Information Board at the Govilon bridge 98 of the Brecon and Monmouth canal This is one of the most scenic canal routes in Britain. It runs for 32 miles (51.5 km) through idyllic scenery in the National Park between Brecon and Pontypool. It then continues to Newport. The canal was built between 1797 and 1812 to link Brecon with Newport and the Severn Estuary. Stone and processed lime from nearby quarries was transported by tramway to the canal and then by barge to Newport.