Pete’s MONTGOMERY CANAL PHOTO-SITE

Brynderwen (Abermule) to Newtown ( Section15 ).  Page 1

   This section is only navigable for small portable craft but, if you enjoy walking, the     towpath forms a pleasant walk.

    The restoration of Byles Lock and Newhouse Lock has been completed.

    After leaving the restored Brynderwyn Lock, the canal travels along side the A483 Trunk road for a short distance in the direction of Newtown before it is crossed by the " New Road Bridge" that used to carry the main road into and through Abermule. The canal continues to run parallel to the road and alongside but at a higher level than the River Severn until it passes below the A483 through a tunnel like bridge before heading away from the Abermule area. It originally rose through five locks before reaching its terminal basin in Newtown. Sadly, its present course now ends at the feeder from the Penarth Weir below the site of the Freestone Lock from where to Newtown the course has mostly been obliterated although most of the towpath is still traceable before reaching Newtown itself where the basin and wharf areas have disappeared.

Brynderwyn.

Prominently sited by Brynderwen Lock at Abermule, sandwiched between the canal and the A483 trunk road is the Shropshire Union Canal Company Warehouse.

A peculiarity in the canal company maps named the lock Brynderwen but the bridges Brynderwyn.

Just past the lock, this Milepost tells us that we are now 4 miles from Newtown and 31 miles from Welsh Frankton.

Brynderwyn New Road Bridge.(Bridge No.147).

The bridge itself was cast in 1853 at the Brymbo Ironworks near Wrexham but, due to increased traffic loading, a brick pillar had to be constructed to support the centre of the bridge. Weight restrictions were later imposed as weights became even heavier.

Abermule Bypass Bridge (Bridge No. 147A)

As seen from the towpath on the approach from the Brynderwen side.

The bridge provides navigable headroom but has not been provided with a tow-path.

Southern end of the Abermule Bypass Bridge.

Leaving the Abermule Bye-pass Bridge.

Overshadowed by a tree, we find a winding point.

Byles Lock with its lock keepers cottage is seen in the distance.

After the tunnel.

This scene is looking back towards  Abermule from the canal towpath on the approach  to Byles Lock.

The winding point can barely be seen but is opposite the large tree

The road bridge carrying the main A483 trunk road is seen to the right of the photo.

Byles Lock Bridge (Bridge no. 148).

After leaving both the road and the river bridges, the canal follows the contour of the hill before a gentle rise in the land brings it to Byles Lock Bridge with its lock keepers cottage.

Byles Lock with its lock keepers cottage is found past Bridge no. 148

The lock has a rise of 7 foot 2½ inches and is in a good state of repair having already been restored. The entrance to the bye-weir is clearly seen to the left of the photo.

On the approach New House Lock.

A padded canoe launching area is to be  found.

The towpath is being re-surfaced.

New House Lock Bridge ( Bridge no. 149 ).

The approach to New House Lock Bridge showing the re-built towpath and bye-weir. Which  brings us to a collection of houses and farm buildings which are the last habitations for over half a mile before reaching Aberbechan.

New House Lock (7 foot 9½ inches rise) .

Between New House Lock Bridge (No. 149) and New House Bridge (No. 150) lies New House Lock itself.

Restored by the SUCS work team in conjunction with B.W.

An attractive picnic area has been created by the lock side.

CLICK HERE for 2005 restoration work photo’s.

Looking back over Newhouse Lock.

A seat is by the hedge for you to rest a while and enjoy the scene.

View over the River Severn.

As seen from side of New House Lock.

New House .

From which the lock gets its name.

As you leave the area by New House Lock.

A pleasantly  wooded area meets your eyes.

The towpath is being restored to provide a safe route for both walkers and cyclists.   

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© CPK 2010