Road House Narrowboats
Road House Narrowboats
Road House Narrowboats
5
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About
Four narrowboats available for short breaks, weekly hire and longer on the spectacular Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal which runs its course within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Our boats will sleep between two and five people.
Gilwern, Monmouthshire, Wales
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
78 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
CardiffWeb
Cardiff, UK65 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
This is the first time we have done a narrowboat holiday and Road House Narrowboats didn’t disappoint. From the easy booking system to the thorough operational briefing from Nigel it was first class.
Me, my wife and our dog spent 4 nights on the Gilwern Princess and went up to Brecon and back to Gilwern with ease.
The narrowboat is very authentically decorated and adequately stocked with everything you’ll need for your trip. The bathroom is cosy but manageable but there are toilets/showers at points along the canal which you have access to.
We’ve traveled the canal in April and it was very quiet but I can imagine at peak times it would become very busy.
The scenery is second to none and after lockdown you can moor up at several pubs along the way.
I would recommend Road House Narrowboats without hesitation.
Thank you Sally and Nigel for a great time.
Me, my wife and our dog spent 4 nights on the Gilwern Princess and went up to Brecon and back to Gilwern with ease.
The narrowboat is very authentically decorated and adequately stocked with everything you’ll need for your trip. The bathroom is cosy but manageable but there are toilets/showers at points along the canal which you have access to.
We’ve traveled the canal in April and it was very quiet but I can imagine at peak times it would become very busy.
The scenery is second to none and after lockdown you can moor up at several pubs along the way.
I would recommend Road House Narrowboats without hesitation.
Thank you Sally and Nigel for a great time.
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was lovely meeting you and thank you for leaving us a review. We are so pleased that you all enjoyed your holiday on Princess.
Written 4 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John M
1 contribution
Apr 2022
Just spent a week on the 'Princess'. Even with covid controls in place, Nigel gave us a great handover of the boat at the beginning of the trip. The boat itself was just perfect for the two of us and is a perfect length for the size of the canal. The boat was well equipped and really easy to control, even in the locks! The boat was a good starter for anyone wanting to try out barging for the first time. We stopped at Llangattock the first night and then on to Talybont then all the way to Brecon Basin and back. Loads of nature all around. Slow and relaxing trip. All locks were covered by volunteers so no need to worry if you are a beginner. We would definitely recommend Road House Narrowboats for a boat and would definitely use them again.
Many thanks to Nigel and Sally who were helpful and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble.
Thanks for a great holiday.
Many thanks to Nigel and Sally who were helpful and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble.
Thanks for a great holiday.
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you John, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday on Princess and hope to see you again.
Written 30 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adventure370848
5 contributions
Jun 2021
Owners Nigel & Sally seem to be known and respected by everyone on the canal we spoke to from Brecon to Goytre Wharf, and their boats are beautiful and exceptionally well equipped. Their attentiveness and attention to detail in every respect is superb and makes everything so enjoyable from beginning to end. As a small reputable family company to boot, and at an ideal location midway along the canal, Road House Narrowboats should be your #1 choice if considering a boating holiday on the Mon & Brec canal . We've had many previous boating holidays in various UK locations, but this one was especially memorable on many counts. The scenery was stunning and very different to any other, and lots of lovely locations to stop off for a drink and a bite to eat or just to have a wander.
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time on the Mon & Brec and found it to be so memorable.
Written 29 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Snozzy2
Plymouth, UK2 contributions
Sept 2021
We had a very enjoyable week onboard the Gilwern Duchess. This was only our second time on a narrowboat and our first time on the Mon & Brec canal. The boat was most comfortable and a perfect size for both us and navigating the canal. Some of the larger boats we met were often running aground as we slipped by with no problems. Nigel & Sally gave us a very thorough briefing before we were let free and we were able to bring our car right alongside to load our things. They also sent us a really useful guide to the canal before our trip, which we were able to keep afterwards. We easily reached Brecon in two days after negotiating the various bridges, tunnel and locks. Help was nearly always available at the locks, so our crew of two had no real problems. We had a couple of wet days, but due to the very efficient gas powered heating system on the boat, we were able to dry out and warm up in the cosy cabin. The canal is quite narrow in places, but the countryside is stunning and there was always something new to see. We hope to be back soon in the future to explore further down towards five locks.
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeremy P
1 contribution
Apr 2022
We (2 adults and 2 dogs) have just completed 4 days cruising on the Monmouth and Brecon Canal in Gilwern Princess. The canal is lovely, winding through stunning scenery, and is easy to navigate with few locks and not many boats. It is shallow in places, and there are some tight turns, narrow bridges and a narrow tunnel, but that all adds to the fun.
Nigel and Sally are very friendly and helpful, and Nigel's introduction to the boat was thorough and practical- with plenty of tips on how to get unstuck!
The boat was well equipped and comfortable and had everything we needed. We chose this company (and this boat in particular) as their boats are shorter and much easier to manage - from what we saw the biggest boats were more difficult to navigate around bends and the Ashford tunnel, so pick the right sized boat for your party. Big is not necessarily beautiful here.
The canal volunteers at the locks were fantastic, and good fun, and made going through the locks easy.
We didnt have time to stray far from the canal, but here is plenty to see and do in the villages along the route and plenty of good walks into the hills as well.
The pubs tended tended to be closed early in the week and because of staff shortages were only serving meals at certain times - but the guide for the company has an update on what the current situation is and best advice is to ring ahead and book.
All in all an excellent and relaxing few days.
Nigel and Sally are very friendly and helpful, and Nigel's introduction to the boat was thorough and practical- with plenty of tips on how to get unstuck!
The boat was well equipped and comfortable and had everything we needed. We chose this company (and this boat in particular) as their boats are shorter and much easier to manage - from what we saw the biggest boats were more difficult to navigate around bends and the Ashford tunnel, so pick the right sized boat for your party. Big is not necessarily beautiful here.
The canal volunteers at the locks were fantastic, and good fun, and made going through the locks easy.
We didnt have time to stray far from the canal, but here is plenty to see and do in the villages along the route and plenty of good walks into the hills as well.
The pubs tended tended to be closed early in the week and because of staff shortages were only serving meals at certain times - but the guide for the company has an update on what the current situation is and best advice is to ring ahead and book.
All in all an excellent and relaxing few days.
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for leaving a review Jeremy, we are glad you found your trip enjoyable and relaxing.
Written 30 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter E
2 contributions
Apr 2021
It's been a few years since we hired a narrowboat but our week on Gilwern Princess (Roadhouse Narrowboats) on the Mon & Brec has fired up our enthusiasm once again. Though only 36 feet Princess was more than adequate for the two of us and gave us a very comfortable week's break. With pubs and restaurants still closed, the well-equipped galley provided us with all our meals. Princess handled well and was ideal for the shallow canal with narrow(ish) bridge holes and locks.
The initial handover from Nigel and Sally was excellent with full explanations of all the equipment and rules of the cut. Nigel accompanied us for a few minutes to ensure we knew how to handle a narrowboat. We had an excellent week and heartily recommend Roadhouse Narrowboats. The Mon and Brec is probably the most attractive with its panoramic views of the Usk valley and the mountains. Although relatively short there is plenty to do and see for a week or a fortnight. Being shorter than many hire boats Roadhouse Narrowboats are a lot easier to manoeuvre.
The initial handover from Nigel and Sally was excellent with full explanations of all the equipment and rules of the cut. Nigel accompanied us for a few minutes to ensure we knew how to handle a narrowboat. We had an excellent week and heartily recommend Roadhouse Narrowboats. The Mon and Brec is probably the most attractive with its panoramic views of the Usk valley and the mountains. Although relatively short there is plenty to do and see for a week or a fortnight. Being shorter than many hire boats Roadhouse Narrowboats are a lot easier to manoeuvre.
Written 26 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on the Mon & Brec canal and hope that your rekindled love of narrowboating means that we see you again in the future.
Written 29 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy P
2 contributions
Oct 2021
We had a fantastic trip on the Gilwern Lady. It's the smallest boat, but perfect for couples. We really appreciated its smaller size when navigating the bends, bridges, locks and tunnel on the canal. The canal itself was perfect for beginners like us. It has a bit of everything, while not being too busy. Plus it's in amazing scenery. You can moor either in one of the small villages, or in the middle of nowhere if you prefer.
Sally and Nigel were excellent. The handover was very comprehensive and the barge was very well equipped. The central heating was amazingly efficient, so it was very cosy in the cool October evenings.
Highly recommended!
Sally and Nigel were excellent. The handover was very comprehensive and the barge was very well equipped. The central heating was amazingly efficient, so it was very cosy in the cool October evenings.
Highly recommended!
Written 19 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham O
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Sally and Nigel of Road House Narrowboats were very welcoming and justifiably proud of their fleet. With a beam of 7' RHN craft are easy to navigate through the stunningly beautiful, but narrow and shallow Mon & Brec canal. Gilwern Princess was well equipped and had excellent heating; essential for a relaxing autumn cruise.
Nigel's handover briefing was well pitched, containing essential information for a trouble free trip and reassurance that help would be readily available should the need arise.
Nigel's handover briefing was well pitched, containing essential information for a trouble free trip and reassurance that help would be readily available should the need arise.
Written 12 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M0rleySt
Hampshire, UK149 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We’ve just had a brilliant 7 days in the Mon and Brec canal. Nigel and his team at Road House Narrowboats do an excellent job.
We had a lovely little home for the week on board the Gilwern Duchess. A shorter boat than we usually have but every space is utilised to make the boat feel bigger.
The handover from Nigel is great whether you are experienced or not at canal boating.
The canal itself is well worth a visit. Stunning scenery, we were blessed with beautiful weather. If you are looking for a narrow boat company on the Mon and Brec, look no further 👍
We had a lovely little home for the week on board the Gilwern Duchess. A shorter boat than we usually have but every space is utilised to make the boat feel bigger.
The handover from Nigel is great whether you are experienced or not at canal boating.
The canal itself is well worth a visit. Stunning scenery, we were blessed with beautiful weather. If you are looking for a narrow boat company on the Mon and Brec, look no further 👍
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words, we are so pleased you enjoyed your time on the Mon & Brec aboard Duchess
Written 29 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave and Helen A
1 contribution
May 2023 • Friends
A big shout out to Nigel and Sally at Roadhouse Boats for making our trip on the Mon and Brec canal so memorable. My wife and I were beginners and our friends experienced canal boaters but the Gilwern Countess suited us all and was easily piloted even through 5 locks. It had everything we needed for a comfortable weeks trip at a reasonable cost and Nigel and Sally did everything possible to make our trip safe but fun, from a comprehensive initial briefing to fetching our car back for us at the end so we didn't have to walk far with luggage in the rain when we left. All their boats are beautifully appointed and their customer care is beyond compare. Well done to you both. We'll be back. Dave, Helen, Share and Tim
Written 6 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday on Countess and hope to see you again.
Written 11 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience