An exciting two days completing the last 18 miles to Llangollen.  No locks but two tunnels and three aquaducts.  Yesterday we moved from the mooring and made good time to Chirk, where we stopped for lunch and Graham sorted out the tunnel light in preparation for going through Chirk Tunnel which is just less than 500 yards long, and is very narrow with no room for boats to pass.  While we were stopped for lunch we spotted four white geese and six goslings all together but obviously two different sets of goslings as they are different sizes.

Before reaching the tunnel we crossed Chirk Aquaduct, an impressive structure and good practice for when we reach the big one (Pontcysyllte).  An equally impressive viaduct runs alongside Chirk Aquaduct.

At the end of Chirck Aquaduct is the official welcome to Wales sign so we know are now definitely in  Wales.

When we reached the tunnel we had to wait as there was a boat coming through the tunnel, followed by another two.  Whilst waiting for our turn we had a chat with three women who were sitting on a bench attending to their blisters as they had almost completed a fifty mile charity walk.  It had taken them three days and they were looking forward to a bath and a party when they got home.

It is fairly busy on this stretch of canal, with occasional mayhem.  The boat in front had stopped to allow us to clear the tunnel and was then crashed into by the boat following and the one behind them.  I think a case of everyone being so concerned about what they are doing that they are not watching what is happening around them.

Moored up soon after Whitehouse Tunnel with about five miles to go until we get to Llangollen.  walked the dogs and could see the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct in the distance.  Looks impressive!


We decided to leave the mooring early (for us) at about 8:30 to try and get a head start before it got busy.  Didn't really work though as other people had the same idea.


Today we crossed Pontcysyllte Aquaduct.  This is possibly the most spectacular and famous structure on the entire waterways system.  It is 126feet above the River Dee and 1007 feet long.  The towpath side has a railing but the other side is unprotected other than the lip of the trough which is about 12 inches above the water level, about level with the side of the boat.  The dogs had to be shut in as they would not have been safe and I think Graham was a bit freaked out that I was standing on the unprotected side to take pictures.  I managed not to fall off though!  A man walking his dog over the aquaduct pointed out a house that he told us Harrison Ford stays in sometimes.

After crossing the aquaduct we had to negotiate a narrow and tricky junction and after this the canal gets very narrow with several bits where there is room for one boat only and if you do not check it out mayhem ensues.

We are now moored in the basin, which costs £6:00 per night but includes electric.  So, sad puppies that we are, we are now washing everything item of clothing/bedding that we possess and charging all electric appliances for free.


A fantastic two days, lovely scenery, good fun and excellent moorings.  We have really enjoyed completing the Llangollen Canal, which is very quiet and rural and has some spectacular scenery, especially once you get to North Wales.  We will be staying here for the full 48 hours allowed.