llangollen canal trips over aqueduct

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Motor Boat Trips across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct 

Our Motor Boat is now running  2 hour public trips across  Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on selected days  For availability go to our booking system. 

We can  also offer 4 hour trips across the Aqueduct with a selection of food as detailed in our Special Events section.

We can offer a variety of snacks and light meals on board which must be ordered in advance and of course the bar will be open  throughout the trip, cash and card payment avaialable.  We strongly recommend booking these trips on line or by ringing the Wharf

Call our friendly team on  01978 860702  for more information 

Built between 1795 and 1805, the impressive structure stands out from its surroundings and yet somehow complements the landscape perfectly, making it a site that simply has to be seen up close. This is the country's highest navigable aqueduct, towering 126ft (38m) above the River Dee and supported by 18 stone piers. The canal runs through an iron trough 1007 feet (306.9 metres) long, 11 feet 10 inches (3.6 metres) wide and 5 feet 3 inches (1.6 metres) deep. Clear water is fed from the River Dee at the Horseshoe Falls near Llangollen.

Fully weatherproofed and fitted with comfortable seats and central heating, our  Covid secure canal boat is specially designed for sitting back and taking in outstanding views. Meanwhile, live commentary will help you to understand more about the area’s rich heritage and thriving wildlife, whilst our inviting bar ensures that you have everything you need to refresh and unwind.

(We now take cash and card on the boat)

Traversing five miles of the Llangollen Canal World Heritage Site, this is an unmissable activity that we highly recommend you include when visiting our charming region.

These trips run daily between April and end of September and at weekends and selected midweek days in October November, December, February and Macrh

Public Trips 

Trip A: Llangollen to Froncysyllte (2 hours)

Depart from picturesque Llangollen Wharf on our canal boat,

the Thomas Telford, and enjoy two hours of peaceful cruising through the stunning Dee Valley, which has rightfully been 

awarded World Heritage Status.

Whilst live commentary from your skipper gives you the 

history, local knowledge and up to date gossip along the way, 

a fully stocked bar can supply any refreshments you require (Cash only) and light lunches can be served if ordered in advance.

The journey finishes over the famous and thrilling 

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, built by Thomas Telford in 1805 and unsurpassed to this day in its simplicity and engineering achievement. A courtesy coach returns you to Llangollen to 

enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

Price 

Adult £17.50,  Child £13.50

Trip C: Froncysyllte to Llangollen Wharf (2 hours)

Check in at Llangollen Wharf  and enjoy a 2 hour single journey from Froncysyllte to Llangollen Wharf.  Check in 15 minutes before departure time to catch our courtesy coach taking you from our designated bus stop at the bottom of Wharf Hill in Llangollen to Froncysyllte. Your cruise then starts with a crossing of the mighty Pontcysyllte Aqueduct aboard our canal boat, the Thomas Telford. After that unique excitement, relax and enjoy the most beautiful canal in Great Britain and the natural scenery of the Dee Valley, which has recently been awarded World Heritage Status.A fully stocked bar offers any drinks you require (Cash only) to make your voyage complete and we can serve Welsh Cream Teas if ordered in advance. Meanwhile, a live commentary will point out places of interest and give you any historical facts worthy of note. You then arrive in the busy yet picturesque town of Llangollen two hours after the start of your trip. Please check in at the wharf 15 minutes before the scheduled start of your trip.

 Price 

Please Note

 Please check in at the wharf 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. 

All available seats will be released for booking 4 weeks before the operating date.

Book your boat trip today!

Whether it’s a public trip, a private charter or a school day out, get in touch today.

Private Charter

Our charming motor boat, the Thomas Telford, can be chartered for groups of 20-52 people for a 2-hour trip, usually at 11:45am or 2:00pm. We can provide light meals and Welsh Cream Teas, which are freshly prepared in our Tea Room and served on board just prior to departure. We can also serve a selection of teas, coffees and other refreshments from our fully stocked bar.

For availability contact the Wharf

ADULT £17.50 CHILD £13.50

 We can now serve an Afternoon Tea on our Aqueduct Trips, which includes a mix of sandwiches, home made cakes, fruit scones and clotted cream and preserve. £13.50  for person or  for two people to share £24.95, childrens £8.95 Add a small bottle of wine for £4.50 or a small bottle of Prosecco for £5.50 MUST BE ORDERED 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE OR 48 HOURS NOTICE FOR ANY ORDERS WITH DIETRY REQUIREMENTS ON 01978 860702.

Thomas Telford Aqueduct Cruises

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• Little Star boat trips »

Little Star trip boat

Our little star trip boat offers ‘bucket list’ experience boat trips across the incredible pontcysyllte aqueduct..

This World Heritage structure towers 126 feet above the River Dee and makes for an exciting and unforgettable cruise of a lifetime.

Our knowledgeable team provide on board commentary, so you can learn more about the history of the site as you cruise gently along.

Refreshments are available to purchase on board. So you can relax with a hot or cold drink and an ice-cream while you enjoy stunning views across the Dee Valley.

Book your tickets here

From 29 March to 31 October 2024, Little Star (Seren Fach) is operating five trips a day. Trips depart at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm

Adults tickets are £10, children under 16 £6, family tickets are £25 (2 adults, 2 children).

Group bookings aboard Little Star

Little Star has seating for up to 48 passengers.

We offer 10% discounts on group bookings for 10 or more.

Bespoke boat trips for groups

We also offer longer bespoke trips for groups of 20 or more.

For example, we can host a two-hour return journey along the Llangollen Canal to Bryn Howel and back.  This longer cruise gives visitors the chance to experience more of the 11-mile UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as cruising across the Poncysyllte Aquedcut.

Refreshments are available to buy on board, including hot and cold drinks, and ice creams. On request we can arrange a choice of light bites on board, including Welsh cakes.

To find out more, call our bookings team on 0117 304 1122.

Please note: due to the historic design of the boat, we are unable to offer disabled access.

So why choose Anglo Welsh?

Over 55 years providing unique canal boat holidays in England and Wales. Modern and spacious narrowboat and wide beam barge hire – from 2 to 12 berths. Wide choice of narrowboat hire locations and canal boat holiday destinations. Canal boat holiday routes for novices & experienced boaters. Flexible holiday booking, no hidden costs. Family friendly and pet friendly holidays. Great days out on the water. Luxury canal boat hire and Thames boating holidays.

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How To Visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales: 6 Best Things To Do

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Messing about in boats takes on a whole new dimension at the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal in North Wales. In this lush green area packed with historic Welsh castles, one place – quite literally – stands above all others.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – known as the “ Stream in the Sky ” – is more than just another Victorian edifice.

About the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is part of the Llangollen Canal that connects the lowlands of England with the rugged Welsh hills, running from Cheshire in Northwest England to Llangollen in Wales. Pontcysyllte is the longest aqueduct in Britain and the highest canal aqueduct in the world.

In the Industrial Revolution, horse-drawn canal barges used the canal network to transport coal, iron, slate, and limestone from Welsh mines to coastal ports for export and to English industrial towns and cities; however, the canals were abandoned when road and rail transport became cheaper and quicker. Today, they are a beautiful leisure network.

The Best Things to Do At Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Llangollen Canal

Here are the most popular things to see and do, including crossing the aqueduct

1. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Walk

The Pontcysyllte aqueduct is 1,007 feet long, which doesn’t sound very far, but its incredible height makes this walk along a narrow towpath thrilling.

The canal towpath is mounted above the water, with sturdy railings to prevent accidents (and to hold onto if you suffer from vertigo).

The ultimate view is from the centre of the aqueduct, high above the River Dee and the valley over 100ft below. I was proud I managed to conquer my fear and walk Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (even though my knees were knocking the whole time).

Here are a couple of safety tips:

• If you’re travelling with small people – hold on tight to them when crossing the aqueduct!
• Be aware that the towpath is two-way – pedestrians, wheelchairs, buggies and bikes (cyclists must dismount).

You’ll also have a good view of another Telford masterpiece – the double aqueduct at Chirk is well worth a visit too.

2. Pontcysyllte aqueduct boat trips

The best way to experience the Llangollen Canal is on a narrowboat trip. If you have plenty of time, it takes about three days to travel the 46 miles of the canal, including 21 locks.

Alternatively, Llangollen Wharf and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct boat companies offer short horse-drawn and motorised trips.

3. Paddle across the Aqueduct in a Canoe

One of the most exciting ways to experience the Llangollen Canal and to cross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is by canoe.

You can also take a paddleboard along the Llangollen Canal but must dismount to cross the aqueduct.

4. Walk Down the Valley to the River Dee

After a lofty crossing of the aqueduct, wander down (a lot of steps) to the banks of the River Dee for a completely different perspective of the area and the aqueduct. It’s a very pleasant walk, but remember – all those steps need to be climbed back up again!

There are clearly marked walking trails on both sides of the river, and it only takes about 10 minutes to reach a spot with an outstanding view of the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. From so far below, it almost looks like the narrow boats crossing the aqueduct are flying!

5. Check Out The View from the Old Bridge

Downstream from the aqueduct, a narrow (single-lane) bridge on the B5434 road crosses the River Dee – moments from the Trevor Basin car park.

There’s no formal parking at this point, but you can park safely on the (steep) hill down to the bridge before walking across the bridge to take in the view upstream towards the aqueduct.

6. Explore the Llangollen Canal

The walks along the Llangollen Canal are stunning- even if you’re not usually much of a walker. There are bus stops along the way and plenty of benches to sit on and watch narrowboats pass by. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot herons too.

Pubs along the route include the Telford Arms and the Cornmill at Llangollen, and you will find cafes at both ends of the canal between the Pontcysyllte aqueduct and Llangollen.

• The level, easy walk to the gorgeous Horseshoe Falls takes between 30 mins and 1 hour, depending on your pace.
• A gentle walk from the town of Llangollen towards the viaduct (4 miles) will take about 1 hour – you can either make it a circular walk or catch a bus back from the Trevor basin.
• From Pontcysyllte, there’s also a lovely 4-mile walk to Chirk Aqueduct through two very dark tunnels – remember to pack a torch! Alternatively, hire a bicycle at Trevor – it’s a very pleasant 1 to 1 1/2 hour round trip.

Where to Stay Near Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wales

If you plan to explore the local area for a few days, Llangollen and Chirk are the most convenient places to stay. Here are some of the best options for you:

• Foxtail Luxury Lodges : Perfect lodges with hot tubs in a convenient location for exploring locally in North Wales
• Moreton Hall Hotel in Chirk is just 6 miles away from the aqueduct.
• Riverside Cottage at Rhewl is adorable and ideally located, while these Shepherd’s huts offer a real taste of rural bliss.

Just 10 miles away, you’ll find Sweeney Hall Hotel in Oswestry, which is a real find and some of my favourites! I’ve been visiting there for almost 50 years 🙂

How long did the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct take to build?

The stone and cast iron Pontcysyllte Aqueduct took ten years to design, build and test – from 1795 – it finally opened on 17th November 1805 after six months of testing to make sure there were no leaks!

18 massive, tapering pillars support the 126ft high aqueduct, which has 19 arches, each with a 45ft span.

Water is carried over the aqueduct in a trough made from cast iron plates. The trough is just under 12ft wide and is 5ft 3in deep. It’s a true marvel of early Victorian engineering.

Why was Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Wales Built?

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was designed to carry the Llangollen Cana l over the River Dee, connecting England and Wales and the rivers Severn, Dee, and Mersey.

Who Built the Aqueduct?

The aqueduct is the masterpiece of famed Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford (1757-1834).

His projects also included the Caledonian Canal , the Menai Suspension Bridge , the incredible Neptunes Staircase in Banavie, Scotland, and The Iron Bridge – the world’s first iron bridge.

Telford was so influential that he became the first president of the Institute of Civil Engineers in 1820.  

Two other eminent Victorians were key to the success of the project:

• Consulting engineer : William Jessop (23 January 1745 – 18 November 1814)
• Structural engineer: William Hazeldine (6 April 1763 – 26 October 1840)

Gaining UNESCO World Heritage Status

In recognition of the feat of civil engineering employed in designing and building the aqueduct, the Grade 1 listed structure and the Llangollen Canal were awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in June 2009.

The World Heritage site includes the two most famous aqueducts in Wales: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Chirk Aqueduct , plus the Chirk Viaduct , tunnels, cuttings, and 11 miles of the Llangollen canal, running from Gledrid Bridge near Rhoswiel to the incredible Horseshoe Falls .

A masterpiece of creative genius UNESCO

Fun Facts About Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

• The mortar used to build the aqueduct was made of oxblood, lime, and water.
• The aqueduct carries 1.5 million litres of water and takes 2 hours to drain.
• Otters are regularly spotted in the Llangollen canal – but not on the aqueduct itself.

Where is Pontcysyllte?

The aqueduct is located in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan in North East Wales, about an hour away from Liverpool and Manchester and 2 hours from Birmingham.

Location: Station Rd, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TY

How to get to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Most visitors drive to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal; however, there are good sustainable travel options too.

By Public Transport : Chirk and Ruabon are the nearest train stations, while local buses serve the area from Llangollen and Wrexham. (You’ll need a taxi from Ruabon to Llangollen).

Before you book a taxi – check out these taxi safety tips .

By Foot: The aqueduct is a 4-mile walk from Llangollen and is about 3 miles from Chirk.

By Car : Parking is both plentiful and well signposted. Dedicated parking for disabled blue badge and permit holders is very close to the aqueduct.

• The main Pontcysyllte Aqueduct car park is near Cefn Mawr (LL14 3SG)
• The dedicated car park for disabled blue badge and permit holders is off Station Road (LL20 7TY)
• There’s also an overspill car park at Wimbourne Gate, Queens Street, Cefn Mawr (LL14 3NP)

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct FAQs

How do you pronounce pontcysyllte.

Pontcysyllte is a Welsh word that means “the bridge that connects”. It’s pronounced pont – ker – sulth – the, but it’s also known locally as “Ponty”.

Is the Aqueduct one way?

The aqueduct is two-way – both for narrowboats and for pedestrians.

How often is the aqueduct drained for maintenance?

Every five years, both ends of the aqueduct are closed. A plug located in one of the highest spans is opened to drain the canal water to allow inspection and maintenance of the trough. The water plume takes at least 3 seconds to reach the River Dee, 111 feet below. The trough was last emptied in 2019, so the next time to see this spectacle will be in 2024.

More things to do and see in the local area

• Try white water rafting with this tour down the epic rapids (Serpent’s Tail and Town Falls) on the River Dee
• Discover Chirk : Visit Chirk Castle, Chirk Aqueduct, and Chirk Viaduct.
• Climb to the summit of the ruined medieval Castell Dinas Bran
• Visit the bewitching Roman City of Chester to see its city walls, Roman amphitheatre, and 1,000-year-old cathedral
• Potter around Llangollen – home of the internationally renowned original Eisteddfod festival

We loved visiting the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal world heritage site. If you’re looking for something a little different to do on a trip to Wales, don’t miss this special place.

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Main image: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct ( Adobe )

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site

Top choice in Snowdonia & the Llŷn

The preeminent Georgian engineer Thomas Telford (1757–1834) built the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in 1805 to carry the canal over the River Dee. At 307m long, 3.6m wide, 1.7m deep and 38m high, it is the most spectacular piece of engineering on the entire UK canal system and the highest canal aqueduct ever built. In recognition of this, the aqueduct and an 11-mile stretch of the canal have been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. FYI, it's pronounced 'pont-kus- sulth -teh'.

In the 18th century the horse-drawn canal barge was the most efficient way of hauling goods over long distances, but, with the advent of the railway, most of them fell into disrepair. The Llangollen Canal fared better than most because it was used for many more years to carry drinking water from the River Dee to the Hurleston Reservoir in Cheshire. Today it's again in use, carrying visitors up and down the Vale of Llangollen. In addition, the old towpaths offer miles of peaceful, traffic-free walking.

Telford's goal was to connect up the haulage routes between the Rivers Dee, Severn and Mersey. To collect water for the canal from the Dee, he also designed an elegant curving weir called Horseshoe Falls. The adjacent riverbank is a tranquil picnic spot.

Blue-badge guides run tours from near the aqueduct visitor centre, while canal boats offer trips along the 'stream in the sky' from the nearby quay and from Llangollen wharf. Otherwise you can simply stroll across, free of charge. Whichever way you choose, you'll need a head for heights.

Horseshoe Falls is about 2 miles west of Llangollen (take the A5 west and after about 1.5 miles turn right across the river), while the aqueduct is 4 miles east, near the village of Trevor (on the A539 Ruabon road). Both are easily reached by the canal towpath, if you're in no hurry.

Get In Touch

01978-292015

https://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk

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• Contact IWA

Waterways > Llangollen Canal

Llangollen Canal

The Llangollen Canal features the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – the highest and biggest in the British Isles – another aqueduct at Chirk and no less than three tunnels, plus spectacular scenery.

Map of the Llangollen Canal and surrounding waterways

Council leader delighted to be at local canals exhibition in shrewsbury.

Restoration

A future for the canal warehouse at Ellesmere?

A virtual tour of waterways in shrewsbury & north wales, the seven wonders of the waterways, hurleston locks & shropshire union canal walk, horseshoe falls & llangollen canal walk in the dee valley, ellesmere wharf & the llangollen canal walk, about the llangollen canal.

The Llangollen Canal is one of the most popular holiday inland waterways and can become very busy during the summer months.  It is rightly famous for the 1007-foot long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct towering about the Dee Valley, but the whole of the Welsh section offers some of the most scenic views from a UK canal.  The canal had a complicated construction, but was largely opened by 1806 and became moderately successful in economic terms.  It was taken over by rail companies and traffic dwindled to almost nothing prior to the Second World War.  The Canal was abandoned in 1944, and the then Shropshire and Denbighshire county councils put forward plans to drop road bridges in 1949.  The waterway was kept open as a water supply and the developing leisure interest of the 1950s saw its revival.

Facts and Stats Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Waterway Notes Facilities for Boaters Notes for Visitors History – Building the Canal History – Expansion History – Fall and Rise Llangollen Canal connections Llangollen Canal maps and guides

The name ‘Llangollen Canal’ is a relatively new one for what was for many years known as the ‘Ellesmere Canal’ and the ‘Welsh section’ of the Shropshire Union Canal.  The new name only became used once the route with the opening up of leisure traffic in the 1950s after becoming all but derelict, having been kept open just for water supply, despite being legally abandoned in a 1944 Act of Parliament.  An early, possibly the earliest, printed use of the name ‘Llangollen Canal’ is in a November 1951 edition of a British Waterways staff magazine.

[The photo shows a boat on the narrow feeder section of the Llangollen Canal above Trevor  –  by Sue O’Hare]

Facts & Stats

The length of the main line of the Llangollen Canal, from Hurleston Junction to Llantysilio

Including a staircase (2 locks) at Grindley Brook

Year opened

The line from Trevor to Hurleston Locks was open to through traffic in 1806.  The water feeder from Llantysilio opened in 1808.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

The work of Thomas Telford and William Jessop, the aqueduct is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, a World Heritage Site and a Grade 1 listed structure, a Waterways Wonder and one of the Wonders of Wales.

The aqueduct was originally planned as a much lower masonry structure, with flights of locks down from Trevor and up the other side, which would have created water supply issues.  William Jessop suggested the design as built, but there is much debate as to whether it was Jessop or Telford who was behind the technical brilliance of its construction.

The aqueduct still carries over 50 million litres of water each day to supply water to southern Cheshire, and is a major tourist attraction.

[The photo shows the aqueduct  –  by Robert Silverwood]

Waterway notes

Maximum sizes.

The maximum size of boats than can travel on the Llangollen Canal are:

• Length: 73′ 10″ (22.51 metres) – Grindley Brook locks
• Width: 7′ 0″ (2.13 metres) – Hurleston Bottom Lock
• Headroom: 7′ 0″ (2.13 metres)
• Draught: 3′ 11″ (1.2 metres) – cill of Grindley Brook lock

Above Trevor, the canal shallows, and boats with a draught of more than 2′ 9″ (0.84 metres) will struggle, though historic narrow boats with a draught of 3′ 0″ (0.91 metres) have reached Llangollen.

All but the smallest and shallowest of craft should turn at the mooring basin at Llangollen, above bridge 45.

Useful Info

• A Sanitary Station key is required for Bridge 20 (Wrenbury Lift Bridge – electric)
• In its commercial days, the main line of the canal was considered to go to Llanymynech, with the route to Llangollen from Frankton Junction being considered a branch – so the bridge numbering starts from Hurleston bridge (no 1), carries on to Frankton (no 69), and then onwards down the Montgomery Canal to Llanymynech (no 92).  The bridge numbers west of Frankton Junction then started again at Nicholas Bridge (no 2) and carry on to Kings Bridge at Llantysilio (no 49A).
• Neither Chirk nor Whitehouses tunnels are wide enough for boats to pass; likewise Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts.  The aqueducts are 126 foot and 70 foot, respectively, above the rivers Dee and Ceiriog.

Navigation Authority

Canal & River Trust 

IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch

Facilities for Boaters

Above Hurleston Locks – Sanitary Station and waterpoint Above Bridge 6 (CW5 8NR) – Swanley Bridge Marina (boatyard) Below Bridge 20 (CW5 8HG) – Wrenbury Mill (boatyard) Above Grindley Brook Locks – Sanitary Station, waterpoint and pump-out Above Bridge 31A (SY13 3AA) – Whitchurch Marina (boatyard) Prees Branch (SY13 2QS) – Whixhall Marina (boatyard) Below Bridge 58 (SY12 9DD) – Blackwater Meadow Marina Above Bridge 58 (Ellesmere Yard) – Sanitary Station Above Bridge 12 (New Marton) – Water Point Below Whitehouse Tunnel (LL14 5AD) – Chirk Marina (boatyard) Above Bridge 29 (LL20 7TX) – Canal Wharf Trevor (boatyard) Below Bridge 45 – Water Point Above Bridge 45 – Sanitary Station and Water Point

[The photo shows boats on the Llangollen Canal, next to Blake Mere  –  by Chris Handscombe]

Notes for Visitors

Walking and Cycling :  There is a towpath throughout the length of the Canal.  Follow the Towpath Code .

Canoeing and Paddleboarding : Canoeing is encouraged on the Llangollen Canal with a Canal & River Trust licence  or  British Canoeing membership .

Boat Trips: Llangollen Wharf – horse drawn trip boats; motorised trip boats over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Anglo-Welsh – Little Star boat trips over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust – Community Boat for disabled and disadvantaged people.

Day Boat Hire: Whittington Wharf : The dayboat Dolphin (hired by the day) Llangollen Wharf : Boats to hire by the day, with or without a skipper. Anglo-Welsh – Day boats available from their bases at Whixhall and Trevor Blackwater Meadow (ABC) – Day boat, near Ellesmere Whitchurch Marina (ABC) – Day boat, near Whitchurch

Nearby Rail Stations: Wrenbury , Whitchurch , Chirk , Llangollen (Heritage Railway)

[The photo shows Wrenbury Mill –  by Robert Silverwood]

Building the Canal

What we now call the Llangollen Canal was constructed in stages by the Ellesmere Canal Company as part of a planned network of waterways linking the River Mersey at Ellesmere Port, formerly a small fishing village called ‘Netherpool’, on the Wirral to the River Severn at Shrewsbury, and with the coal mines of the Ruabon area (near Wrexham) and the limestone quarries around Llanymynech on the Welsh border.  The Act authorising construction was passed in 1793 as part of ‘Canal Mania’, when many ambitious canal schemes were approved on a wave of investors clamouring to put their money into the latest get-rich-quick fashion.

The Chester Canal Company had already built (opened in 1779) a canal from the River Dee in Chester to Nantwich.  The first part of the Ellesmere Canal Company’s canals to be built was the Wirral line, connecting Chester to Ellesmere Port, which opened in 1795.  Work started simultaneously on several parts of the planned network, but next to open was the section between Llanymynech and the bottom of Frankton Locks, opened as an isolated section in 1796.  A connection between the Chester Canal and the Wirral Line followed in 1797.

[The photo shows a lift bridge at Whixhall on the Llangollen Canal  –  by Alan Stopher]

1797 also saw the opening of about 6 miles of canal, from the bottom of Frankton Locks to Weston – part of the intended line to Shrewsbury, but this section never progressed further, as the Shrewsbury Canal had already reached the town and the upper Severn was considered a poor navigation and unlikely to produce through trade.  The next section to open was that from Trevor (near Ruabon) to Frankton, completed in 1805 with opening of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.  The 29-mile section from Frankton to Hurleston Junction on the Chester Canal, opened in 1806.  As construction of a planned canal extending to the Dee from Trevor had been abandoned, a navigable feeder was then made to connect to the Dee as a water supply at Llantysilio to Trevor, which opened in 1808.  This water supply now feeds the whole Llangollen Canal and onto the Shropshire Union Canal, and became the crucial factor that saved the canal for use today.

These waterways comprised a self-contained network, as the Middlewich Branch (connecting to the Trent and Mersey Canal) and the southern half of the Shropshire Union Canal (then known as the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal), connecting to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, and then to the Birmingham Canal navigations, had yet to be built.  The Chester Canal Company had intended to build a line to Middlewich at the same time as its line to Nantwich, but had run out of money, and the Trent & Mersey Canal Company had refused them a connection anyway.  The Ellesmere and Chester canal companies were mutually dependent on each other’s waterways, and after 9 years of talks, a merger was agreed in 1813.  Opening of the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal in 1835 brought more traffics to the merged company’s canals.  Perceiving a threat to its trade when construction plans were announced, the Trent & Mersey Canal Company had relented and permitted a connection at Middlewich, and the Ellesmere and Chester’s branch to the town was opened in 1833.

[The photo shows a trip boat outside Llangollen Wharf  –  by Edd Leetham]

Fall and Rise

The Ellesmere & Chester and the Birmingham & Liverpool companies merged in 1845 to form the Shropshire Union Canal Company, which a year later merged with Shropshire rail interests with a plan to close canals and build railways on the canal beds.  However, almost immediately the operations of this combined company were leased to the London & North West Railway, which prevented the planned railway building and the waterway interests were developed, especially where they were in the territories of rival rail companies.  Competition from rail, and then roads, took its toll and gradually many of the company’s canals were left to decay, though there remained viable traffics on the Ellesmere and Llanymynech lines until the 1936 when a breach below Frankton locks led to abandonment of the Llanymynech line, by which time the company had been fully bought out by the London & North West Railway in 1922, and absorbed into the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923.  The latter gained legal abandonment of all the Shropshire Union system west of Hurleston Junction in 1944, but the line to Llantysilio was kept open because it was a water feeder to the main Shropshire Union line.

Growing leisure traffic and a 1955 water supply agreement with the Mid & South East Cheshire Water Board secured the future of the line, which became known as the ‘Llangollen Canal’, and has  since become one of the busiest canals on the UK inland waterway network, with visitors attracted by the spectacular scenery and outstanding industrial architecture, mostly notably the Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts.

[The photo shows a busy scene, at the junction with the Ellesmere Arm  –  by Alan Stopher]

Llangollen Canal Connections

The Llangollen Canal runs from the Shropshire Union Canal (the part that was originally the Chester Canal) at Hurleston Junction to Llantysilio Bridge just beyond Llangollen, where water feeds in over Horseshoe Falls from the River Dee.  The Llangollen Canal also links to the Montgomery Canal (originally the Llanymynech line of the Ellesmere Canal) at Frankton Junction.

There are three arms, none with any locks:

• Ellesmere Arm – open – 0.25 miles (0.4km) – completed in 1804.
• Prees Branch – restored for 1.5 miles (2.4km) and 2.0 miles (3.2km) derelict.  The Arm was intended to reach Prees, but never did, stopping short at Quina Brook on the Whitchurch to Wem road in 1806
• Whitchurch Arm – restored for 0.25 miles (0.4km) and 0.75 miles (1.2km) proposed for restoration – completed in 1811.

The Plas Kynaston Arm, of just over half a mile, was built privately from Trevor to Plas Kynaston, opening in 1830 and in use for commercial traffic until after World War I.  From then, the small branch was used as a water supply to local industry, but when the feeder arm between Trevor and Llantysilio breached in 1945, alternative water supplies were found and the Arm was allowed to go derelict.  Plas Kynaston Canal Group formed in 2010 to promote restoration of the Arm and regeneration of the area.

[The photo shows the horse bridge at the Junction of Llangollen and Shropshire Union canals (actually on the latter canal)  –  by Derek Smith]

Llangollen Canal Maps and Guides

Four Counties & Welsh Canals No.4 (Nicholson) – NEW EDITION

£16.99.

Llangollen and Montgomery Canals Map (Heron) – 3rd edition

£5.99.

Welsh Waters: Shropshire Union, Llangollen, Brecon and Montgomery Canals (Pearson) 2021 edition

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The stream in the sky

It’s not just an engineering marvel, it’s a remarkable sight, and the story of how it came to be is just as incredible.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: August 3, 2023

Visiting Llangollen Canal and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales has to be seen to be believed, while the Llangollen Canal offers a wonderful path into the history of the region.

There are lots of ways that you can visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and experience the Llangollen Canal.

• The incredible story behind the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
• The significance of the Llangollen Canal
• What are Llangollen Canal boat trips and how can you take one
• The best way to do the Llangollen Canal walk
• A few options of good Pontcysyllte Aqueduct tours

Seeing a boat slowly chug along a British canal is usually such a delightful sight.

There’s normally something so peaceful about the way it glides through the water, slower than the pedestrians alongside it, making a statement with its speed that this is about the experience rather than the destination.

But here at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales, the boat that I’m looking at is actually terrifying me. Because it’s slowly travelling along a canal that is suspended in the middle of the air, 40 metres above the ground, with nothing but a long drop beneath it.

It looks so scary and precarious. Yet, somehow, it’s still a delightful sight. In fact – it’s probably even more so!

To visit the aqueduct as part of a tour of North Wales, there are some great options here, depending on where you’re travelling from:

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Moving water has always been a priority for civilisations and, over the years, we’ve seen empires come up with some ingenious solutions.

I think particularly about Pont du Gard in France , which I visited last year. This enormous bridge was constructed between two hills to allow for the gradual flow of drinking water along an aqueduct.

Here in Wales, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is actually not that different in what it is trying to achieve (although the canal is for boats, not just the movement of water). So the true wonder here is not that someone thought to build a bridge… but HOW they built the bridge.

The engineering behind the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is pure genius and was a symbol of the might of the industrial revolution when it was constructed at the beginning of the 19 th century.

It is 307 metres long, 3.7 metres wide, and just 1.6 metres deep. Seeing how it all comes together is fascinating.

Coming up from the ground (and from the river bed) are 18 tall pillars made of stone. Connecting each of them at the top are arched iron ribs, each spanning 16 metres. And then the iron trough that carries the water sits on top of that.

It really is hard to believe that it’s all possible. Even though it looks quite simple at first glance, the engineering skills to have made it work must be incredible!

Llangollen Canal

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is just a small part of a much longer canal system that was designed to connect the lowlands of England with the rugged terrain in the higher parts of Wales.

The main stretch that goes from Cheshire in England to Llangollen in Wales is now known as the Llangollen Canal. Although back at the start of the 19 th century when the aqueduct was being built, the network was actually a bit of a confusing mess because different routes and stages were being completed at different times (or sometimes not at all).

What’s important to know, though, is that the goal was achieved of using these canals to transport goods.

Boats that were towed along the waterways carried coal, iron, slate and limestone. The industrial revolution in Britain had its fuel, and one of its biggest export commodities, because of these canals!

Although this iron bridge over the River Dee is the highlight, there were actually many other engineering feats along the path of the Llangollen Canal – including another aqueduct (called the Chirk Aqueduct), tunnels, cuttings, and embankments.

An 18 kilometre stretch of the canal that includes both aqueducts and many of the most impressive pieces of engineering has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are a few ways to explore it.

Llangollen Canal boat trips

The Llangollen Canal was used for about 150 years to transport good that were needed by various industries. It was only in the middle of the 1900s that it became more inefficient and costly than alternative routes. But the boats didn’t stop – they just started carrying sightseers instead.

The best way to experience the Llangollen Canal is by the very thing that it was intended for – a boat ride. It’s the most popular leisure canal in Britain and probably the most beautiful. You can either go the entire length or just a part of it.

Doing a Llangollen Canal boat trip for the entire 66 kilometre length takes about three days. For a lot of visitors, its better to just do a day trip (or shorter). There are five companies within the World Heritage Site area that offer short trips. You can see the options here .

Llangollen Canal walk

Another good option is to walk along the Llangollen Canal, which is very easy to do because of the towpath along the route.

The most popular stretch is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct walk between the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen, taking you past many of the waterway’s highlights.

That stretch is about 7.5 kilometres and can be done in as short as 90 minutes (although you’ll probably want a bit longer to enjoy the scenery along the way).

It’s easy to do a loop back along a different route that takes you to the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran, along the Llangollen Panorama Walk, and even a taste of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct tours

Or you may prefer to visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct as part of a tour. There aren’t really any tours that just come here but there are some great tours of northern Wales that include the aqueduct on their itinerary.

If you’re looking for a shore excursion from Liverpool Port, then there’s this great tour of the sights of North Wales .

Otherwise, there are a few options here, depending on where you want to leave from:

However you choose to experience it, do make sure you walk across the length of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Although it is obviously perfectly safe, it is a strange sensation to be so high up on such a narrow structure – whether it’s in a boat or on foot.

Time Travel Turtle was a guest of  Visit Wales  but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List ! I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Only about 800 more to go... eek!

More stories about Wales

• The best adventure activities in Wales
• What to do in Cardiff
• How to see the Castles of King Edward
• Things to do in Conwy
• Visiting the jaw-dropping Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

1 thought on “The stream in the sky”

We have been across here on a hired Narrowboat when on holiday and it was spectacular- but very scary – can’t wait t9 do it on our own boat

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The big walk of Britain’s canals - a mere handful of miles, yet a riot of thrills. Rare birds hide in big skies, wildfowl bob on the water, and munching sheep fill green fields. And this walk showcases the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Thomas Telford's engineering marvel, the longest and highest aqueduct in the UK.

11 miles of the Llangollen Canal, built between 1795 and 1808, including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Wharf, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even for those too fearful to venture across, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the ultimate must-see event of Britain’s canals.

Download route map and instructions

Take a look at our helpful guide to the wonderful waterside walk

Canal:  Llangollen Canal

Start: Llangollen Wharf OS Grid ref: SJ214423 Postcode: LL20 8TA

Finish: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct OS Grid ref: SJ270421 Postcode: LL20 7TY

Distance:  6.4km / 4 miles

Route instructions

Start: High above the town, Llangollen Wharf is busy with boats, people and horses. Before engines, canal boats were traditionally pulled along from the towpath by sturdy horses. Horse-drawn boats have become a rare sight on today’s waterways, with only a handful still operating for tourism. The Wharf runs horse-drawn boat trips along the canal and motorised boat trips to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

1. Turn right to follow the towpath heading away from the wharf. The canal is very narrow here, often only wide enough for one boat.

2. When you’ve walked past the visitors’ moorings, both canal and towpath widen as glorious views spread out in front of you.

3. One of the canal’s many lift bridges is left open to allow for passing boats. It’s blissfully solitary and the locals are sheep, herons and soaring kite.

4. The canal curves under bridge 42, then the trees clear and the view of the Dee valley below is breath-taking. This is a great spot to linger as not only are there views of the valley and the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran, built in the 1260s, on the hill behind you, but also a bird’s-eye-view of boats slowly wending their way through this narrow passage.

5. Once you’ve dragged yourself away from the view, the canal continues to wind its narrow leafy way past sheep-filled fields and under characteristic stone bridges.

6. The canal hugs the hillside with occasional peeks over the river valley below. Unusually, this canal has a 2mph flow as it feeds water to other canals so you may notice a slight current in the water heading downstream making boating trickier.

7. Look closely under the many bridges and tight corners and you’ll see where towing ropes once gouged into the masonry as horses tugged their heavy cargo.

8. Cross the narrow footbridge over the canal, pass some houses then cross over the road. During the Industrial Revolution, Trevor Basin was a busy wharf with tramways linked to iron foundries, chemical works, brick and tile works and nearby coal mines. It is busy today with holiday and trip boats, and there is usually plenty of boating activity to watch. Cross the footbridge and turn right to reach the Aqueduct.

9. One of the Wonders of the Waterways, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the longest and highest aqueduct in the UK, 1007ft long and 127ft high, and spans the river Dee in the valley below. Built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, the Aqueduct was completed in 1805 and is considered to be one of Telford’s greatest engineering achievements. It sends shivers to the vertiginous and the non-vertiginous as, believe it or not, its 18 arches are held together with ox blood and Welsh flannel. The brave can tread the slim towpath that hugs the water, while boaters steer into the flying bathtub, white-faced, with sheer drops without even railings on their side. The story of the unpronounceable aqueduct is more than a history of who built it and why - it is the drama it has created, and continues to create, as anyone who ventures across plays their part in the living documentary of this wonderful, terrifying marvel. Railings at the start of the Aqueduct have grooves carved from the ropes of giant horses that once trod trustingly over a brave manmade structure.

End: When you reach the other side, you could follow the road down to the river and get the awesome view from below (it's a steep hill back up to the Basin though). Relax on the grass by the water, explore the Aqueduct and Basin, hop on a bus or walk back to the Wharf from a different perspective.

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Welcome to deevalley.com - Tourist Guide and Information from Llangollen, Corwen, Chirk and Bala in the Dee Valley, North Wales

Tourist Guide » World Heritage Site Area » Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the longest and highest aqueduct in Great Britain. It is a Grade I Listed Building and a World Heritage Site, carrying the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee. 

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a very popular attraction where you can enjoy a walk or a boat trip along the canal. 

Some interesting facts:

• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is 1,007ft (307m) long and  126ft (38m) high
• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop
• Completed in 1805, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct took nearly 10 years to design and build
• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is drained every 5 years for maintenance work to take place

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Please note that all Dee Valley Tourist Guide text, photos, maps and drawings are the copyright and property of A5 Multimedia Ltd © 2011-2022. All images have been digitally watermarked to facilitate image tracking. Prior permission must be obtained to reproduce any part of this online publication by any means. © A5 Multimedia Ltd . 2011-2022.

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From £55 Per Person

Pontcysyllte aqueduct canoe tour.

Paddle in the Sky – the best way to experience the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

1st January – 15 March 2024 the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is closed for repair

Please book our alternative canoe trip here – chirk aqueduct & tunnel canoe tour.

A phenomenal canoe trip over the stream in the sky. Available for all abilities with any level of experience. 

Join us on one of our Llangollen Aqueduct Canoe Tours .  Canoe over Thomas Telford’s world heritage marvel of engineering which stands 38 metres (126 ft) above the River Dee after a tranquil and picturesque journey down the Llangollen Canal. 

A not-to-be-missed activity in Llangollen, North Wales. Perfect for individuals, couples, family adventures, school groups, stag & hen dos and corporate team training. Everyone is welcome. We have both 2 and 3-seater Canoes so any group size can be accommodated.

Perfectly situated close to the A5 route into Snowdonia, add this half-day activity to a weekend break in North Wales.

A stunning family-friendly thing to do. An unforgettable activity for anyone tailored for any size of group. Dog friendly at owners’ own risk.

This canoe experience includes a half-day paddle on the Llangollen Canal including logistics. Suitable for anyone over the age of 8. Younger children are welcome accompanied by a parent. 

We can run an adapted version of this session for anyone wanting to do an Aqueduct Kayak Tour. 

Aqueduct Facts

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was completed in 1805 and is the highest aqueduct in Britain. The cast-iron trough construction is 3.4 metres (11 ft) wide and 1.6 metres (5.25 ft) deep. Eighteen stone arches support the aqueduct 38 metres (126 ft) above the River Dee.

My Wife and I chose the 3 hour canoe experience, across the viaduct. We would recommend this to anyone. It was a great enjoyable morning. Really pleased we booked this activity. Chris our tutor/guide was fab Gary

The Details

Price:  .

£59 per person – 13 Yrs + (min 2 people)

£55 per person – 12yrs and under (with at least one adult)

Individual private sessions for £89

Age 8+ and confident in water.

If over 16 stone please contact us before booking.

Younger children can be accompanied by Parent/Guardian.

Dog friendly at owners risk.

All safety equipment is provided, you will need outdoor clothing with sturdy footwear to suit the conditions that could get wet, and a head for heights.

3hr session most days of the year!

09:30-12:30 or 13:30-16:30

0915 or 1315 Park and walk to the meeting place

See booking confirmation of where to park. No more than a 5 mninute walk.

Meet 0930 or 1330

See booking confirmation or Map below for exact location

Kit Up and Briefing (30 mins)

Equipment distribution & fitting, Carrying Canoes to waterside, Saftey Brief. This activity is run on locaton. Alike many great adventures to make the most of time and location. There are public Toilets where we meet.

Canoe Familiarisation and Instruction for the Journey (up to 15 mins)

Some profesional instruction of keeping your balance, how to haddle, steer and keep you Canoe going in a straight line

Canoe Tour along Llangollen Canal to incorporate paddling over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (approx 2 hours)

This tour will be adapted to the groups wants and needs and will involve a jourey Up and down the Canal including the Aqueduct at least Twice should you want to paddle over it.

Approx 1215 or 1615 Return to Trevor Basin

All good advetures have to end at some point, we will dismount where we got on, return equipment back to the Trailer and share photos with you before saying good bye.

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Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage site

Situated along the A5 on the banks of the River Dee, the picturesque town of Llangollen lies in the heart of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal world heritage site. Overlooked by the beautiful remains of Castell Dinas Bran, and hosting not just the Llangollen canal, but also the rumbling River Dee, a favourite spot for enthusiastic canoeists and kayakers.

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the riverside walk, where you can hear the nostalgic sounds of the Llangollen Steam Railway drifting over the river. If you’re visiting in the summer, the riverside walk is the perfect place for a picnic. Wander up to Llangollen wharf to see the horse-drawn canal boats in action, it’s something not to be missed.

Llangollen has shops, restaurants and cafes to cater for all tastes, as well as a good selection of hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and campsites. So whether you’re a walker, a young family, a foodie or just simply after a relaxing day out, Llangollen is a must during your visit.

Nearest car park + postcode: Llangollen carparks: The Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen – Pay & Display -LL20 8SW Market Street Car Park, Llangollen – Pay & Display – LL20 8PS East Street Car Park, Llangollen – Pay & Display – LL20 8RB Mill Street Car Park, Llangollen – Pay & Display – LL20 8RQ Nearest rail station: Chirk or Ruabon Nearest town: Llangollen

Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, Y Capel, Castle St, Llangollen LL20 8NU