q Our Boats – MBACTrust

Our Boats

Join us for a leisurely cruise along this beautiful historic waterway

Boat trips

Update March 2023 : Find out more about our 2023 boat trips – Boat Trips from Goytre Wharf

Who are we?

We are a small local charity run by volunteers, dedicated to the protection, improvement, and restoration of the canal for the benefit of the local community. We run a “not-for-profit” Community Boats operation where any income over-and-above operating costs is reinvested into the education, restoration/regeneration, improvement, and promotion of the canal.

We are disability aware and dementia friendly. We will endeavour to assist wherever we can. If you will need assistance please let us know in advance. We are there to help you enjoy our cruise.

If you wish to find out more on why we run trip boats then our Why do we run our Boats page can give you some background information.

Our Location

Our boats are based at Goytre Wharf, near Llanover, a tranquil rural location on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The Wharf, which is located within the Brecon Beacons National Park is well equipped with a Visitor Centre, café, toilets, car-park and large coach-parking area. For your satnav the postcode is NP7 9EW.

Boats at Goytre Wharf

Skippered trips, where our experienced and trained crew takes you on a cruise, are available from our Trust. Visit our Boat Trips page for more information on when our boats are running.

Holiday narrow boats and “self-drive” smaller day boats (including one especially adapted for a wheelchair user) can be hired at the Wharf from ABC Leisure.

You can also hire canal boats from other locations on the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal here in Wales. You can find out more on our Mon and Brec Canal Businesses page.


Scheduled Cruises by the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust

Our boats operate scheduled cruises. Please check our Boat Trips page for more information and the next scheduled cruise.

Edith Elizabeth
Edith Elizabeth

Edith-Elizabeth

The Edith-Elizabeth is a small 10 seater craft offering an open-boat experience. The boat is electrically powered allowing passengers to fully experience the sights and sounds of the canal.

Lord Raglan
Lord Raglan
Lord Raglan interior
Lord Raglan interior

Lord Raglan

Lord Raglan is a large covered boat compete with wheelchair lift and disabled friendly toilet. She can accommodate up to 25 passengers. She also has two designated wheelchair spaces.

The boat is electrically powered and can be steered and powered from either end, allowing passengers to fully experience the sights and sounds of the canal. The unique dual ended capability allows full flexibility for trips without having to worry about turning the boat.

Before planning your trip to Goytre Wharf we advise checking our Boat Trips page for more information and the next scheduled cruise.


Themed Cruises

We provide themed cruises:

  • Burns Night Cruise
  • Illuminated Christmas Cruise
  • Half Term Cruises


Schools Cruises

We are very happy to accommodate school classes in our floating classroom. Prior booking is essential. Please contact us for details.


Coach Parties

We are pleased to accommodate coach parties by prior arrangement. As our larger boat can only accommodate 25 passengers, plus two wheelchair users, we recommend that for large coaches parties splitting the party in two, with half the passengers enjoying a cruise whilst the other party enjoys exploring Goytre Wharf and having a meal at the Goytre Wharf Cafe, then swapping over.

Please contact us discuss your requirements and to book your cruise.


Private Charters

For that special occasion why not charter one of our boats?

The Edith-Elizabeth is an ideal boat for small group to enjoy a few hours on the canal, perhaps stopping off for a canal-side picnic.

The Lord Raglan is an ideal venue for celebrations, office away-days, training days, or meetings.

We can tailor the length of cruise to suit your needs. We can accommodate up to 25 seated passengers (although if you would like a little more elbow room we would recommend a max of 20) with 2 spaces reserved for passengers needing a wheelchair.

We can arrange for a buffet to be provided onboard, a sit-down meal before or after your cruise at Penelope’s Cafe at Goytre Wharf, or you can take a leisurely cruise down to the Star Inn at Mamhilad for a prearranged meal (regrettably access to the Star Inn from the towpath is steep so is not suitable for those with mobility problems). Please note that trips to the Star Inn will need a minimum 4 Hour booking. 1.5 Hour to cruise down, 1 Hour at the pub and 1.5 Hour return cruise.

Please contact us, we can provide a quote for your specific requirements.


Volunteers

We always welcome additional help to manage our boats. If you would like to join our friendly boat volunteer team, we would be delighted to hear from you.

You can find out more about volunteering with us on our Volunteering Opportunities page.