pontcysyllte aqueduct boat trips

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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.

The charity making life better by water

Making life better by water

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Visitor Centre

Our 'stream in the sky' - Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - has been named as the most captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world.

UNESCO status is given to landmarks or areas that have a major cultural, historical, or scientific form of significance (like the Taj Mahal).

Taking the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee valley in North Wales, the aqueduct took ten years to complete and is a fine example of the incredible feats of engineering you can find on our canal network.

Read this page in Welsh / Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

Things to do

Our free Trevor Basin Visitor Centre is the best place to start your family day out at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (pronounced Pont–ker-sulth-teh) or 'Ponty' as we call it, with hands-on models, videos, local information, and gifts. Plenty to keep you busy. Refreshments are available on-site, so grab a drink and a snack, or maybe even an ice cream and enjoy the view.

• Horsedrawn Boats
• Anglo Welsh
• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canoe Tour

Walking trails

• Explorer's free education activity guide
• Offa's Dyke Trail runs through the site
• Explorer's aqueduct adventure trail
• Tŷ Mawr Country Park .
• Paddle the right way – an amazing canoe trail following the Llangollen Canal (Welsh version)

Wildlife spotting

You may see swans, coots, moorhens and ducks (you can buy special duck food from our visitor centre).

Planning your visit

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and canal are open sites you can visit at any time.

Trevor Basin Visitor Centre is open daily from 10am - 4pm.

It is free to walk along the towpath and aqueduct, there are charges payable in the car parks.

Toilets are in the small blue badge holders car park approximately 300 yards from the visitor centre.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Trevor Basin Visitor Centre, Trevor Basin, Off Station Road, Trevor, Wrexham, LL20 7TY

By car – Satnav LL14 3SG. Please look out for the brown signs in the area to avoid narrow and steep routes. It is now pay and display parking at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Trevor Basin. Please note that our car parks are open 8am –8pm, there is no overnight parking permitted and the gates will be locked outside our opening times.

Phone 01978 822912 or email [email protected]

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Making the most of your boat trip across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Ways to make the most of your trip across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ in North Wales

One of our Little Star Pontcysyllte Aqueduct trip boat skippers and commentary providers describes some of the highlights of the trip and ways to make the most of a visit to this UNESCO world heritage site.

Our Little Star trip boat takes passengers across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, to experience incredible views across the beautiful Dee Valley.

What are the journey highlights?

Probably the most breath-taking moment is just as you pass the Ash trees on the right of the aqueduct and suddenly a panoramic view of the Dee Valley and the beautiful 17 th  century Cysylltau Bridge, known locally as ‘The Bont’ opens up beneath you. Meanwhile, on the other side the magnificent Cefn Railway viaduct is coming into view; if you’re lucky, you’ll see a train going across the Viaduct! People also find the process of turning the 70ft trip boat fascinating and seeing the lift bridge in operation.

Personally, I’ve got a soft spot for the Fron (pronounced ‘Vron’) Embankment just over the other side of the aqueduct.  It’s a surreal structure made from the spoil excavated when the canal tunnels were built, now lined with trees home to many types of birds, including gold crests, woodpeckers, nut hatches and chaffinches.

Birds fly beneath you!

Crossing the aqueduct as often as I do, you’d have thought you might start taking it all for granted; but one thing that always brings me back into the moment as I’m guiding boats across the aqueduct is the jackdaws that roost under the arches. Often they’ll swoop out from underneath the boat as we are driving along. Birds flying underneath boats, suspended 126 feet above a roaring river. If that ever feels ‘normal’ then I’ll know it’s time to find a new job!

What else can I do when I visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct?

As well as seeing the aqueduct and the spectacular views of the Dee Valley from the trip boat, people love to experience crossing it on foot, and to enjoy a meal or a drink at the Aqueduct Inn perched up the hill overlooking the canal in Froncysyllte.

The Pontcysyllte Chapel Tea Rooms at Trevor Basin do excellent breakfasts, lunches and cream teas so it’s well worth planning a visit there too.

You can also walk down the steps to the bottom of the valley to see the Aqueduct from below, which really brings home the scale of the structure and the achievements of the canal engineers.

Another option is to head up the hill to the fascinating historic village of Cefn Mawr to see the aqueduct from above. Once the site of iron works, coal mines and brick and tile works, it’s full of little alleyways, steps and stair cases and there some great viewpoints looking out across the valley, with glimpses of the Aqueduct.

Parking at the site

The best place to park to enjoy one our boat trips and visit the Canal & River Trust’s Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Visitor Centre is the public ‘pay and display’ car park at Acrefair, Wrexham, LL14 3SG.  The car park is open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Make sure you put the car park postcode in your Sat Nav or Google maps, rather than simply ‘Pontcysyllte Aqueduct’ to ensure you arrive in the right place

When do the boat trips run?

From 29 March until 30 October 2024 trips depart daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is closed from 2nd January 2024 and reopens in the Spring.

How do I book a boat trip aboard Little Star?

For more information about Little Star and to book ahead, go to Little Star – Anglo Welsh Ltd or call us on 0117 304 1122.

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Visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on your Canal Boat Holiday

Called the stream in the sky because at 126 feet high you are much higher than the trees, you are right up in the sky looking down on the Dee valley with the river running through it.

It is 1007 feet long and built in1795-1805 and the mortar was made of oxen blood, lime and water.

It holds 1.5 million gallons of water that lies in an iron trough measuring 11ft 10 inches wide and 5 foot 3 inches deep.

A path runs along one side and to the other is the aqueduct which carries your boat across with nothing to the side except fresh air!

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

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.

Grey Globetrotters Travel Blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my  disclaimer  for more information.

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.

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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 for almost 50 years ( read my review here )

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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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!

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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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Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage site

New boat trip from Trevor Basin

Anglo Welsh are running a new boat trip from Trevor Basin. Visitors can now cruise across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the newly refurbished ‘Seren Fach’ (translated in English as Little Star).

The skippered trip is a 45 minute return trip, allowing visitors to take in the amazing views across the Dee Valley from the majestic aqueduct. There is also the chance to learn some of the history of the Llangollen Canal thanks to an on-board commentary.

No booking is required, and you will be advised of current social distancing guidelines on the day of your visit. Refreshments can also be purchased on-board.

‘Seren Fach’ is operating from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT. Telephone Anglo Welsh on 01978 821749 for any further information.

‘Seren Fach’ is now operating daily except Tuesday’s, with the last trip at 3.30pm.

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