A Bywater Hotelboat Route Descriptions - 2008

Cruise no. 1 - Oxford to Warwick – Tuesday 8th May, 7 nights
64 miles, 64 locks, 1 aqueduct
South Oxford Canal, Grand Union Canal

Starting where the Oxford canal begins we leave the wonderful spires of Oxford behind as we cruise through the wealthy suburbs of North Oxford. Past water meadows and woodland, the River Cherwell accompanies the canal on its journey, never far away. We pass through the traditional boatman’s stopover of Thrupp, past our base at Heyford Wharf and negotiate a few infrequent locks including Somerton Lock, one of the deepest on the system. We reach the medieval market town of Banbury. The town that marked the start point for Rolt’s epic cruise round the system which led to the creation of the Inland Waterways Association and the salvation of the canals. We travel up to and through the pretty little village of Cropredy and through, the now roofless, Fenny Compton ‘Tunnel’. The summit level of the Oxford Canal provides clear views over the surrounding fields as it twists and turns following the contours of a timeless landscape, till finally submitting to its descent to the Grand Union at Marston Doles Lock. We can see the white Windmill at Napton, on the hill ahead, clear against the blue sky on sunny days before we join The Grand Union. Built in the early 19th Century to provide a quicker route to London, it provides us with wooded scenery as we pass through its wide locks. Cruising through the suburbs of the Regency town of Royal Leamington Spa, we pass over the River Avon by aqueduct and reach Warwick with its fantastic medieval castle.

Nearest Train Station – Arrival – Oxford Departure – Warwick

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We leave Warwick after a hearty breakfast and immediately tackle the locks at Hatton, known as the 21 steps to Heaven, they provide stunning views back over Warwick and its surrounding countryside as well as a good mornings exercise for the crew and any willing volunteers. We then pass through the 430yd length of Shrewley Tunnel and past the junction with the Stratford Canal. The Grand Union takes us up the last set of wide locks at Knowle before we meander closer to England’s second city. Passing along the Digbeth branch we can see some fine old wharf buildings on our route before turning onto the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and up the flight of 13 locks at farmer’s bridge, before arriving at Gas Street Basin. Here the old canal basin has been transformed in recent years with cafes, restaurants, bars and expensive apartments. It is a stark contrast to the industrial landscape of past and present that we pass as we travel along the New and Old, Main Lines and it is on this stretch we are reminded most of how important the canals were to the industrial development of England in the 19th Century.. A few hours can be spent at the Black Country Museum in the reconstructed canalside village, offering demonstrations on various crafts from glass-cutting, metal work or sweet making. The Wolverhampton flight of 21 takes us out of Birmingham and onto The Shropshire Union. An example of Telford’s engineering skill and determination this straight canal uses embankments and cuttings to maintain it’s direct course, providing open views over farmland or dappled sunlight on the water ahead. Lock free for much of its length we pass through 25 locks shortly before the last stretch of canal brings us to the Elizabethan timber framed houses of Nantwich.

Nearest Train Station – Arrival – Warwick Departure – Nantwich or Crewe

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We leave Nantwich basin for a short boat through flat Cheshire countryside. We ascend the flight of four locks of Hurleston and arrive onto the Llangollen, possibly the prettiest canal on the system and certainly the most shallow. We cruise through farmland, and infrequent locks and liftbridges to the flight at Grindley Brook and its steep three lock staircase where the lockkeepers ensure the smooth flow of boats. We pass through gentle countryside, and wooden lift bridges, of a design more typical in Holland, before turning into Whixall and Bettisfield Moss a large upland bog and site of special scientific interest. After the little canal town of Ellesmere we detour onto the peaceful waterways of the Montgomery Canal via another staircase lock at Frankton. There are strict limits on the number of boats allowed into this area to ensure the local array of flora and fauna are not disturbed. Retracing our steps back onto the Llangollen we pass through the last locks at New Martin. The aqueduct at Chirk marks the beginning of some spectacular scenery and our last entry, of many, into Wales. Through the long Chirk Tunnel we eventually reach the climax of this cruise. The famous landmark of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct stands 120ft and crosses the expanse of the Dee Valley to lead us up the pretty, narrow and shallow stretch along the side of the valley to the tourist town of Llangollen itself. There is time to explore, maybe take a trip on the steam railway or sit and enjoy a drink looking out over the white waters of the Dee river.

Nearest Train Station – Arrival – Nantwich or Crewe Departure – Ruabon

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Our first morning is spent making our way along the sides of the Dee Valley, down the narrow and shallow upper stretch of this canal. We eventually arrive at Trefor Basin and turn to cross The Pontcysylte Aqueduct. 120ft above the Valley floor on what is possibly Telfords finest piece of Engineering it provides for some of the most spectacular scenery as we cross to the other side. Continuing along the other side of the Valley before crossing the watershed into the Cerriog valley through Whitehouse tunnel and then the long dark Chirk tunnel. Chirk aqueduct runs parallel to the arches of the viaduct and is our first crossing of the Welsh Border into England. New Martin signals the first locks of this cruise and through the softer contours of England we progress down to Frankton where we join the Montgomery Canal to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this completely rural canal. Maesbury Marsh marks as far as we are able to cruise towards Oswestry and the Welsh border before turning and continuing on the Llangollen to the quiet canal town of Ellesmere. From here we pass through the upland bog of Whixall Moss before passing through several lift bridges of a design more commonly seen in Holland. Gentle, rolling countryside brings us to the triple staircase lock at Grindley Brook with its wonderful canal side shop. From here we descend for the last part of the Llangollen Canal through flat Cheshire farmland to Hurleston junction. Turning left here we cruise up to the wide staircase lock at Bunbury and from here enjoy very pleasant scenery on a canal much wider than the Llangollen. Eventually arriving in the Roman town of Chester with it’s still complete city walls and marvellous timbered shopping streets.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Ruabon Departure – Chester

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Five wide locks bring us through the suburbs of Chester before we emerge into Cheshire countryside with views of Beeston Castle, ahead, un-missable on its rocky outcrop. Pleasant scenery carries us through the five locks before Bunbury staircase and our last stretch of wide canal before turning on to the Middlewich branch at Barbridge. Four infrequent locks bring us throughquiet and remote countryside on this much underrated link canal to the Trent and Mersey. The canal crosses the River Weaver by aqueduct and offers superb views over the river and of Winsford Top Flash. At Middlewich itself we join the Trent and Mersey and cruise north, following the delightful valley of The River Dane. Eventually the Industrial landscape of Northwich can be seen. Salt mining dominated this area for centuries and is the reason for the canal’s and Northwich’s development.. We have time to cruise to the end of The Trent and Mersey at Preston Brook to view the Weaver valley, the River and Navigation, from up the valley sides before turning and arriving at The Anderton Boat Lift. Known as The Cathedral of the Canals this wrought iron feat of engineering was built in 1875 to connect the Canal to the Weaver Navigation, 50ft below and is a ‘must see’ for any canal enthusiast. Once on The Weaver Navigation we have the remaining time of this cruise to explore this waterway between Frodsham and Winsford. The steep, wooded valley sides provide for some beautiful scenery, particularly along the Vale Royal Cut and through The Belt, a wonderfully peaceful section where no roads or houses intrude on the secluded rural setting.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Chester Departure – Northwich

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From our moorings on the Weaver Navigation at Northwich, we have time to explore a bit of this waterway and its secluded rural setting, before rising the 50ft to the Trent and Mersey Canal on the Anderton Lift, ‘The Cathedral of the Canals’. Once on The Trent and Mersey we make our way South. Beyond Northwich we wind along a pretty section of canal clinging to the side of the Dane valley, for several miles. At Wheelock we pass a boatyard specialising in the restoration of working boats. A long and slow ascent of 25 locks, known as ‘Heartbreak hill’ brings us to the junction with The Macclesfield Canal where we immediately cross the Trent and Mersey over Poole Aqueduct. On our right is Mow Cop, the first folly castle of its type in England. A little further on we encounter all 12 of the locks on The Macclesfield in a single flight at Bosley. As we climb we are overlooked by a large hill known as the ‘Cloud’. Winding along the summit level at 500ft the navigation follows the contours of the upland country crossing several valleys on embankments and fine aqueducts. There are stretches of canal that have a beautiful isolation to them along our route. Marple marks the end of The Macclesfield Canal and the middle of Peak Forest Canal. It gives us wonderful views down the flight before we begin our journey along the upper section of this canal towards Whaley Bridge, taking in the dramatic and mountainous scenery of the Peak District Hills as we go. Clinging to the steep wooded sides of the Goyt Valley for the last leg of our cruise. A short detour down the arm of Bugsworth basin to see the last remaining example of a canal and tramway terminus before we arrive at our destination, Whaley Bridge.

Nearest train station – Arrival –Northwich Departure – Whaley Bridge

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Leaving Whaley Bridge we make a brief detour to Bugwsworth Basin, a unique old canal/tramway interchange, recently restored. Travelling down the upper Peak Forest Canal, we cling to the steep wooded sides of the Goyt Valley and are offered magnificent views of the surrounding Peak Forest hills. At the top of the flight of 16 locks at Marple we have a superb view down the valley before continuing onto The Macclesfield Canal which brings yet more striking scenery. Whilst negotiating the beautiful locks at Bosley we can see the great hill that looks over us, known as ‘the cloud’. Historical interest is provided by the timber framed Moreton Hall and the Victorian folly of Mow Cop. Crossing the Trent and Mersey by aqueduct and then joining it we soon enter Harecastle Tunnel. At nearly 3000 yards long this is the last remaining one of three. We emerge from the tunnel and enter ‘The Potteries’ and the larger conurbation of Stoke. We turn at the junction with the Caldon Canal and begin our ascent through Etruria locks, passing a statue of James Brindley and the Etruria Industrial Museum. Eventually reaching a summit level of 484ft above sea level before the canal splits. The Leek branch crossing the main line on a stone aqueduct as we pass under towards Froghall. Passing through 3 attractive and isolated locks as we cruise alongside the River Churnet, the scenery of this section is stunning and unspoilt with thickly wooded valley sides encroaching right up to the canal sides. Froghall tunnel marks the end of the terminus for us and we turn and experience the seclusion of this branch again and if we have time, the Leek branch. Back in Stoke we pass various relics of the pottery industry, most notably the large bottle kilns which line the side of the canal, before the last stretch brings us to the pleasant town of Stone.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Whaley Bridge Departure – Stoke-on-Trent or Stafford

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Leaving the pleasant town of Stone, we travel down the Trent and Mersey Canal, with the River Trent, winding it’s own course, never far away. We soon reach Haywood and Shugbourough Hall, now owned by the National Trust. We make our way past Cannock Chase, an ancient Norman hunting ground, and if we are lucky, see fallow dear who have grazed this area for centuries. The Town of Rugeley is encountered, with it’s power station dominating the landscape for several miles. We soon enter quiet countryside heading towards Fradley Junction, an interesting place, set among woods with a famous pub and a boatyard with many interesting boats. Here we turn onto The Coventry Canal passing through flat and open countryside. After several miles a stone marks the point at which the Coventry Canal becomes The Birmingham and Fazely Canal and we follow the course of The River Tame very closely past a delightful wooded stretch. From our vantage point on a side cut embankment we have good views of Tamworth to the east before we pass through it. Passing through a post-industrial landscape where old gravel pits have been filled with water and turned into Nature Reserves. There is a heavily locked section of canal as we pass through the pleasant town of Atherston, climbing a flight of 11. We now enter open rolling country backed by thick woods to the west and, for a time, return to a quarry belt before Nuneaton. Here we turn onto The Ashby Canal and are once again surrounded by farmland and rural isolation for the final 7 miles to the small town of Hinckley.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Stoke-on-Trent or Stafford Departure – Hinckley

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Our journey begins by heading north on the Ashby Canal, which winds it’s way through remote rural countryside along a 300foot contour, making this canal entirely lock free. We pass close to the Battle of Bosworth Field, where Richard III was killed by Henry Tudor. At this point the canal is accompanied by the Battlefield Railway Line, which runs old steam and diesel locomotives along this preserved section of line. Past Market Bosworth we encounter the small farming villages of Shackerstone and Snarestone before reaching the canals terminus and turning back on ourselves. We hope on the way down to include the opportunity to travel on the Shackerstone preserved railway. Retracing our steps past Hinckley we make our way onto The Coventry Canal where the town of Bedworth makes little impact on the canal as we skirt round it in a long cutting. We soon reach Hawkesbury junction, otherwise known as Sutton’s Stop after the first toll clerk to work here. A fine country pub and stop lock (the only lock on this cruise) mark our entry onto The Oxford Canal. Travelling South East through farmland we pass the villages of Anstey and Brinklow along a shortened length of canal, following an 1829 re-routing to improve efficiency. The occasional elegant iron bridge marks the route the canal used to take. At Brinklow we pass a boatyard renowned for it’s restoration and replication of old working boats. Open rolling fields take us through this last stretch of canal before cruising through the 50yrds of Newbold Tunnel to our final mooring on the outskirts of Rugby.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Hinckley Departure – Rugby

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From our mooring near Newbold Tunnel we first make our way through Rugby along the North Oxford Canal. Straightened late in its life to considerably reduce its length and efficiency this is markedly different from the winding, contours of the South Oxford Canal. It takes us through peaceful countryside to the canal town of Braunston and the junction with The Grand Union to London. Often considered the spiritual heart of the canals this was once a thriving trade point and canal community. The Grand Union uses the length of The Oxford Canal between here and Napton before continuing its own course to Birmingham. We, however stay on The Oxford Canal and begin our ascent to the summit up the flight of nine locks at Napton. Once on the summit the canal meanders its way across the rolling countryside with views of the Napton windmill behind and to the sides. Eventually the canal submits to the landscape and drops down the five locks at Claydon and on down to the pretty village of Cropredy. Passing under a rather unsafe looking ladder bridge at Wormleighton before we reach the medieval market town of Banbury. Beyond Banbury the canal follows The Cherwell Valley sharing it with the railway line which is generally close by but unnoticeable till a train passes. Somerton deep lock is one of the deepest on the cut and set amongst the rolling open farmland that continues as we make our way further south. Sharing a length of several miles with The River Cherwell we are treated to some river scenery before dropping off its course and heading into the traditional boatman’s stop of Thrupp. The River continues to accompany the canal as we travel down the valley, never far away and we cruise through water meadows and woodland until the Spires of Oxford can be seen just ahead. Our final journey into Oxford takes us through some of the wealthiest suburbs and right to the current terminus of the canal at Hythe Bridge.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Rugby Departure – Oxford

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Cruise no. 11

Our journey down the Lower Thames begins with a meander through the City that calls this river the Isis and out past the expanse of Christchurch meadows, avoiding punts and row boats as we leave the spires behind. This section of the Thames is always interesting with many varied craft and unlike the canal, lockkeepers attend every one of the large locks. We cruise through the towns of Abingdon, Wallingford, Pangbourne and past Dorchester’s 7th century monastery. There are many wonderful lawns and gardens which stretch down from grand houses to the waters edge and pontoons with boathouses and row boats. The Thames passes through the Chiltern Hills and the Goring Gap before we turn off onto the Kennet navigation at Reading. We soon leave the urban areas of Reading after County lock, where we can take in the varied scenery of woodland and water meadows. There are plenty of locks and a good towpath on this stretch to Newbury so many opportunities for a gentle stroll before we reach our final destination.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Oxford Departure – Newbury

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Leaving Newbury behind us, we move quickly into water meadows and woodland. Frequent locks bring us steadily up to higher ground over the course of a day, making this day a good day for walking. Travelling through the Vale of Pewsey the River Kennet is never far away and several of Southern England's most picturesque villages can be explored. Past wooded ridges and a hill fort we lock up Crofton locks past the historic beam pumping engine, built to pump water up to the canals summit level before entering Bruce tunnel. A long lock free section and a night moored in Devizes gives us time to rest before tackling the 29 locks of Devizes and the Caen Hill flight where we descend 230ft in just 2 miles. The largest flight on the system, it not only keeps the crew busy, but offers up some superb views over the surrounding area and down the flight itself. We travel past many attractive villages overlooking the canal before arriving at the architecturally rich, but compact town of Bradford-on-Avon.
Following the course of the Avon across two aqueducts Bath city appears ahead and we eventually arrive in amongst the stunning Georgian architecture of this spa town.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Newbury Departure – Bath

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The Kennet and Avon canal leaves the Roman spa town of Bath, with its beautiful limestone buildings and bustling centre, crossing the River Avon over two aqueducts to reach the architecturally rich town of Bradford-on-Avon. Past here there are many attractive villages overlooking the canal before we arrive at the bottom of the Caen hill flight. Covering just 2 miles over several hours, we rise up 230ft to the top and there are great views over the area and a real sense of achievement, knowing the longest flight on the canal system is done. There is then a long lock free section to enjoy before entering the relatively short Bruce Tunnel. The flight at Crofton locks takes us past the old beam pumping engine, once used to pump water to the summit level of this canal but no longer in use. We have views of the river Kennet for much of this journey as we travel through the vale of Pewsey and there are many picturesque villages nearby on our route. Our final day gives us regular locks and a good day for walking as we approach the town of Newbury.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Bath Departure – Newbury

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We make our way along the Kennet Navigation out of Newbury and head towards Reading where we join the Thames. Before heading north towards Oxford we have a chance to cruise for a day to the popular resort of Henley-on-Thames. Once described as ‘the Mecca for the rowing man’ by Dickens, we miss the famous regatta but can still enjoy the quaint Englishness of the market town. Turning round here we begin our journey through the Chiltern hills, passing through the Goring Gap. There are many wonderful lawns and gardens which stretch down from grand houses to the waters edge and pontoons with boathouses and row boats making the views very different to anything on the canals. We cruise through Pangbourne, past Dorchester’s 7th Century monastery, up through the charming towns of Wallingford and Abingdon. We shall pass many varied river craft and be welcomed by lockkeepers at every wide lock as we go. Eventually spires appear ahead and Christchurch meadows greet our arrival in Oxford. We make our way to our central yet peaceful mooring spot at Osney island, avoiding punts and row boats as we go. Overlapping with a bank holiday weekend provides us the opportunity to see this part of England at its most jovial. Weather permitting there will be rowers in Henley, punts in Oxford and families enjoying a day out at Shillingford bridge lido, on the banks of the river.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Newbury Departure – Oxford

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Heading upstream from Osney Island, we leave the dreaming spires of Oxford, into ‘Wind in the Willows country. The river winds it’s way through farmland avoiding built up areas, under the ancient Swindford toll bridge (where motorists still have to pay 5pence to cross!). If you keen eyed you can spot otters which have recently been re-introduced and Grebes diving among the reed lined banks. At Lechlade, the furthest navigable point we turn and retrace our steps to Dukes Cut, just north of Oxford. We pass through Kidlington and Thrupp on the canal, before once again joining a river, this time the Cherwell. Back on the Oxford canal, we encounter infrequent locks, and pass by Cotswold countryside and ancient villages before reaching the historic market town of Banbury. Banbury, home to Tooleys boatyard, a canal museum and the town in which the idea of the Oxford canal was hatched and devised.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Oxford Departure – Banbury

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We depart the medieval market town of Banbury and travel up through locks at the pretty little village of Cropredy and through Fenny Compton ‘Tunnel’. The summit level of the Oxford Canal provides clear views over the surrounding fields as it twists and turns following the contours of a timeless landscape, till finally submitting to its descent to the Grand Union at Marston Doles Lock. We can see the white Windmill at Napton, on the hill ahead, clear against the blue sky on sunny days before we join The Grand Union. Built in the early 19th Century to provide a quicker route to London, it provides us with scenery aplenty as we pass through its wide locks and wooded sides. Cruising through the suburbs of the Regency town of Royal Leamington Spa, we pass over the River Avon by aqueduct and skirt the edge of Warwick with its fantastic medieval castle, before encountering the flight of 21 locks at Hatton. We then pass through the 430yd length of Shrewley Tunnel before turning off the Grand Union at Kingswood Junction to join the Stratford Canal. This very pretty waterway is a delight with its unique split bridges, barrel roofed lock keepers cottages and the narrow cast iron aqueducts which take us over country lanes, streams and a railway line. We cruise through the Forest of Arden into the land of Shakespeare passing through wealthy Warwickshire villages. There are plenty of locks to keep us on our toes and plenty of walking opportunities if people so wish. Our final destination will be the bustling heart of Stratford at Bancroft Basin. Stratford is a wonderful town, full of energy, history and, of course, anything Shakespeare.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Banbury Departure – Stratford-on-Avon

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Having soaked up the atmosphere of Stratford we travel up this characterful narrow canal with its cast iron aqueducts, barrel roofed cottages and pretty scenery. Frequent locks bring us up and out of the Avon valley through Wilmcote and Lapworth. A helping hand is always welcome but never expected and you are welcome to sit back and enjoy the scenery as we climb or walking between the locks provides good opportunities to stretch your legs. We pass through a lift bridge at Shirley and meander closer to England’s second city eventually reaching the guillotine lock, built to protect the waters of one canal company from those of the other, but no longer in use. This marks our arrival onto the Birmingham and Worcester Canal, a waterway filled with tunnels and locks. We turn left here and skirt away from Birmingham before the first feature we come across in Wasthills tunnel, a 2726yd long tunnel that brings us out into open countryside. This is then closely followed by Shortwood and Tardebigge tunnels before reaching the top of the 30 locks of Tardebigge. As we make our way down the flight we have good views out over Worcestershire below. A short breather before we have the six locks of Stoke and then the seven of Astwood and we find ourselves 300ft lower in just five miles. We pass coppices, woods and farmland, skirting the town of Droitwich and the junction with the old Droitwich Canal. A flat open section of land brings us to the last tunnel of this cruise, Dunhampstead, where we emerge into a wooded cutting. We then lock down the flight of six at Offerton before making our final descent into Worcester, the towns skyline dominated by the large tower of the cathedral.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Stratford-on-Avon Departure – Worcester

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Leaving Diglis basin we lock down onto the Severn, and head upstream past Worcester Cathedral, the cricket ground, the race course and under a fine stone arched bridge, which connects the two halves of the city. After several miles and a couple of locks we rejoin the canals at Stourport, and lock back up through the historic basin, which still retains several interesting features such as the clock tower, workshops and the Tontine hotel. We swiftly pass through Kidderminster and having risen up through two locks find ourselves winding a path through a constricted and rocky section where foliage of all kinds hangs of the encroaching cliffs. These secluded surroundings continue into Staffordshire as the valley narrows again beyond Cookley tunnel and on towards Kinver. We ignore the junction with the Stourbridge Canal at Stourton and continue northwards winding our way through remote countryside. The staircase locks at Botterham mark the beginning of Wombourne where we make our way up the unusual triple staircase at Bratch, a delightful setting in which to wait our turn. Farmland surrounds us now for several miles until we reach Wolverhampton, which barely encroaches on the canal which remains surprisingly secluded. Turning left at Autherly junction we arrive on The Shropshire Union Canal a delightfully rural canal which is characterised along it’s route by the alternating cuttings and embankments which enable it to maintain it’s relatively straight and lock free course to Market Drayton.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Worcester Departure – Nantwich or Crewe

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We leave Nantwich basin for a short boat through flat Cheshire countryside. We ascend the flight of four locks of Hurleston and arrive onto the Llangollen, We cruise through farmland, and infrequent locks and liftbridges to the flight at Grindley Brook and its steep three lock staircase where the lockkeepers ensure the smooth flow of traffic. We pass through gentle countryside, and wooden lift bridges, of a design more typical in Holland, After the little canal town of Ellesmere we detour onto the peaceful waterway of the Montgomery Canal via another staircase lock at Frankton. There are strict limits on the number of boats allowed into this area to ensure the local array of flora and fauna are not disturbed. Retracing our steps back onto the Llangollen we pass through the last locks at New Martin. The aqueduct at Chirk marks the beginning of some spectacular scenery and our last entry, of many, into Wales. Through the long Chirk Tunnel we eventually reach the climax of this cruise. The famous landmark of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct stands 120ft and crosses the expanse of the Dee Valley to lead us up the pretty, narrow and shallow stretch along the side of the valley to the tourist town of Llangollen itself. There is time to explore, maybe take a trip on the steam railway or sit and enjoy a drink looking out over the white waters of the Dee river.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Nantwich or Crewe Departure – Ruabon

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Cruise no. 20

We begin this cruise at Chirk, mooring just a few paces from the railway station in the deep wooded cutting. Crossing the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct as it carries the canal 120ft over the Dee Valley floor, providing superb views down the valley. As we wind our way along the valley side the spectacular scenery continues, changing with every twist and turn and there are plenty of opportunities for walking the narrow stretches. We turn around in Llangollen, leaving enough time for a leisurely wander, perhaps even a ride on the steam railway before beginning our slow descent down from the high valley side. Passing back over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to the ¼ mile tunnel and aqueduct at Chirk we reach the softer contours of England and progress down to Frankton where we join the Montgomery Canal to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this completely rural canal. Maesbury Marsh marks as far as we are able to cruise towards Oswestry and the Welsh border.

Nearest train station – Arrival – Ruabon Departure – Gobowen

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