Paddling Over the Highest Aqueduct in the World! – Llangollen to Chirk Kayak Adventure
Paddling Over the Highest Aqueduct in the World – Llangollen to Chirk Kayak Adventure
There are some paddles you remember for a long time, and this was definitely one of them.
For this adventure we headed to North Wales to paddle the Llangollen Canal from Llangollen towards Chirk, taking in two incredible aqueducts, two tunnels and some spectacular Welsh scenery along the way.
The highlight was undoubtedly paddling across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – the highest navigable canal aqueduct in the world.
Paddling the Llangollen Canal
Starting at Llangollen, the canal quickly delivers exactly the sort of scenery you hope for from a Welsh paddle.
The canal twists through the Dee Valley, with wooded hillsides, narrow sections and plenty of passing narrowboats before reaching the biggest landmark of the entire trip – Pontcysyllte.
Paddling Over Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
At around 38 metres above the River Dee, paddling onto Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a slightly surreal experience.
On one side is the towpath. On the other is little more than the edge of the cast-iron canal trough and a very long drop into the valley below.
From a kayak, you’re sitting incredibly close to the waterline, which makes the crossing feel even more exposed.
It’s an extraordinary piece of engineering and easily one of the most memorable places I’ve ever taken a kayak.
Through the Tunnels
The adventure doesn’t finish at Pontcysyllte.
Continuing towards Chirk brings another completely different experience as the canal disappears underground.
The route includes Whitehouse Tunnel and Chirk Tunnel, so suitable lighting is essential. Going from the open Welsh countryside into a long, dark canal tunnel certainly adds another dimension to the paddle.
Chirk Aqueduct
Emerging from Chirk Tunnel brings you almost immediately to another impressive piece of canal engineering – Chirk Aqueduct.
It may be overshadowed by its much taller neighbour at Pontcysyllte, but paddling across Chirk Aqueduct is still a fantastic experience in its own right.
The aqueduct carries the canal high above the Ceiriog Valley alongside the railway viaduct and also takes you across the Wales–England border.
Watch the Full Adventure
The video follows the complete adventure, including the journey along the Llangollen Canal, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the tunnels and Chirk Aqueduct.
If you’re looking for a UK paddle that’s genuinely different, Llangollen to Chirk deserves a place on your list.
Two aqueducts, two tunnels, spectacular scenery and the opportunity to paddle across one of Britain’s greatest feats of engineering make this a very special kayaking adventure.
Planning Your Own Paddle?
I’ve also put together a full Llangollen Canal & Pontcysyllte Aqueduct paddling guide, including launch information, route details, parking, facilities and other useful information for planning your own trip.
Quick Facts
Route: Llangollen Canal – Llangollen to ChirkLocation: North Wales
Main highlight: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Other highlights: Chirk Aqueduct, Whitehouse Tunnel and Chirk Tunnel
Type: Canal paddle
Waterways licence: Required
Best for: Kayakers and canoeists looking for a spectacular UK canal adventure.
Always check current access, weather and waterway information before setting out. Kayakers and canoeists can use both aqueducts and the tunnels, but appropriate lighting should be used in the tunnels. Follow Canal & River Trust guidance when crossing Pontcysyllte and give way to craft already on the aqueduct.
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