Llangollen Canal is a wonderful place to visit. It represents a step back in time to a steam powered era, combining outstanding natural beauty and incredible feats of engineering in a very picturesque setting. Only thirty minutes from Wrexham, the Llangollen Canal starts at the Horseshoe Falls. This man-made horseshoe shaped weir takes water from the river Dee. It feeds a transport route which eventually joins the Shropshire Union Canal – linking it to Britain’s wider canal infrastructure.

Walking just a few minutes away from the Horseshoe Falls, you are quickly met by the Chainbridge Hotel and a stone-built road bridge crossing the River Dee. Overlooking both are Berwyn Railway Station and the A5 road. On the day I visited, a heritage train was running, and it stopped at the station. This only added to the ambience and wonder of the area. We crossed the valley to visit the (restored) station before walking underneath the railway and then across the (suspended) chain bridge. In just another five minute’s walk, we were back in the car park.

Skipping past the town of Llangollen, we travelled further along the valley and met up with the Llangollen Canal at Trevor. This is where the canal crosses the valley using the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Many of the coal, iron and slate products from the Wrexham area were loaded onto canal boats here and transported to sites and ports across Britain. Some 126 feet above the River Dee, this Georgian structure is a masterpiece of engineering and now recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

As well as being able to navigate a 70-foot narrow boat or barge across the aqueduct, it is possible to walk across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Alongside the canal is a narrow towpath about wide enough for two people. There is another option to hire a canoe or kayak and cross the aqueduct on the water. The crossing is not for the feint hearted! Although there is a handrail along the tow path there is nothing alongside the water’s edge. Having crossed this as part of a canal holiday a few years ago, it is quite exhilarating.

While at the aqueduct, I took time to walk under the bridge and look at the construction which combines brick with steel. It highlights the brilliance and genius of both Thomas Telford and William Jessop. It also highlights the importance of Llangollen and Wrexham and their connection to the Industrial Revolution during a time of considerable output. Despite being built for an industrial era, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen canal are superb areas to enjoy outstanding natural beauty.