We have five star customer reviews on Feefo.
Routes from Trevor
Whitchurch & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
With our Price Promise you’ll know you’re paying the best price.
The Route
7 nights 
52 miles 
25 hours 
4 locks 
All levels
Whitchurch & back
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct About 10 minutes after leaving Trevor Basin, you’ll reach UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, carrying the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high above the Dee Valley. The Pontcysyllte Chapel Tearoom is nearby in Trevor.
Aqueduct Inn & lift bridge On the other side of the Aqueduct, you’ll pass the Aqueduct Inn at Froncysyllte and you’ll need to operate a lift bridge there. The Offa’s Dyke Path joins the towpath for a while here and you’ll pass Ty Mawr Country Park.
Whitehouses Tunnel Next you’ll navigate through the 191 yard long Whitehouses Tunnel and soon after you’ll pass Chirk Marina.
Chirk Tunnel After cruising for just over a mile, you’ll reach the 459-yard long Chirk Tunnel.
Chirk Aqueduct Straight after Chirk Tunnel, you’ll start crossing the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct, taking you across the Welsh border into England. Chirk Aqueduct takes the Llangollen Canal across the River Ceiriog and has a massive railway viaduct running alongside.
Chirk Bank At Chirk Bank you’ll pass the canalside Bridge Inn, also known as “The Trap”. From Chirk Bank you can walk up the hill to explore the National Trust’s awesome Chirk Castle.
Gledrid Just half a mile later at Gledrid, you’ll pass the canalside Poacher’s Pocket pub. Another half mile on, you’ll pass the Lion Quays Resort.
New Marton Locks 1.5 miles later you’ll reach the two locks at New Marton and just over three miles later you’ll pass Frankton Junction, where the Montgomery Canal meets the Llangollen Canal.
Ellesmere Just over three miles later, you can turn into the Ellesemere Branch and moor up to explore this medieval market town, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. 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.
Whixall Moss Continue cruising on through the Shropshire Lake District, past Colemere & Country Park. Just after the junction to the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can moor up close to Whixall Moss Roving Bridge to visit Whixall Moss, part of the Fen’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve.
Lift Bridges As you continue cruising through the Shropshire countryside, you’ll encounter four lift bridges before you reach Whitchurch. Just after the third life bridge, you’ll pass the Hadley Farm Cafe.
Whitchurch When you reach the Whitchurch Arm, turn the boat around and moor up to explore the picturesque historic market town of Whitchurch, once famous for its clock-making. There are half-timbered buildings, way-marked circular walks, independent shops and restaurants, and the award-winning Black Bear pub.
*NB The Llangollen Canal transports drinking water from the River Dee at Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen to Hurleston Reservoir. So when you head towards Whitchurch, it’s slightly quicker than the return journey as you’re going with 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.
