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A holiday guide to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct


Float through the air over stunning Welsh countryside on one of Britain’s greatest waterway landmarks.

The beautiful Llangollen Canal enjoys all due status as one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations – endorsed by no less than Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart. Why not spend a weekend visiting this scenic canal’s number one attraction, the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct?

The aqueduct, taking the Llangollen Canal over the beautiful River Dee valley, is 1000 feet long and 125 feet high. Such distances had never before been conquered, until Thomas Telford's audacious decision to build it by laying an iron water-carrying trough on stone piers. Oxen blood was added to the mortar to give the structure increased strength, and to this day, the joints are effectively sealed using a mixture of flannel and lead dipped in liquid sugar.

Most people discover this breathtaking structure by boat, and you can hire a narrowboat from one of numerous bases along the canal. Alternatively, why not sit back and enjoy a two-hour motorised boat trip over the aqueduct from Llangollen Wharf? But the view from the top can be enjoyed by landlubbers as well as boating buffs.

Imagine staying in an charming country cottage, nestled in the midst of the lovely Dee Valley. After a couple of days exploring the vast Welsh countryside, you’ll be walking through the air, literally! The towpath running across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is mercifully protected by a set of railings, but even so, it helps to have a head for heights!

Once your feet are firmly back on the ground, you can reward yourself with a hearty meal in one of Denbighshire’s traditonal pubs.

Last updated: 16/07/2009