We have inherited a rich heritage and there is much for the visitor to enjoy, from relics of pre -Roman civilisation to a 17th Century poet to an important Industrial Revolution era canal with its feeder tram road. The natural environment has been the spur for our man-made history. Several hill tops bear visible remains of Iron Age settlements (Allt yr Esgair) and remnants of Bronze Age burials sites can be found on the high peaks.(Cairn Pica) The poet Henry Vaughan, known as the 'Swan of Usk', who lived locally was greatly inspired by the countryside and is buried at Llansantffraed Church here in our Beacons.

From high in the Talybont valley an early 19th century gravity and horse drawn tram road descends to join the canal at Overtons Wharf near some well preserved lime kilns in Talybont. The waterway is a superb engineering feat being a contour canal, with surprisingly few locks, situated between a spate river and high hills. It was opened in 1800 and transported lime and coal to Newport.

Near Talybont it passes through the Ashford tunnel where boats were often 'legged' through by the owners lying on their backs and walking along the tunnel wall! Talybont Reservoir is endowed with a history of initial failures but ultimate success. It now seems impossible, when standing on the dam enjoying the wonderful view, to imagine the large workforce assembled in the 1930s to build this fine structure or the distress of the 200 inhabitants who had to leave.

Boat Hire

Cambrian Cruisers