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2016


Take A Leisurely Boat Trip Along the Lovely Llangollen Canal

Published by Denise Beresford

Country: United Kingdom

The Experience

If you only take one canal boat holiday in your life, then make sure it is on the Llangollen Canal in Wales. The 41-mile stretch that runs from the Shropshire Union Canal through to Llangollen in Denbighshire, North Wales, is arguably the most beautiful journey of its kind. Perfect for both the experienced boater and the novice or occasional canal user, this route does not fail to impress and inspire. Give yourself at least three days to take in all that Llangollen Canal has to offer.

Starting at Hurleston Junction, just north of Nantwich (which has great rail and road links if you’re not based in the area), your trip will start as it means to go on. Presented with meandering farmland, the rest of the world will suddenly start to feel miles away. Almost instantly you will come across your first locks, with four in a row at Hurleston (Llangollen Canal has 21 locks in total). It’s a good time to wave to the locals admiring your lock work and get in the mood for what promises to be an amazing trip.

Leaving Hurleston with that sense of achievement that comes with each successfully navigated lock, the following days slowly unfold as you head down Llangollen Canal towards Wrenbury, then slowly on past the market towns of Whitchurch and Elsemere. Each of these locations offers a wonderful distraction from your boating hours, and merits a visit in its own right. Moor up, hop off the boat, and go exploring. After all, that is the beauty of a Llangollen Canal boat tour.

Leaving Elsemere, you will glide towards the fortified border town of Chirk. At this point you need to set aside any notions that the Llangollen Canal has already lived up to its stunning repute because the best is yet to come. The 11-mile stretch from Gledridge Bridge, near Chirk, to the beautifully named Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen, was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2009. And after spending any time on this part of the Llangollen Canal, it is easy to see why.

Encompassed within this section of canal are two aqueducts which are not only a feat to engineering but are also truly breathtaking. The Chirk and Pontcycsylte aqueducts were engineered by Thomas Telford to carry the canal over the rivers Ceiriog and Dee. With seemingly sheer drops, this sight is truly one that must be seen to be believed. Take a deep breath and stare as you traverse these man-made wonders.

After Chirk you will amble towards your final destination, Llangollen. As you get closer, the already narrow Llangollen Canal narrows further. In some places the canal is not wide enough for boats to pass, giving you the perfect opportunity to put your newly-honed boating skills into practice.

Gracefully navigating your way to the end point, the beautifully scenic Llangollen marina will not disappoint. Powered boats are forbidden after entering the marina, but horse-drawn boats take up the mantle to show visitors the sights of this wonderful area. Moor up and reward yourself with a trip on the horse-drawn vessels, allowing someone else to do the steering for a change. Alternatively, pop into the Llangollen Wharf tea room for a celebratory home-made scone and pot of your favourite brew.

Photos

Map

Puzzle

When to Go to Llangollen Canal Wales

This canal boat holiday can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, and although open all year, the best times for Langollen Canal boat hire is from April to October. Gather your family and prepare for an amazing adventure. Not only will the sights keep you gasping in awe, there is more than a smattering of bankside entertainment. As integral a part of boating life as the water itself, take advantage of the Langollen Canal pubs en route to satisfy your hunger and thirst after a day of boating. There really is no need to hurry this trip. Simply take the helm, take in the staggering scenery, and enjoy.

Odds n' Ends

There's also the option to take a horse-drawn trip—available from Llangollen Wharf. The same company also operates one-day boat hire.

Want a Guide?

Crest narrow boats
Crest operate a fleet of luxury narrow boats

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Books and DVDs

Lonely Planet Great Britain Country Travel Guide

Elsewhere on the Web

The Llangollen Canal - CanalJunction.com

Media References

50 tourist gems in the UK and Ireland you didn't even know about - mirror.co.uk (newspaper)

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