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Routes from Whixall
Llangollen & Crickheath & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
7 or 10 nights 
67 miles 
34 hours 
20 locks 
All levels
Llangollen & Crickheath & back
Prees Branch From Whixall Marina, you’ll cruise for almost a mile down the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, negotiating 2 lift bridges along the way. You’ll transfer onto the Llangollen Canal at Prees Junction.
The Shropshire Lake District Continue cruising along the Llangollen Canal main line, passing Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park in the Shropshire Lake District, formed around 12,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age.
Ellesmere Tunnel Just after Blake Mere, you’ll go through the 87-yard long Ellesmere Tunnel.
Ellesmere Just over 3 miles later you can turn into the Ellesemere Branch and moor up to explore this beautiful medieval market town. As well as its famous Mere, with woodland walks, castle, gardens and Boathouse cafe, there’s a range of places to eat out, including The White Hart and The Red Lion.
Frankton Junction Just over 3 miles on you’ll reach Frankton Junction, where the Montgomery Canal meets the Llangollen Canal.
The Montgomery Canal runs for 38 miles between England and Wales. It’s recognised as a Special Area of Conservation, making it one of the most important sites for wildlife in Europe. Currently only around half the Montgomery Canal is navigable, including an 8-mile section from Frankton Junction to Gronwyn Wharf. Along the way, you can look out for many types of water birds, animals and insects, including dragonflies, damselflies, otters, water voles, and Daubenton’s bats skimming over the water at dusk.
Frankton Locks You need to book your passage through Frankton Locks in advance with Canal & River Trust. After you’ve been through the 4 Frankton Locks, you’ll soon reach Graham Palmer Lock.
Oswestry Cruise on for 2 miles and soon after Rednal Railway Bridge, you’ll reach the canalside Queen’s Head pub near Owestry. At Oswestry you can visit the British Ironworks Centre and sculpture park.
Maesbury Marsh Go through the 3 Aston Locks before you reach Maesbury Marsh and the canalside Navigation Inn. You can turn at Crickheath Basin and return to Frankton Junction. Turn left back onto the Llangollen Canal heading towards Wales.
New Marton Locks After another 3 miles you’ll reach the 2 locks at New Marton, and nearly 2 miles later you’ll pass the Lion Quays Resort.
Gledrid After another mile you’ll pass the canalside Poacher’s Pocket pub at Gledrid.
Chirk Bank Half a mile later you’ll pass the canalside Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank, also known as “The Trap”. From Chirk Bank you can walk up the hill to explore the National Trust’s awesome Chirk Castle.
Chirk Aqueduct Cross over the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct, part of the 11-mile section of the canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chirk Aqueduct takes you across the border into Wales, carrying the Llangollen Canal over the River Ceiriog, with the railway viaduct running alongside it.
Two Tunnels Go through the 420-metre long Chirk Tunnel, pass Chirk Marina and then you go through Whitehouses Tunnel.
The Offa’s Dyke Path follows the canal for a while and you’ll pass Ty Mawr Country Park. The Britannia Inn is close by in Froncysllte.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct You’ll pass the Aqueduct Inn just before you begin crossing the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, carrying the canal 38 metres above the River Dee.
Trevor Just after the aqueduct, you’ll reach Trevor Basin. You can moor up to visit the Canal & River Trust’s Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Visitor Centre and the Pontcysyllte Tea Room.
The Sun Continue on along the Llangollen Canal, which soon narrows and you’ll need someone to hop off with a mobile phone to check that the navigation is clear. You’ll pass the canalside Sun pub and enjoy views of the valley below.
Llangollen You can moor up in Llangollen Basin (charges apply) and explore the town, including the Llangollen Steam Railway, Plas Newydd house and gardens and the Horseshoe Falls. There are many independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with stunning river and mountain views. And you can climb up to Castell Dinas Bran for amazing views.
*NB The Llangollen Canal transports drinking water from the River Dee at Horseshoe Falls to Hurleston Reservoir. So when you head towards Llangollen it takes slightly longer than the return journey, as you’re going against the flow.
FAQs
What are the best routes for canal boat holiday beginners?
Anglo Welsh offers a variety of beginner-friendly routes across the UK. From the historic beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal to the scenic Llangollen Canal, there’s something for everyone. Routes without too many locks tend to be best for beginners. Our team can recommend a route tailored to your interests and the duration of your holiday.
Where can I moor overnight and what does it cost?
There are plenty of places to moor your canal boat for free along towpaths, making overnight stops flexible and stress-free. If you prefer additional facilities like water, electricity, or secure mooring, some marinas charge a small fee. Our team can provide route advice, including the best mooring spots along your journey.
How easy is it to operate locks?
Operating locks is a fun part of the canal boat holiday experience, and it’s easier than you might think. During your handover, we’ll explain how to safely work locks. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and there’s always help at busy locks if you need it.
