Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal stretches for 33 miles through some of the most understated countryside in Wales, and it's genuinely worth your time. This isn't a theme park attraction - it's a proper working canal with narrow boats, lock gates, and towpaths that feel like they've barely changed since Victorian times.

Walking the towpath is the main draw. You can tackle sections near Brecon town centre - the stretch past Pencelli is particularly good for spotting wildlife and catching views of the surrounding hills without much effort. If you're after a longer day, the walk towards Talybont-on-Usk takes about two hours and passes through some lovely valley scenery. The canal itself moves slowly, which sounds obvious, but it genuinely forces you to slow down too.

Families with young kids might find a mile or two sufficient before boredom sets in, unless you're the type to pack a proper picnic and make an afternoon of it. History enthusiasts and serious walkers will get far more from this. Cyclists do the towpath as well, though parts get narrow.

It's free to walk alongside - no entrance fees. Staying at Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park puts you right on the canal, which is handy, while Cefn Cantref Campsite is barely over a mile away. The canal ties in well with the Brecon Beacons National Park if you're planning a wider trip - you get pastoral canal life one day and proper hill walking the next.

Go early morning if you can. It's quieter, and you'll actually see the water birds.