On our way at last

So we finally arrive at Llangynidr where we will collect our canal boat.

I had booked us in at the Coach and Horses, very close to the hire base for the night of 14th October.

Boat hires generally start late on the afternoon of the first day of the hire period, so I have always found it useful to get there the day before, overnight, and use
the morning visiting the local supermarket to stock up on the food necessities, so as not to waste too much time of the hire period, and get moving with the boat as soon as posssible.

The Coach and Horse turned out to be wonderful – an ancient (17th century) building, run by an energetic lady who went out of her way to ensure we had a pleasant stay. The room was extremely comfortable, with a spacious full bathroom (with a bidet!) TV and wifi access.
The restaurant there served very good reasonable priced food, and the breakfast was excellent as well.



Our boat

 At this point I should perhaps give you some pointers to the waterways in general and why
we are about to cruise on the Monmouth and Brecon.
There are numerous navigable waterways in the United Kingdom, and if you go to Canaljunction you will find an overview of all the canals in UK, as well as loads of information on hire companies and the canals and waterways.

We had planned a trip around Ireland, ending back in the UK at the ferry port of Fishguard
in Wales.

The Monmouth and Brecon is one of the most beautiful canals, and also one that we would not visit in our own boat (when we get it!) as it does not connect to any other waterway in UK, so we felt we should take the opportunity to do this short trip.
The Mon and Brec is only about 35 miles in length, but being quite narrow and rather shallow one has to make a lovely leisurely trip. Travelling the Waterways is not only about boating! It is also about taking in the countryside, enjoying the scenery and doing some wonderful walks.



Approaching a bridge

 Yesterday morning (15th), after enquiring, we left the Coach and Horses, and drove to the nearest shopping town, Abergavenny, to stock up with food stuff for the first few days.
Although there are quite a few pubs along the canals, we prefer to buy fresh and natural ingredients and self cater.
We returned to the hire base – Country Craft – at about 12 o’clock, which was a little early but fortunately our boat – Country Fair was ready for us.
Robert fron Country Craft gave us a good brief and handover, and even helped us through the first lock, and we were on our way!

Although we have done several boat trips before, there is always something new, or some special information about the boat or canal, to learn.
It really is a special feeling of freedom and stillness when one gets going on a canal, meandering at a laid back pace, and taking in the wonderful scenery.
Of course, one of the challenges with all this countryside is that internet access is not always assured, and hence my posts can be somewhat erratic!!! Till next time…