A breathtaking route that takes you deep into Wales.

Travelling south from Preston Brook via the Roman town of Middlewich we turn right onto the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union canal that takes us to Barbridge junction then to Hurleston junction and the Llangollen canal.

The canal is also a water feeder to Hurleston reservoir. Between 10~15 million gallons each day flow down the canal from the Horseshoe falls above Llangollen  and the current slows down your boat as you go towards Llangollen
and speeds up the return journey.

Care must be taken at bridges and locks
to cater for this current and one gives way to boats travelling downstream.

There are a number of fine villages and towns along the canal: The 16th century buildings of Wrenbury and the enchanting village of Marbury, the fine old market towns of Whitchurch and Ellesmere and the meres.

As the canal approaches the vale of Llangollen, the scenery is magnificent. First, the Chirk Aqueduct crosses the river followed by a tunnel that takes you through to the vale of Llangollen which you then cross on the 1000ft long Pontcycyllte Aqueduct at hight of 120ft over the river Dee - an awe inspiring view.

On the other side at Trevor the canal turns left along the hillside to the town of Llangollen. This last section is very narrow with some parts being a single boat wide - so one way at a time working is necessary.  In the height of summer it is very busy and moorings at Llangollen are limited.

The route to Llangollen and back takes about 60 hours cruising time.