Short breaks from Trevor
Our short break destinations on the Llangollen Canal include Llangollen, Chirk, Ellesmere, Crickheath, Whitchurch and Wrenbury
The beautiful 41-mile long Llangollen Canal crosses the border between England and Wales.
In 2009, an 11-mile section of the waterway from Gledrid Bridge to the Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen – including the incredible Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts – was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Weekend/3-night breaks from Trevor in North Wales
Ellesmere and back (28 miles, 4 locks, 14 hours)
Passing through just two locks, the 14-hour journey from our base at on the Llangollen Canal at Trevor to the Shropshire market town of Ellesmere and back, offers a fantastic short break holiday for beginners.
Setting off from Trevor Basin, the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, with its jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Dee Valley below, is right next to our base. Next it’s a lift bridge and The Aqueduct Inn at Froncysyllte, then on through Whitehouse Tunnel followed by Chirk Tunnel, before crossing Chirk Aqueduct. Soon after the aqueduct, you’ll reach the Bridge Inn at Chirk, then the Poachers Pocket pub at Gledrid, and the Lion Quays waterside restaurant at Moreton – all good places to moor up for the night.
Four miles later at Frankton Junction the Montgomery Canal meets the Llangollen Canal and after another three miles, the canal passes by the Canal & River Trust’s Ellesmere Canal Yard, dating back to the early 1800s. At Ellesmere there are plenty of visitor moorings, giving you the chance to explore this pretty market town with a mix of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings, as well as its famous Mere, with woodland walks. There’s a range of places to eat and drink at Ellesmere, including The White Hart pub and The Red Lion coaching inn.
Llangollen and back (9 miles, 0 locks, 4 hours)
It takes around two hours to cruise to the ancient Welsh town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains and home to the annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. You’ll pass the canalside Sun Trevor pub along the way. Once in Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin to explore the town.
Things to see include the famous Dee Bridge built by Bishop Trevor in 1345, the Llangollen Steam Railway, Plas Newydd house and gardens (once the home of the Ladies of Llangollen), the Horseshoe Falls and Dinas Bran Castle. There are many independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with stunning river and mountain views.
Mid-week/4-night breaks from Trevor in North Wales
Crickheath on the Montgomery Canal and back (37 miles, 20 locks, 20 hours)
Follow the three-night route to Ellesmere but join the Montgomery Canal at Frankton Junction before you reach Ellesmere.
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 eight-mile section from Frankton Junction to Gronwyn Wharf. Along the way, you can look out for many types of waterway birds, animals and insects, including dragonflies, damselflies, otters, water voles, Daubenton’s bats skimming over the water at dusk.
Soon after Rednal Railway Bridge, you’ll reach the canalside Queen’s Head pub near Owestry. Then it’s the three Aston Locks before you reach Maesbury Marsh and the canalside Navigation Inn. You can turn at Crickheath Basin.
