Canals were a revolutionary transport system that enabled heavy cargoes of up to 20 tonnes to be towed by a single horse. The Brecon and Abergavenny Canal opened in 1800 and by 1812 having joined the Monmouthshire Canal it was possible to travel from Brecon to the docks at Newport. The main source of water still remains the river Usk. The canal contributed to the development of Talybont initially for the transport of coal and limestone. It gave easier access to Brecon to the west and settlements eastwards and quickly mixed cargoes were transported – pleasure craft soon followed.