Pontymoile Basin facts for kids
Pontymoile Basin is a special spot on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. It's a place where canal boats can stop and tie up. It's also a "canal junction," meaning it's where different parts of the canal used to meet.
Where is Pontymoile Basin?
Pontymoile Basin is located in Pontymoile, a part of the town of Pontypool. This area is in Torfaen, which is a county borough in south Wales. The basin sits right on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
History of Pontymoile Basin
Long ago, Pontymoile Basin was a "toll point." This meant boats had to pay a fee to pass through. There's an old building nearby called Junction Cottage. It was built in 1814 and used to be the toll house.
The basin itself is a wide area of water next to the canal. It was used for turning narrowboats around. Narrowboats are long, thin boats designed for canals. Boats could also fill up with water here.
Pontymoile Basin was once a busy junction. Another canal, three miles long, connected here to Pontnewynydd. This connecting canal had 11 locks, which are like water elevators for boats. It brought coal and iron down the valley. This connection was planned in 1797 and finished in 1812.
However, this part of the canal had problems getting enough water. Later, in 1854, a railway company took over. They drained the canal and built a railway line on its path. Today, you can't see traces of either the old canal or the railway. They are now covered by the modern A472 road.
Visiting Pontymoile Basin Today
Today, Pontymoile Basin is becoming a popular place for visitors. You can see many narrowboats and other boats docked along the private moorings. Since 2007, you can even rent boats for a full or half day.
There's also a unique café here. It's inside an old canal boat! The basin is close to Pontypool Park. It's a common stopping point for boats traveling to Goetre Wharf.
