How much do you know about the Llangollen Canal?

Flowing over 46 miles, the Llangollen Canal passes through 21 locks on its way from Hurleston Junction to Llantysilio Bridge, which is a short distance further west of Llangollen. The canal begins at the junction with the Shropshire Union Canal, just over the Welsh border in England.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009

Making it onto this list is no small feat. Yet a key section of the Llangollen Canal covering 11 miles was awarded this status and still holds it today. Among the highlights along this Heritage section are:

• The Horseshoe Falls, just west of Llangollen
• The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
• The Chirk Aqueduct

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is quite a sight, whether you view it from the ground or from the aqueduct itself. There is no need to hire a canal boat to go across it, since foot traffic is also accommodated. Don’t forget your camera – the views from here are breath-taking. The aqueduct boasts its own visitor centre too, which is free to visit. Look up the Trevor Basin Visitor Centre, off Station Road at LL20 7TY to find out more.

Meanwhile, the Chirk Aqueduct is further east, offering an innovative way to head over the border from England into Wales. Walk along the towpath and go through the tunnel – no boat required if you just want to visit for a short while.

Head from Horseshoe Falls to Llangollen on a one-way trip

Perhaps the best way to approach the town of Llangollen is to start at Horseshoe Falls. There is a six-mile walk that takes you along the canal towpath, across the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and finishes in the town itself. Start early and do a return trip – if your legs can stand it – or plan to stay overnight in Llangollen to explore that section of the canal and the town itself. Perfect!

You don’t need a boat to make the most of Llangollen Canal

You should now be aware that many of the highlights of this famous canal are clustered around the Llangollen area. While you can hire a canal boat to take a lazy route along the canal, there are other more demanding water sports you could try instead.

Local outdoor pursuits venues offer a canoe tour of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It provides a stunning way to get some exercise if you don’t want to walk. If you feel fit enough, why not try the double aqueduct tour, which takes in this and the Chirk Aqueduct as well?