LLANGOLLEN CANAL

LLANGOLLEN TO CHIRK PADDLE GUIDE
INC THE FAMOUS PONTCYSYLLTE AND CHIRK AQUEDUCTS AND WHITEHOUSE AND CHIRK TUNNELS

BACK TO HUB

This is one of the most spectacular inland kayaking journeys in Wales, combining narrow canal,
dramatic Dee Valley scenery, historic engineering, two major aqueducts and two tunnels.
Starting in Llangollen, the route follows the Llangollen Canal eastwards through the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site before continuing through Whitehouse Tunnel, Chirk Tunnel
and across the impressive Chirk Aqueduct. The highlight is undoubtedly Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, carrying the canal approximately 39 metres above the River Dee. The aqueduct is 307 metres long and is one of the defining engineering achievements of Britain’s canal network.

MEET
UPS

THE ROUTE

Click on the items along the route for more info and what3word links.

KEY PADDLE
INFO

DISTANCE:

Approximately 9 km / 8-9 miles

JOURNEY TIME:

3–5 hours paddling for a steady kayak paddle.

Allow longer if you:
• Stop at Trevor Basin
• Take photographs
• Wait for boats at the aqueducts
• Take breaks
• Encounter congestion in the tunnels
• Paddle at a relaxed pace

DIFFICULTY:

Moderate

WATER TYPE:

Inland canal

NAVIGATION AUTHORITY:

Canal & River Trust

SUITABLE FOR:

Kayaks, Canoes, SUPs *

NUMBER OF LOCKS:

None

CURRENT:

None

BEST SEASON TO PADDLE:

Spring-Autumn.

SPRING
Excellent greenery and quieter conditions.

SUMMER
Best chance of settled weather but expect the greatest number of narrowboats, walkers and visitors.

AUTUMN
Potentially one of the best times for scenery, with changing woodland colours.

WINTER
Possible for experienced paddlers, but shorter daylight hours, colder water and potentially poorer weather make the route considerably less forgiving.
For the best overall experience, I would target May–September, preferably on a weekday with a favourable weather forecast.

SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?:

Yes, with suitable experience and weather conditions

KEY EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

A reliable torch/light.
You have two tunnels, including the approximately

421m Chirk Tunnel. A light should be readily accessible

rather than buried inside a dry bag.

WATERWAYS GUIDE:

Buy here

* The route is suitable for kayaks and canoes throughout. SUP users face additional restrictions at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the tunnels.

LOCATIONS ALONG THE ROUTE

You’ll paddle through / past:

• Llangollen Wharf
• Llangollen Basin
• Trevor Basin

• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
• Froncysyllte
• Whitehouse Tunnel
• Whitehouse Bridge
• Chirk Marina
• Chirk Tunnel
• Chirk Aqueduct
• Chirk Bank
• Bridge 21W
• Gledrid Bridge
• Chirk

CANAL CHARACTER

LLANGOLLEN → PONTCYSLLTE AQUEDUCT

Feels surprisingly intimate and narrow.
Dramatic surrounding hills rise dramatically above the water.
Canal then opens out and the landscape becomes increasingly rural.

PONTCYSLLTE → WHITEHOUSE TUNNEL

After Pontcysyllte the route continues through increasingly rural countryside.
The canal remains relatively calm until the approach to Whitehouse Tunnel.

WHITEHOUSE TUNNEL → CHIRK TUNNEL

After Whitehouse Tunnel the canal continues through woodland.
A quieter section of the route.

CHIRK AQUEDUCT → CHIRK

Once across Chirk Aqueduct, the canal becomes settled again.
The route passes through countryside and canal-side properties.

CANAL RESTRICTIONS

CHECK HERE

CANAL CONDITION / WARNINGS

CHECK HERE

LICENSE REQUIRED?

YES

Paddle UK membership (includes waterways licence)

Canal & River Trust registration where applicable.

MOBILE PHONE SIGNAL

Generally reasonable around Llangollen, Trevor and Chirk.
Expect potentially weaker or inconsistent coverage in the more enclosed valley, wooded sections and tunnels.

Do not rely solely on a mobile phone for navigation or emergency preparedness.

HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS

PONTCYSLLTE AQUEDUCT
The defining engineering landmark of the route. Opened in the early 19th century it remains one of Britain’s most remarkable canal structures.

CHIRK AQUEDUCT
Built in 1801, the aqueduct carries the canal approximately 20 metres above the valley and runs alongside the later railway viaduct.

WHITEHOUSE TUNNEL
An impressive 175-metre engineering structure dating from the construction of the canal between 1795 and 1802.

CHIRK TUNNEL
At approximately 421 metres, this is one of the most impressive canal tunnels encountered on the route.

CURRENT WEATHER

TOM'S TOP TIPS

Kayak Lechlade to Godstow on the River Thames from Paddle With Tom

TREVOR BASIN
Immediately around the Pontcysyllte area is Trevor Basin, an excellent place for a short break.
There are visitor facilities and refreshments at the World Heritage Site visitor centre.

DON’T PLAN THE TRIP TOO TIGHTLY
A nominal three-hour paddle can easily become four or five hours once photographs, aqueduct traffic, tunnel traffic and breaks are included.

ROUTE IN DETAIL

LLANGOLLEN TO TREVOR BASIN

Once on the water, head east. The first section is particularly attractive as the canal leaves the town and begins to wind through

the wooded Dee Valley.

One of the first major landmarks is Castell Dinas Brân, whose dramatic ruins sit high above Llangollen. The canal itself is relatively

narrow, so maintain a sensible position and keep an eye out for approaching narrowboats.

Useful access points

There are several bridges along this section where access to the canal is possible.

Bridge 41W provides access towards the Sun Trevor area, while Bridge 38W provides access towards the Bryn Howel area.

These are useful emergency or alternative access points rather than places I’d recommend planning the main launch around.

TREVOR BASIN

Trevor Basin is one of the major landmarks of the route.

It is also an excellent place to stop. Facilities include: visitor centre, toilet, picnic areas, café (but not lunch), pub, parking and

alternative access to the canal.

The Canal & River Trust visitor centre is open daily during the main season and provides parking at the site.

This is the point where the character of the trip changes dramatically ahead lies the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

PONTCYSYLLTE TO FRONCYSYLLTE

Once across Pontcysyllte, the canal returns to normal surroundings surprisingly quickly.

You pass through the outskirts of Froncysyllte and continue towards the first tunnel.

There is a small access point around Froncysyllte Basin.

Froncysyllte Lift Bridge

Bridge 28W is a small lift bridge which may occasionally require portaging.

If the bridge is down and cannot be operated for your passage, be prepared to get out and carry the craft around.

WHITEHOUSE TUNNEL

Whitehouse Tunnel is approximately 174–175 metres long. It is considerably shorter than Chirk Tunnel but still requires preparation.

Tunnel procedure before entering

1. Stop outside the entrance.
2. Check for approaching boats or paddlers.
3. Make sure your forward-facing light is switched on.
4. Ensure the light is securely attached.
5. Enter only when the tunnel is clear.
6. Keep your craft under control.
7. Watch carefully for approaching traffic.

The published paddling guidance specifies a forward-facing bright light/head torch for the tunnels.

SUPs should be walked through the tunnel along the towpath rather than paddled through it.

CHIRK MARINA

After Whitehouse Tunnel the canal continues through attractive countryside before reaching Chirk Marina. This is a useful landmark because you’re approaching the final major section of the trip. The railway runs alongside parts of this section and you can also catch glimpses of the surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the canal margins.

CHIRK TUNNEL

Chirk Tunnel is one of the most memorable parts of the route. It is approximately 420–421 metres / 459 yards long.

It is also narrow enough that craft cannot pass each other comfortably inside.

Before entering

1. Stop. Look. Listen.

2. Check carefully for approaching craft before committing yourself to the tunnel. The Canal & River Trust specifically advises

paddlers to ensure the tunnel is clear and to use suitable lighting.

3. Once inside, visibility drops dramatically.

4. A powerful forward-facing light is essential.

CHIRK AQUEDUCT

The second great engineering feature Immediately after Chirk Tunnel you arrive at Chirk Aqueduct.

At approximately 220 metres long and 21 metres / 70 feet high, it is smaller than Pontcysyllte but still spectacular.

The aqueduct crosses the River Ceiriog and provides one of the unusual moments of the trip as you cross from Wales into England.

The border runs across the aqueduct itself.

Unlike Pontcysyllte, SUP users are permitted to paddle across Chirk Aqueduct, although all paddlers should still take

care around other craft and the edges.

CHIRK AQUEDUCT TO CHIRK BANK

After Chirk Aqueduct the route becomes more rural again. The canal passes attractive cottages and follows the edge of the Chirk valley.

There are views towards the railway infrastructure and surrounding countryside. Bridge 21W provides another potential access point.

The nearby Bridge Inn is approximately 150 metres away. There is limited access/parking around Chirk Bank, so it is more

useful as an emergency or alternative stopping point than as the primary finish.

FINISH – GLEDRID

Continue eastwards towards Gledrid Bridge – Bridge 19W. This is the logical end point for the complete Llangollen to Chirk 9 mile paddle

Getting out

Chirkbank Canal side car park, Weston Rhyn, Wrexham LL14 5DW. Parking is free but limited.

There is also the Poachers pub nearby if you’ve earned some food and refreshments after the paddle.