Although not strictly within the Blaenafon district, the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canal has such a strong past connection with the town that no description of Blaenavon would be complete without some mention of it. Built to provide transport to the docks at Newport for coal and iron from Blaenafon and surrounding areas, it has an interesting history. As is often the case hereabouts, the canal is known by many different names. Take your pick from almost any combination of Brecon, Brecknock, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Pontypool and sometimes even Newport, or just fall back on the easier 'Mon and Breck' as most do.

These days its use is entirely recreational and it provides marvellous views of the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains and the Usk valley to holiday-makers on the narrowboats or cruisers available for rental (see links page for hirers). It meanders from Brecon, hugging the side of the Blorenge mountain, down the valley for 33 miles (53km) to Pontypool, passing by old wharves and delightful canal-side pubs. Six locks, several aqueducts, a lift-bridge and a tunnel have to be negotiated on the way, but the tranquil trip through spectacular scenery gives a chance of viewing close-up the myriad wildlife including kingfishers, herons and otters.

There are plans to open up more of the southern sections of the canal to craft in the near future - already a 2 mile stretch of the Crumlin arm at Cwmcarn is navigable again. A packed public meeting at Risca in 2001 showed overwhelming support for a full restoration. The Fourteen Locks Canal Centre at Rogerstone is located at Britain's most remarkable staircase lock system where the canal level was raised 160ft (50m) in just 800 yds (740m). There is a visitor centre there with 'interpretive displays'.

A good map and general guide to the canal is the Nicholson/Ordnance Survey Guide to the Waterways 4: Four Counties and the Welsh Canals which gives information on nearby towns as well as details of pubs, restaurants, opening times etc.