Llangollen Canal
The Llangollen Canal, one of the most scenic and historic waterways in Britain, meanders through the stunning landscapes of North Wales and Shropshire, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, engineering marvels, and historical significance. Originally part of the Ellesmere Canal, the Llangollen Canal was completed in 1805, intended as an important industrial route linking the coalfields and ironworks of Shropshire to the River Mersey. Today, it is more renowned for its leisure boating and the magnificent countryside it passes through.
Key Features
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: The canal’s most iconic feature, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain. Completed in 1805 by engineer Thomas Telford, it spans over 1,000 feet and stands 126 feet above the River Dee. It’s a marvel of 18th-century engineering, offering breathtaking views from the narrowboat as you cross.
- Chirk Aqueduct and Tunnel: Another of Telford’s masterpieces, the Chirk Aqueduct carries the canal 70 feet above the Ceiriog Valley, just before the canal passes through the 460-yard-long Chirk Tunnel, giving boaters an exciting contrast between light and shadow.
- Horse-drawn Boats: Near Llangollen, visitors can enjoy trips aboard traditional horse-drawn boats, a nod to the canal’s past when goods were hauled by horses along the towpath.
Locks and Navigation
The Llangollen Canal has relatively few locks along its 46-mile length. Only two locks are located near Hurleston Junction, where the canal joins the Shropshire Union Canal. This lock-free stretch means the canal is easy to navigate, though it still requires careful maneuvering in some narrow sections, tunnels, and across aqueducts.
Connections
- Shropshire Union Canal: The Llangollen Canal branches off from the Shropshire Union at Hurleston Junction.
- River Dee: The canal is closely linked to the River Dee at Horseshoe Falls, which feeds the canal and supplies water to much of the system. Uniquely, the canal has a steady flow of water, as it acts as a feeder for other canals.
Montgomery Canal
The Montgomery Canal, affectionately known as the “Monty,” is a quieter, more rural canal that extends through Shropshire and into Powys, Wales. Originally built in stages between 1794 and 1821, it was part of the broader Montgomeryshire Canal and later merged with the Ellesmere Canal. Though once a thriving industrial waterway transporting lime and agricultural products, the canal fell into disrepair and sections were abandoned after a breach in 1936.
Today, much of the Montgomery Canal is under restoration, and it is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, offering a haven for wildlife and a peaceful, slower-paced experience for boaters.
Key Features
- Restoration Projects: Large portions of the canal have been restored in recent decades, and ongoing efforts aim to fully reopen it to navigation. The canal is noted for its wildlife, being a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with protected species like water voles and aquatic plants thriving in its waters.
- Scenic and Tranquil: The Montgomery Canal is less frequented than many others, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to experience the countryside at a leisurely pace. It passes through charming villages, farmland, and rolling hills, offering a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
Locks and Navigation
The Montgomery Canal originally had 25 locks, many of which are still in use today as part of the restored sections. One of the most striking lock flights is the Frankton Locks, which reconnect the Montgomery to the Llangollen Canal. This staircase lock system was restored in the 1980s, enabling boats to enter the Montgomery Canal.
Connections
- Llangollen Canal: The Montgomery Canal links to the Llangollen Canal at Frankton Junction, making it accessible from the wider canal network.
- Shrewsbury and Newport Canal: Historically, the Montgomery connected with other local waterways like the Shrewsbury and Newport Canal, though this is now disused.
Interesting Features
- Aqueducts and Tunnels: While less dramatic than the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the Montgomery Canal has smaller yet charming aqueducts, such as those at Aberbechan and Berriew.
- Wildlife Corridor: Due to its status as an SSSI, the canal is carefully managed to protect its rich diversity of plant and animal life. Its slow-moving, reed-filled waters make it a perfect habitat for a variety of species.
Canal Restoration and Waterways Heritage
Both the Llangollen and Montgomery Canals are testament to the engineering ingenuity of the Industrial Revolution, while today they serve as peaceful retreats, celebrated for their beauty and history. The canals are popular with narrowboat enthusiasts, hikers, and cyclists alike, offering scenic routes through some of the most picturesque parts of Wales and England.
Together, these two canals highlight the evolution of Britain’s waterways from bustling industrial arteries to serene recreational spaces, each with its unique features and charm.
Note: Includes Montgomery Canal – isolated navigable section