area.



Secluded overnight mooring

Our next overnight stop was close to Tod’s Bridge, near the town of Llangfoist, and about 25 mins walk to the larger town of Abergavenny.
This was a wonderfully secluded and beautiful spot, as the second picture shows. Of course the time of the year might have helped.
The canal is not at its busiest, which to my mind is great, and one can find places like this to moor up and be quite alone.

Here we took a whole day out and walked into the town of Abergavenny. A picturesque town, but the advertised market was a bit of a disappointment. Had hoped there would be loads of tasty local produce available, but it was more of a bargain and flea market. Again, maybe it would be better during the height of the summer season.



Clydach Ironworks

 Our next overnight stop was at a little town called Gilwern, Here we did the walk up to the Clydach Ironworks, (third photo) and reading the sign about the forging process, was again reminded of how hard life was for the iron workers.

There were a number of canalside pubs and restaurants close to our Gilwern mooring, but most had closed as the holiday season was drawing to an end.

This of course is one of the disadvantages of waterway cruising at this time of the year.

Leaving Gilwern we immediately passed under the lowest bridge on this canal – Bridge 103 – photo 4. Approaching the bridge, it seems as if the boat will never fit through!!

Bridge 103 !!!

We continued meandering northwards, taking in the lovely autumn colours, and the changing views of the nearby hills and mountains.

For our last night, we moored up at Bridge 133, right outside the Coach and Horses where we overnighted before boarding our boat. And of course went back for a pint and an evening meal.

All too soon the week was over, and first thing the next morning, we passed through the last lock and back to the hire base, where the boat was returned.

There are many aspects of canal and waterway travels that I have rather glossed over – types of boats, the different regions, various waterways and the locks
themselves to name but a few.

In upcoming posts, I will talk more about our other boating holidays and try and cover some of these topics.
A bientot… (till then…)