Spring is a special time of year along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal – and it’s a wonderful time to visit. So, here are five of the best reasons to book your 2018 narrowboat holiday in the Spring:

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‍1. Meet the new lambs!

Nothing says Spring like the sight of new-born lambs gamboling in the fields. At Cantref Adventure Farm near Brecon, you and your young ones can bottle feed the new lambs between Easter and July. It’s open to visitors from April to November. There are indoor and outdoor play areas, animal shows, and a horse riding centre. Find out more here.

2. Enjoy Spring flowers.

There’s something very special indeed about seeing the hosts of golden daffodils in the fields, villages, and towns along the canal. March 1 is St David’s Day, the patron saint of Wales, and you will often see children dressed in national costume taking part in local eisteddfodau (cultural competitions where there is music, singing, and dancing). The daffodil is, of course, the national flower of Wales and is an important part of St David’s Day. Spring is also the time when the apple and cherry trees are in blossom. If you visit Abergavenny, you can walk from the canal at Llanfoist to the Castle Meadows next to the River Usk, and to the town’s community orchard where you will see apple trees in blossom. Linda Vista Gardens is also nearby, somewhere you will spot flowers including the crocus, snowdrops, and primroses.

3. Head for the hills.

The hills of the Brecon Beacons are lovely in the Spring. Take a stroll up the Skirrid, Sugarloaf, or Blorenge near Abergavenny, or Table Mountain near Crickhowell. After a long winter, you’ll enjoy seeing the patchwork of local fields from the top of the hills and you’ll see the new growth in the bracken as you walk along.

4. Look out for wildlife emerging after the winter.

You may see bats, reed warblers, herons, kingfishers, newts, or birds of prey including hawks. If you venture into the Brecon Beacons, you could spot rare red kites hanging in the air, riding thermals above mountains such as Pen y Fan, Fan y Big, Cribyn, and Corn Du.

5. Visit one of our markets.

Abergavenny has markets on Tuesdays, Fridays, and on weekends – some are general markets, some are arts and craft markets.There are also regular markets in Pontypool which are easily accessible from the canal basin.It’s worth visiting to get farm-fresh Spring produce which you can enjoy on your narrowboat. Some of the best Monmouthshire produce includes locally-produced lamb and beef, new potatoes, and home-made cakes.

‍Are you looking to book your Spring break on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal? Take a look at our prices and our availability.