One of the most remarkable canal trips in the UK is the Llangollen canal. First proposed in 1791, it takes you between England and Wales. The route includes the Pontcysyllte and Chirk Aqueducts and the 412m (1,381ft) Chirk tunnel. In May 2011, we rented a “narrowboat” for a week and cruised this canal.
On the first day of the trip, we passed over the Chirk aqueduct, where the canal is on a bridge, next to a viaduct, where the railway passes over a bridge. It was a weird feeling taking a boat over a bridge. There was a good path along each side of the water on the aqueduct, so the boat driver doesn’t have to look down. The bridge crossed over from England into Wales.
Next was the Chirk tunnel. It is only wide enough for one boat, so you have to check no one is coming the other way! It is long and dark, not great for photographs!
The Chirk Aqueduct and Tunnel were just warm ups for the main event – the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Constructed beween 1795 and 1805, it is the highest navigable aqueduct in the world, passing 126 feet above the River Dee. While there is a footpath on one side of the water, there is nothing other than the metal casing of the canal on the other side and the 100-foot drop. For someone who is scared of heights, the 1,000-ft crossing is nerve-racking!
We hadn’t operated canal locks and bridges before, but Janet and the kids worked those with no issues!
A lift bridge:
A lock:
Another lock:
We had lots of other fun exploring:
We had a fantastic time exploring and experiencing the canal.
The Adventures of the Cajunlimeys 