Skip Navigation

This is a new website – your feedback will help us improve it.

Neath and Tennant canals

Take a pleasant and tranquil walk through unspoiled, historical landscapes

Things to see

Often thought of as one, the Neath and Tennant canals are two independent, linked canals. The canals are heritage rich, containing:

  • three scheduled monuments
  • a large number of Grade II Listed Buildings
  • 27 buildings/structures of local Interest
  • Conservation Area (Neath Canal Depot)

Neath canal

Opened in 1795, Neath canal is 13 miles long. It runs from Briton Ferry through to Neath town centre, up the Vale of Neath to Glyneath.

Tennant canal

Opened in 1824, the Tennant canal is 8 miles long. It runs from Jersey Marine through Skewen and joins the Neath canal at Aberdulais.

Consultation

We are looking at ways to restore and regenerate the Neath and Tennant canals for the benefit of people, places and the environment

Walk

There's two routes you can take to witness the beauty of Neath and Tennant canals:

  1. Neath canal walk - Aberdulais to Resolven
  2. Aberdulais heritage trail - Tonna, Aberdulais Basin, Tinworks and waterfall

Cycle

Part of the National Cycle Network, you can take the following routes to the Neath and Tennant canals:

  • National route 4 - along Tennant canal to Jersey Marine
  • National route 47 - along the towpath of Neath canal

Wildlife

Information boards along the canals will tell you what wildlife is in the area. You may see:

  • blue tits and great tits
  • dippers
  • kingfishers
  • mallards
  • otters
  • pied wagtails
  • swans