Two Aqueducts and Tunnels (Pontcysyllte & Chirk) - Wednesday 25 February 2026
Route
Froncysyllte - Llangollen Canal - Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - Trevor Basin - Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - Pentre - Bryn-yr-Eos - Whitehouse Tunnel - Chirk - Chirk Aqueduct - Gledrid - Chirk Aqueduct - Lady Margaret’s Park
Parking
We were staying locally in Chirk therefore caught the bus to Froncysyllte from the town and walked back.
Mileage
8.2 miles
Terrain
Canal towpaths
Weather
Overcast with some sunny spells
Time Taken
4hrs 10mins
Total Ascent
Negligible - this walk was as flat as a big flat thing that had been flattened even further by a big steamroller
Map
OS Explorer 255 - Llangollen & Berwyn
Walkers
Dave, Angie & Robbie
Froncysyllte - Llangollen Canal - Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - Trevor Basin - Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - Pentre - Bryn-yr-Eos - Whitehouse Tunnel - Chirk - Chirk Aqueduct - Gledrid - Chirk Aqueduct - Lady Margaret’s Park
Parking
We were staying locally in Chirk therefore caught the bus to Froncysyllte from the town and walked back.
Mileage
8.2 miles
Terrain
Canal towpaths
Weather
Overcast with some sunny spells
Time Taken
4hrs 10mins
Total Ascent
Negligible - this walk was as flat as a big flat thing that had been flattened even further by a big steamroller
Map
OS Explorer 255 - Llangollen & Berwyn
Walkers
Dave, Angie & Robbie
GPX Files
From 1 March 2025 GPX files will not be available directly from the walk page as there is difficulty in using a downloadable version from the website. To that end, if you require a GPX File please get in touch via the Contact Form below and we will gladly forward it to you - thank you.
From 1 March 2025 GPX files will not be available directly from the walk page as there is difficulty in using a downloadable version from the website. To that end, if you require a GPX File please get in touch via the Contact Form below and we will gladly forward it to you - thank you.
Route Map
Today's walk was a linear outing. We caught the bus from Chirk Town Centre to Froncysyllte, starting the walk from outside The Aqueduct Inn. The village is known locally as "Fron" - the correct way to pronounce the name is "Fron-cuh-suck-te"
A few yards along the pavement to the east is Gate Road which drops down steeply to reach the Llangollen Canal
We asked this old dear if we were on the right path but she was a bit mutton jeff bless her
Reaching the canal towpath we crossed over to the northern side via the Fron lift bridge. Once we had turned left and visited the first of today's aqueducts, we would be heading back this way to carry on to Chirk to the right.
Fron Basin - whilst it was mainly overcast today, the canal was flat calm giving us some beautiful reflections in the water.
The open area over the other side was once a public wharf for general trade, conveniently close to the major route of the Holyhead road. In the centre of the pic is Canal House - a striking red brick building built in the late 1800s by the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company for a lengthsman and his family. Lengthsmen were responsible for a length of towpath, repairing and maintaining the banks of the canals, cutting back vegetation and treading puddled clay into sections of the canal bank that were weak or leaking.
The Canal Company looked after the welfare of their employees too. The stone mess building to the right was built for maintenance workers to eat and socialise while the institute next door was used to provide some education for the children of the canal workers. The basin marked the end of the Llangollen Canal until the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was completed in 1805. Boats could turn in this area by putting the front of the vessel into the corner while the back of the boat was pulled around with a rope. Once the aqueduct was completed boats waited here to cross.
The open area over the other side was once a public wharf for general trade, conveniently close to the major route of the Holyhead road. In the centre of the pic is Canal House - a striking red brick building built in the late 1800s by the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company for a lengthsman and his family. Lengthsmen were responsible for a length of towpath, repairing and maintaining the banks of the canals, cutting back vegetation and treading puddled clay into sections of the canal bank that were weak or leaking.
The Canal Company looked after the welfare of their employees too. The stone mess building to the right was built for maintenance workers to eat and socialise while the institute next door was used to provide some education for the children of the canal workers. The basin marked the end of the Llangollen Canal until the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was completed in 1805. Boats could turn in this area by putting the front of the vessel into the corner while the back of the boat was pulled around with a rope. Once the aqueduct was completed boats waited here to cross.
The National Flower of Wales - this lovely specimen is the Narcissus
Robbie on the Anthony Lysicea sculpture at Froncysyllte basin
The sculpture commemorates the limestone industry which dominated the village. The canal was used to transport the stone and lime produced from the kilns on the opposite bank. Quarrymen’s pick-axe heads are arranged to look like the fossils that are sometimes found in the stone. The sculpture at Froncysyllte shows Bill Roberts (above Robbie's head), a local quarryman known as Canada Bill. Born in the village, he emigrated to Canada for 10 years, before returning with his wife and children. This sculpture names one worker, to represent the hundreds who were employed in industries that have sadly now disappeared.
The sculpture commemorates the limestone industry which dominated the village. The canal was used to transport the stone and lime produced from the kilns on the opposite bank. Quarrymen’s pick-axe heads are arranged to look like the fossils that are sometimes found in the stone. The sculpture at Froncysyllte shows Bill Roberts (above Robbie's head), a local quarryman known as Canada Bill. Born in the village, he emigrated to Canada for 10 years, before returning with his wife and children. This sculpture names one worker, to represent the hundreds who were employed in industries that have sadly now disappeared.
The southern end of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
And over we go - Angie & I have both walked & canoe'd over the aqueduct many times however this was Robbie's first time. Robbie was born not too far from here on the border of England & Wales near Shrewsbury. It is perfectly safe to pass people coming the other way as long as they take their time.
And over we go - Angie & I have both walked & canoe'd over the aqueduct many times however this was Robbie's first time. Robbie was born not too far from here on the border of England & Wales near Shrewsbury. It is perfectly safe to pass people coming the other way as long as they take their time.
Looking from the Aqueduct down the River Dee to the road bridge over the B5434
The view looking south from the northern end of the aqueduct
At the northern end of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a stone plaque giving a brief history of the construction. The 19-arched stone and cast iron structure is for use by narrowboats and was completed in 1805 having taken 10 years to design and build at a cost of £47,000. It is 12 feet (3.7 metres) wide and is the longest aqueduct in Great Britain as well as the highest canal aqueduct in the world. The aqueduct was designed by civil engineers Thomas Telford and William Jessop although the construction was carried out by Telford & supervised by Jessop. The aqueduct is often referred to as "the stream in the sky".
The name Pontcysyllte is Welsh for "Cysyllte Bridge" or "Bridge of Cysyllte", Cysyllte being the township of the old parish of Llangollen in which the southern end of the bridge lies. The northern end of the bridge was in Trefor Isaf township, also in Llangollen parish.
The name Pontcysyllte is Welsh for "Cysyllte Bridge" or "Bridge of Cysyllte", Cysyllte being the township of the old parish of Llangollen in which the southern end of the bridge lies. The northern end of the bridge was in Trefor Isaf township, also in Llangollen parish.
At the end of the aqueduct looking to Trevor Basin
A large hand can be seen at the head of the aqueduct towpath, standing two metres tall. It is carved from limestone by Anthony Lysycia. The hand represents the many labourers who worked to build the aqueduct, and the rest of the canal, without modern machinery to help them. The stone hand is inset with objects from industries that operated near the canal. There are bricks and tiles, and you can see the conical brickwork kilns at the top left. There are also iron tools, chains, hooks and bolts. The ironworks are shown at the top right of the sculpture.
Looking to the continuation of the Llangollen Canal from Trevor Basin - the canal eventually reaches Llangollen Wharf & Basin which is the end of the navigable waterway for boats.
This stone stands at the eastern entrance to Trevor basin. It has a quote from Sir Walter Scott, who called the aqueduct ‘the stream in the sky’. Scott wondered at how fishes could swim above flying birds and the sculptor Anthony Lysycia has made that the central image of this sculpture.
This sculpture shows a woman and horse leading a narrowboat from under bridge number 29W, in the middle of Trevor Basin. From the northern end of the basin, Plas Kynaston canal went past the ironworks. Along the bottom of the sculpture are pieces of clinker, waste material from iron smelting.
The sculpture & plaque commemorating the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal as a World Heritage Site which was granted in 2009
Bridge 29W at Trevor Basin
Looking to Trevor Basin from Bridge 29W
Robbie & I crossing the Ponycysyllte Aqueduct once more - this time from north to south
Click "Play" to view
Click "Play" to view
The Cefn Viaduct from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The viaduct was built in 1848 to carry the Shrewsbury and Chester Railway across the River Dee and measures 1508ft (466m) in length and stands 147ft (45m) above the river level. Designed by Scottish civil engineer and railway pioneer Henry Robertson, and built by railway contractor Thomas Brassey in just two years, the structure is supported by nineteen arches of 60 foot (18 metres) spans and two of 30 feet (9 metres).
The viaduct was built in 1848 to carry the Shrewsbury and Chester Railway across the River Dee and measures 1508ft (466m) in length and stands 147ft (45m) above the river level. Designed by Scottish civil engineer and railway pioneer Henry Robertson, and built by railway contractor Thomas Brassey in just two years, the structure is supported by nineteen arches of 60 foot (18 metres) spans and two of 30 feet (9 metres).
Back at Fron Lift Bridge
This iconic lift bridge was a more convenient way of allowing horses and carts to cross the canal than a conventional humpback bridge as it took up less space. The original timber bridge was built in the mid 1900s and was operated by hand, pulling a chain to lift the deck. The current bridge is built to the same traditional design but is made from steel and the lift uses hydraulic power. The tall frame supports a counterbalance beam to lift the deck so that it moves smoothly from a horizontal to vertical position to allow narrow boats to pass through.
This iconic lift bridge was a more convenient way of allowing horses and carts to cross the canal than a conventional humpback bridge as it took up less space. The original timber bridge was built in the mid 1900s and was operated by hand, pulling a chain to lift the deck. The current bridge is built to the same traditional design but is made from steel and the lift uses hydraulic power. The tall frame supports a counterbalance beam to lift the deck so that it moves smoothly from a horizontal to vertical position to allow narrow boats to pass through.
The original wooden Fron Lift Bridge
Robbie posing at a sluice gate control mechanism
Along the canal towpath you will sometimes see a small mechanism standing in the ground. This is part of a sluice and, like an iceberg, most of it is hidden away under the surface. All you can usually see of a sluice is the mechanical device, which uses a handle called a windlass to wind it open or shut. The sluice itself is a sliding vertical gate below the surface of the ground or the water. There will also be a drain or culvert down there. A sluice controls water levels in sections of the canal, by allowing or stopping water to flow in or out. This can help to prevent flooding, or to empty sections of canal for maintenance. Sluices, weirs, culverts and overflows are examples of engineering design that people have used for thousands of years but have changed very little in that time.
So now you know!
Along the canal towpath you will sometimes see a small mechanism standing in the ground. This is part of a sluice and, like an iceberg, most of it is hidden away under the surface. All you can usually see of a sluice is the mechanical device, which uses a handle called a windlass to wind it open or shut. The sluice itself is a sliding vertical gate below the surface of the ground or the water. There will also be a drain or culvert down there. A sluice controls water levels in sections of the canal, by allowing or stopping water to flow in or out. This can help to prevent flooding, or to empty sections of canal for maintenance. Sluices, weirs, culverts and overflows are examples of engineering design that people have used for thousands of years but have changed very little in that time.
So now you know!
The old lime kilns at Froncysyllte
The limekilns at Froncysyllte are considered the best surviving examples seen today. They look like a huge wall, with arches at the base. Limestone was brought from quarries behind the village on horse-drawn tramways. Coal was brought on the canal, or later by train. The stone and coal were loaded in layers into the top of a kiln. A fire was lit underneath. After burning the kiln at high temperatures for many days, the lime was raked out of the arches you can see at the base. The kilns were disused by 1899 but limestone was still quarried and transported from Froncysyllte by canal boats until 1954.
The limekilns at Froncysyllte are considered the best surviving examples seen today. They look like a huge wall, with arches at the base. Limestone was brought from quarries behind the village on horse-drawn tramways. Coal was brought on the canal, or later by train. The stone and coal were loaded in layers into the top of a kiln. A fire was lit underneath. After burning the kiln at high temperatures for many days, the lime was raked out of the arches you can see at the base. The kilns were disused by 1899 but limestone was still quarried and transported from Froncysyllte by canal boats until 1954.
For a short distance between Pontcysyllte & Pentre, the towpath of the Llangollen Canal forms part of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail
A closer view of the Cefn Viaduct
Irish Bridge
Irish Bridge may have been named after the ‘navvies’, or ‘navigators’, who dug out numerous canal systems. Many of the navvies came from Ireland in search of work, as canal and road building thrived in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The arch of this bridge is much higher than others on the canal as this is such a deep cutting. Spoil from the cutting was used to create the embankment for Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Irish Bridge may have been named after the ‘navvies’, or ‘navigators’, who dug out numerous canal systems. Many of the navvies came from Ireland in search of work, as canal and road building thrived in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The arch of this bridge is much higher than others on the canal as this is such a deep cutting. Spoil from the cutting was used to create the embankment for Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Scary times now as we enter the 575ft (175m) Whitehouse Tunnel
Wide enough for one boat and thankfully with a towpath all the way through, the Whitehouse tunnel was completed between 1795 and 1802. It was designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop. The tunnel carries the canal under the A5.
Wide enough for one boat and thankfully with a towpath all the way through, the Whitehouse tunnel was completed between 1795 and 1802. It was designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop. The tunnel carries the canal under the A5.
Passing through the Whitehouse Tunnel (Click Play to view)
Approaching Chirk we pass the town’s Marina
Here we go, another tunnel this time the one just south of Chirk. It is known locally as “The Darkie” and I can vouch for the lack of light when passing along the tunnel towpath.
The Chirk Tunnel was constructed between 1794 & 1802. At 1381ft (421m) and like its near neighbour the Whitehouse Tunnel, it was designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop.
The Chirk Tunnel was constructed between 1794 & 1802. At 1381ft (421m) and like its near neighbour the Whitehouse Tunnel, it was designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop.
Heading along the Chirk Aqueduct with the railway viaduct alongside it
Both the aqueduct and viaduct pass over the Ceiriog Valley and straddles the border between Wales and England. The aqueduct, designed by William Jessop and Thomas Telford, was built between 1796 and 1801. It had an innovative design: the weight was minimised by the ten semi-circular masonry arches being hollow and by the water channel having an iron bed plate and brick sides sealed using hydraulic mortar.
Both the aqueduct and viaduct pass over the Ceiriog Valley and straddles the border between Wales and England. The aqueduct, designed by William Jessop and Thomas Telford, was built between 1796 and 1801. It had an innovative design: the weight was minimised by the ten semi-circular masonry arches being hollow and by the water channel having an iron bed plate and brick sides sealed using hydraulic mortar.
A panorama of Chirk Aqueduct & Viaduct
At the border between England & Wales
Monks Bridge
Chirk Bank Bridge is also known as Monks Bridge, probably named after a nearby property shown on the 1884 OS map as Monk’s Croft. The bridge was innovative as it was one of the earliest bridges to use cast iron beams supporting a very flat stone arch. This allowed traffic to cross the canal without the steep approach found on typical humpback bridges. The bridge carried the original turnpike road from Oswestry to Wrexham and Llangollen.
Chirk Bank Bridge is also known as Monks Bridge, probably named after a nearby property shown on the 1884 OS map as Monk’s Croft. The bridge was innovative as it was one of the earliest bridges to use cast iron beams supporting a very flat stone arch. This allowed traffic to cross the canal without the steep approach found on typical humpback bridges. The bridge carried the original turnpike road from Oswestry to Wrexham and Llangollen.
Giggling childishly - Robbie was clearly not amused at my attempt at toilet humour
The Poachers Pub at Chirk Bank - after a swift half we would turn back here and head across the aqueduct once more
This waterside pub sits next to Gledrid Bridge and has provided refreshments for generations of travellers. It was built between 1752 and 1838, almost certainly as the canal came into operation. The 1838 tithe map shows the site occupied by an inn with offices, a yard, garden and a malt house. It also provided stabling for horses, possibly used by some of the horses that pulled the canal boats. Originally called the New Inn, it became Poacher’s Cottage in the late 1900s and was also known as Poacher’s Pocket before becoming The Poachers. Whilst it serves a purpose, the pub is a soulless place and in my humble opinion has clearly had all the character ripped out of it.
This waterside pub sits next to Gledrid Bridge and has provided refreshments for generations of travellers. It was built between 1752 and 1838, almost certainly as the canal came into operation. The 1838 tithe map shows the site occupied by an inn with offices, a yard, garden and a malt house. It also provided stabling for horses, possibly used by some of the horses that pulled the canal boats. Originally called the New Inn, it became Poacher’s Cottage in the late 1900s and was also known as Poacher’s Pocket before becoming The Poachers. Whilst it serves a purpose, the pub is a soulless place and in my humble opinion has clearly had all the character ripped out of it.
Passing back into Wales - thankfully there was nobody manning the border in order to check our passports
A train passes by overhead on the railway viaduct in the direction of Chirk & onward to Shrewsbury
Looking down on the aqueduct & viaduct from the road above
Chirk Station as we head back to Lady Margaret’s Park Caravan Site
The ornate wrought iron gates and screen of Chirk Castle
The gates are in a baroque style and were commissioned by Sir Richard Myddleton of Chirk Castle and made between 1712 & 1719 by the brothers Robert & John Davies. The gates and screen originally stood at the north front of the castle and were moved to their present position in 1888.
The gates are in a baroque style and were commissioned by Sir Richard Myddleton of Chirk Castle and made between 1712 & 1719 by the brothers Robert & John Davies. The gates and screen originally stood at the north front of the castle and were moved to their present position in 1888.