The Llangollen Canal is an impressive stretch of canal and will tick many boxes with paddlers. It’s 46 miles in length, making it great for multi-day trips should you wish. It’s cross country, with the canal crossing the England/Wales border. Furthermore, it starts just west of Crewe where it meets the Shropshire Union Canal. And, this is the best part, it has jaw-dropping, adrenaline inducing scenery…
The Llangollen Canal is home to one of the most photographed aqueducts in the world, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This monster of engineering beauty links two huge valleys. It’s one of the most impressive structures you will see along British waterways, if not the world.
Standing at a whopping 126ft high, the crossing is not for the faint hearted and paddlers are advised to stay low as they cross. Paddle boarders advised not to use the aqueduct, at least while standing!
When you see it, you won’t be surprised when we tell you it took 10 years to complete! And the cost was the equivalent of £38 million in today’s money!
Although the main reason why you might paddle this stretch is for the views on the Aqueduct, it is rich with heritage along the route. You’ll see constant reminders of the canal’s industrial past as you travel through from Llangollen. From there you can access the River Dee, all the way through to the junction with the Shropshire Union Canal.