The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal was formed from the linking of the Brecknock and Abergavenny with the Monmouthshire Canal at Pontymoile near Pontypool. It carried coal, iron ore, lime and agricultural products with numerous plateways linking it to coal pits and iron works. The coming of the railways led to its decline and closure. In the 1970s restoration work began and now 36 miles or so of the canal have been re-opened to pleasure craft.