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Altogether fun 2014 OFFA’ S DYKE HERITAGE SITE WORLD Must see attractions across the region to Liverpool Talacre Lighthouse St Asaph Cathedral Harbour Bridge Rhuddlan Castle Denbigh Castle Moel Famau Jubilee tower St Winefride's Well Ruthin Gaol Owain Glyndwˆr Statue Erddig Dinas Bran Railway Llangollen-Corwen Pontcysyllte to Manchester to Chester to Shrewsbury to Bala A55 A494 A 4 83 A4 94 A494 B4 40 1 A5 A 525 Holywell Mold Denbigh Ruthin Corwen Rhyl Prestatyn Llangollen Wrexham AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY Come & find yourself in North East Wales. If you would like to receive more information about the area, events, attractions or special offers please visit www.northeastwales.co.uk/altogetheryou Fall under the spell of our spectacular scenery and hear exciting tales of historic battles. Discover miles of rolling hills, heather-clad moorland, and the beautiful beaches of the North Wales coast. Check out our unique cultural scene. Meet the wildlife. Explore our tracks and trails on a bike, a horse, or on foot. Take a food trail, or just paddle in the sea. Visit our fascinating ancient castles, or build your own on a beach. North East Wales is a great place to lose yourself, but it’s very easy to find your way around and just as easy to get to. Literally right next door to England, with great transport links by car, bus, train, plane and ferry. You can even arrive by canal boat if you like. Just hop over the border and you’re on holiday. North East Wales will captivate you from the moment you arrive, and have you planning your next visit when it’s time to go home. Hop over Just Welcome to North East Wales. From Iron Age hillforts and seaside towns to exciting festivals and action-packed outdoor activities; this stunning part of the world has all the makings of an unforgettable holiday, all year round, for all ages. the border&you’re on holiday. Countryside Coast Heritage 2 There’s nothing quite like a proper seaside holiday to recharge the batteries and make you feel brand new. Rhyl has no fewer than four sandy beaches to choose from, and Prestatyn has three, so there’s plenty to keep even dedicated beach fans busy. Paddle in the sea, fly a kite, build a sand castle. Or give your sense of adventure a workout and try something new; our big open shorelines are perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and more. Sounds too much like hard work? Watching the world go by from the comfort of a deck chair also comes highly recommended. Whether you like active holidays of the sun and fun variety, or prefer to admire the scenery from a bike or a park bench, this part of the world has something for all ages, all year round. Holidays It’s little wonder that the seaside towns of Rhyl and Prestatyn are so popular with visitors. Each town is a great base for exploring coast and country, but with miles of big sandy beaches and so much to see and do, they’re excellent destinations in their own right. Head to the bustling resort of Rhyl for exciting attractions and events, or go down a gear and explore Prestatyn’s beautiful natural surroundings and heritage. Marine Lake and Miniature railway Though Britain’s oldest miniature line has been running since 1911, it’s still the best way to get around Marine Lake. This year’s events include a Wizard Weekend in May, Sprint Triathlon Festival in June and an opportunity to race a train in July. www.rhylminiaturerailway.co.uk Drift park Don’t be fooled by the name, Drift is not your average park. For starters, this award- winning park has its own water park complete with fountains and a paddling pool. Then there’s a mini golf course, a children’s playground and an array of impressive outdoor sculptures and artworks, and last but not least, an open-air theatre. the coast without the cars Pont y Ddraig (Welsh for Dragon’s Bridge) Enjoy How do you like yours? Break for the beach by the sea This iconic bridge is the last link in a 15 mile cycling route which enters the county of Denbighshire, and is part of both the National Cycle Network Route 5 and the Wales Coastal Path. Opened by Paralympic cyclist Mark Colbourne MBE in 2013, the bridge quite literally closes the gap in the coastal route; that is, when it’s not opened vertically to allow boats into the harbour. And, as if the bridge weren’t impressive enough by day, the whole thing lights up after dark. The harbour has excellent facilities for seafarers, with new harbour-side facilities coming soon for landlubbers to enjoy too. Rhyl’s brand new harbour development gives anyone on foot, on a bike, in a wheelchair or a pram, the chance to admire harbour and seaside views, and to enjoy the coast without the traffic. 4 5 Rhyl Botanical Gardens Established in the late 19th Century, Rhyl Botanical Gardens are believed to have been part of 17th century Ty’n Rhyl estate. The gardens fell into decline during the 20th century before receiving a well-earned makeover in 2004 by Rhyl South West Central Resident’s Association. Today the gardens have tennis courts, a bowling green, playground, café, and lots of green spaces for strolling and picnicking. Make tracks You might think that Rhyl town centre is a strange location for a cycling track. But Marsh Tracks, located on Route No 5 of the National Cycle Network, is North East Wales’ latest and most exciting traffic-free cycling venue, with a national standard BMX track, a 1.3km closed circuit road track and a 2km pump track with attitude. It’s not just for bikes though. The circuit track is designed for everything from cycling and disabled cycling, to running, walking, in-line skating and nordic walking. There are training courses for all ages and you can even hire a track if you like. www.marshtracks.co.uk Probably the best way to see our beautiful coastline is on a bike. Route 5 of the National Cycle Network runs along the coast from Prestatyn. It’s fully signposted and forms part of the Wales Coastal Path which runs around the entire coast of Wales, with access to inland cycling routes, too. The section between Prestatyn and Rhyl lets you cycle along the edge of a beach, along proms and paths and enjoy jaw-dropping scenery on the way. www.sustrans.org.uk Travel the coast under your own steam Catch a live show at Rhyl’s sea-front Pavilion theatre, where big names topping the bill this year include Martha Reeves and Billy Ocean. Fancy a night at the movies? You can watch the latest blockbusters and more at Rhyl’s Vue Cinema or Prestatyn’s Scala Cinema and Arts Centre, where there’s a live stage too. Look out for a varied programme of events of all kinds, with highlights including Rhyl’s annual Air Show, where you can join thousands of visitors on the seafront and be amazed by the awesome sight of dramatic displays by the stars of British aviation. To find out about this and our other brilliant events, check out the listings on page 32. With so much to do and lots of great places to stay, Rhyl and Prestatyn are pretty much made for holidays. And there’s always something going on. Rhyl Excellent golf, remarkable surroundings A break on the North East Wales coast is a great way to make the most of the outdoors and get a few games in while you’re at it. The challenging 9 hole links course at Rhyl Golf Club will test the mettle of players of all standards and it’s open all year round. With a history going back to Victorian times and celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2015, it’s officially the oldest golf club in North Wales. www.rhylgolfclub.co.uk Rhuddlan Golf Club is a championship parkland course with awesome views of the Clwydian Range and 18 holes to challenge even the most accomplished player. The Club regularly hosts county and national championship events, including the Welsh Ping Mixed Foursomes Finals in 2015. www.rhuddlangolfclub.co.uk Go on, treat your self If your id eal antido te to a busy holiday schedule is a spot of retail the rapy, you ’ll find plent y of exce llent shopping in Rhyl a nd Prestatyn . From big high stre et names in fashion a nd homew are, to sm all independ ent trade rs selling unique cr afts, gifts and artis an produce. A good s election of cafés, restauran ts and delicatess ens are g reat place s to rechar ge afterw ards. 7 There’s loads of stuff to do on the coast... SeaQuarium, Rhyl What better location for a marine attraction than right on the seafront? Home to subterranean species from around the world Rhyl’s SeaQuarium is where you can get up close with British sharks, rays and conger eels in the underwater tunnel, catch a performance by the harbour seals at Sea Lion Cove, and sneak a fantastic underwater peek as they lark about in their 33,000 gallon pool. www.seaquarium.co.uk 6 Offa’ s Dyke As the first town in Wales to be awarded ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status, it’s no surprise that walking is serious business in Prestatyn. Gronant Dunes Gronant Dunes lies between Prestatyn and Talacre beaches and is the largest area of unspoiled sand dunes on the North Wales coast. A Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation all in one, this protected coastal habitat is home to rare plant and animal species including sea holly, brown hares, skylarks and the elusive sand lizard. Gronant is probably best known as the home of Britain’s largest – and Wales’ only – colony of little tern, which can be seen from a viewing platform just off the Wales Coast Path. Whether you’re arriving on foot or just starting your journey, the walking here is seriously good whichever way you approach it. The North Wales Path begins its 60 mile journey west to Bangor here, and Offas Dyke Path National Trail begins its 177 mile journey to Chepstow here too. Take the easy Coastal Path, or slightly more tricky Offas Dyke Path National Trail, the start (or end) of which is marked with exceptional views across the coast and Irish Sea and towards Snowdonia at Gwaenysgor viewpoint. Each route can be divided into smaller sections to be tackled in just a few hours, or you can keep walking if the mood takes you. Alternatively for a quick walking fix, try one of the many shorter circular and linear routes around the town. Dyserth Dyserth Waterfall plummets a whopping 70 feet over a limestone cliff on the slopes of Moel Hiraddug in the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery, or join one of many walks around the village. Look out for rare violets and orchids, buzzards and the odd peregrine falcon too. Evidence of the rich history of Dyserth village ranges from the Iron Age to the Industrial Revolution; and the village even gets a mention in the Domesday Book. Rhuddlan Nature Reserve Not so long ago Rhuddlan Nature Reserve was an area of derelict land. Now fully transformed, the reserve provides an ideal habitat for nesting and feeding birds and is already home to many species including kingfishers, otters, coots, moor hens, herons and water voles; and with a view of Rhuddlan Castle and the National Cycle Route running through it, it’s pretty great for visitors too. Bridlewood Riding Centre, Gwespyr As any horse will tell you, nothing beats a dash across a wide open beach with the wind in your mane. Bridlewood Riding Centre – Highly Commended by the British Horse Society – has direct private access onto the five mile sandy beach at Talacre, so you can get out there and really experience the freedom of the beach. Whether on the sand or on a hillside, riders can admire the scenery on horseback, accompanied by fully qualified instructors, with activities for all ages, including ‘Own a Pony’ days for young riders. www.bridlewood.co.uk Point of Ayr RSPB nature reserve Location, location, location. The coastal waters, mud flats and salt-marsh around the Dee Estuary make a pretty ideal home if you’re a wading bird. Star species to look out for at the RSPB reserve include sandwich terns in spring; peregrines and pintails in autumn and winter; and oyster- catchers all year round. Prestatyn Walking Festival, 16-18 May 2014 Every day’s a walking festival in Prestatyn, but May’s annual Walking Festival makes it official. It’s three whole days of walking activities and no fewer than 25 walks, most of which are free. Walks range in difficulty from an easy stroll to a full-on challenging hike, with highlights including Offa’s Dyke, the Wales Coast Path and the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Every walk is different, but they all have one thing in common: each one is a great way to get to know the coast or countryside on foot. www.denbighshirecountryside.org.uk/walking walk about Prestatyn 98 The ancient town of Rhuddlan on the banks of the River Clwyd is probably best known for the ruins of its mighty medieval fortress. The castle was built by English King Edward I in 1282 to subjugate the locals, and the same qualities that made Rhuddlan such an attractive location for Edward’s building project still stand today. Though these days visitors are welcome to explore our town and countryside and make it their own. Rhuddlan Explore our coastal heritage... St Mary’s Church, Rhuddlan St Mary’s Church sits on the banks of the River Clwyd just a few hundred yards from Rhuddlan Castle. Original parts of the church date back to the 14th Century with a bit of a makeover in the 19th century by renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. Look out for the Bodrhyddan mausoleum and a 17th-century sundial. Twthill Motte and Bailey Castle, Rhuddlan You’d be forgiven for thinking that the big earthen mound next to Rhuddlan Castle is, well, a big earthen mound. In fact, it’s the site of not one, but two much earlier castles. Built in 1073 by Robert of Rhuddlan at the behest of William the Conqueror, Twthill Motte and Bailey Castle was itself built on the site of the royal palace of native Welsh prince Gruffydd ap Llywelyn. Roman Bath House, Prestatyn Tucked away down a cul-de-sac in a residential area of Prestatyn you’ll find the ruins of a Roman civilian bathhouse dating from around AD 120. The foundations are remarkably intact, so you can see where our Latin ancestors kicked back and enjoyed a spa day, Roman-style. Point of Ayr Lighthouse Built in 1776 at the northernmost tip of mainland Wales, The Point of Ayr Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Wales. Unoccupied since Victorian times until recently. The Lighthouse is now home to a 7ft high stainless steel keeper, the work of sculptor Angela Smith. Bodrhyddan Hall Home to Lord Langford’s family for over 500 years, this Grade I listed country house contains a treasure trove of riches including armoury, artworks, furniture, and – wait for it – a 3,000 year old mummy. The treasures continue outside with a woodland garden, lovely picnic area and a formal box-edged parterre designed by architect William Eden Nesfield who remodelled much of the house itself in the 19th century. Rhyl Museum This town centre museum tells Rhyl’s unique story. Fascinating exhibits span the centuries and include a Roman tile with markings of the 20th Legion; a model of Rhyl’s long-departed pier from 1880; a WWII Home Guard dummy practice rifle; and a ‘Miss Rhyl’ sash from 1939’s contest, the last one before the outbreak of WWII. Bodelwyddan Castle Set in 260 acres of parkland, Bodelwyddan Castle is an historic house and accredited museum, with formal gardens and woodland, adventure playground and garden maze. Inside, this partner of the National Portrait Gallery showcases many remarkable historic artworks displayed in a stunning authentic period setting. 10 11 Beautiful Stretch your legs, Saxon style Each year thousands of walkers tread Offas Dyke Path National Trail, the 177 mile coast-to-coast National Trail from Prestatyn to Chepstow. The Trail criss-crosses the border with England and roughly follows Offa’s Dyke, the 8 metre rampart built by 8th century Saxon King Offa. In its entirety the Trail can take a couple of weeks to hike, so most people like to strike it off in manageable chunks. The section passing through the North East Wales is the 34 mile Llangollen to Prestatyn trail which takes in Eglwyseg at Llangollen, the Iron Age hillforts and Moel Famau. It’s easily accessible along the way so you can walk as little or as much of it as you like. On Pilgrimage This long distance footpath through the countryside links places of historical religious interest and roughly follows the ancient pilgrimage route from St Winefride’s Well in Holywell to Bardsey Island off the Lleyn Peninsula coast. It’s some 240km in length all told, with St Asaph Cathedral, Llanasa, Tremeirchion are just three of the highlights en route with digital hubs full of local points of interest. www.pilgrims-way-north-wales.org Put your feet up After a hard hike around our beautiful countryside you’ll probably be in need of a recharge. We have lots of walking- friendly places to eat and drink, all conveniently located for easy access to and from our tracks and trails. Whether you fancy a charming country pub with a view as good as the food and real ale, such as the White Horse at Hendrerwydd, or a friendly cafe, such as Caffi Florence at the foot of Moel Famau, each one offers a warm welcome to walkers and a good excuse to break your journey and rest tired limbs while you decide where to go next on your big adventure. Every step marks a new adventure here Quite literally the high point in the Clwydian Range, Moel Famau is a good place to start exploring. With iconic Georgian Jubilee Tower at the summit it’s easily spotted, and after a bit of legwork to the top you’re rewarded with incredible panoramic views across Merseyside, the coast, Snowdonia and the Dee Valley. Keep a lookout for the locals; skylarks and rare black grouse are just two of the species at home in the open heather moorland. Tracing ancient footsteps With its unique chain of 2,500 year old Iron Age Hillforts, the Clwydian Range is an archaeologist’s fantasy come true. It’s among Wales’ most important historic landscapes with one of the highest concentrations of Iron Age hillforts in Europe, but you don’t have to be a member of Time Team to appreciate them. They’re just as much fun for walkers as they are for historians, so you can trace the footsteps of our ancestors in more ways than one. Hillfort highlights include Penycloddiau’s roundhouse sites; ramparts and ditches at Moel Arthur and Moel Fenlli; and stunning views over the Dee Valley from Caer Drewyn in Corwen. Try one of the many audio trails available as part of the Heather and Hillforts project, or do it your way and be your own guide. that’s official.& Big open spaces, clean fresh air, miles of tracks and trails and plenty of off-roading make the Clwydian Range one of Britain’s best places to explore on foot. This string of hills runs south from Prestatyn to the Nant y Garth pass; and from the Vale of Clwyd eastwards to the Dee Estuary, covering no fewer than 390 square kilometres with its wonderful mix of open heather moorland, craggy limestone, woodland walks and lush green farmland. Commanding magnificent views in every direction and stunning in its own right, you won’t be surprised to hear that together the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of only five in the whole of Wales. 12 13 The adventure starts here Not only is cycling the final word in low carbon travel, it’s also a great way to see the parts of the countryside you don’t get to see from a car. Our rolling hills and mountain tracks are perfect for exploring on a bike, with easy rides for pure enjoyment and mountain biking for something a bit tougher. With many of Britain’s best routes right on the doorstep, and views as breathtaking as the climbs, you’re bound to find your perfect trail. Hop on a bike and try our tracks and trails For bike riding, the whole family can try Llyn Brenig reservoir’s ‘Around the Lake’ route. Fancy something a bit harder? Go up a gear and try ‘Over the Top’ to the highest permitted point for mountain bikes. Or for something really challenging ‘Loop the Loop’ will test the skills of even hardened riders. Our superb bike trails come in all degrees of toughness, each one guaranteed to give your sense of adventure a good airing. www.ridenorthwales.co.uk Adventures in Llandegla Forest A working forest with a reputation for some of the best mountain biking trails in Britain. Llandegla has no fewer than 44km of purpose-built top-class mountain bike trails and a mountain biking centre with bike hire, skills courses, tune-ups and award-winning bacon butties. It’s no wonder people come from all over the UK to ride here. But if you prefer to enjoy the outdoors on two feet rather than two wheels there are plenty of waymarked walks through stunning forest scenery. www.oneplanetadventure.com The wetter the better If you’re up for something properly exhilarating, you won’t be disappointed. Our challenging inland waterways are perfect for those who crave that white-knuckle feeling with a host of excellent outdoor challenges. Give white water rafting or abseiling a go, visit a local gorge or take a kayak out for a spin. For something a bit more relaxing have a go at sailing on Llyn Brenig. www.whitewateractive.co.uk Ceiriog Valley If you really want to get away from it all, the Ceiriog Valley is the place to be. ‘A little bit of heaven on Earth’ is how Lloyd George described it and it’s easy to see why. Probably Wales’ best kept secret, this quiet valley is just a few miles from the English border and enjoys mile after mile of wonderful scenery, best enjoyed on a bike, on a pony or on foot. Try the Ceiriog Valley Walk from Chirk to Llanarmon where you can hop on a bus if you need a rest. Have a go at trout and sea trout fishing on the River Ceiriog. Or enjoy the wide open space of the Berwyn Mountains where you might just have the whole place to yourself. The ingredients of a proper getaway are right here: hills, valleys, lakes, tracks, trails, rivers, you name it. But the best thing? Whether you’ve a hankering for biking on rough terrain, or a meander through the woods is more your thing, you’re never more than a few minutes away from an amazing experience in the great outdoors. are made of great weekends What 14 15 The Woodland Skills Centre If you fancy yourself as the next Ray Mears. The Woodland Skills Centre is a good place to learn the ropes. Set in 50 acres of woodland with permanent forest school sites and workshops. You can learn all about bushcraft right in the heart of the Clwydian Range AONB, through a range of courses, adventure days and family weekenders in the woods. www.woodlandskillscentre.co.uk Greenfield Valley Heritage Park More than just a country park. This 70 acre heritage site near Holywell has woodland, reservoirs and ancient monuments, including the ruins of 12th Century Basingwerk Abbey, and tells the fascinating story of local industrial heritage. www.greenfieldvalley.com Ty Mawr Country Park Under Cefn Viaduct on the banks of the River Dee is a pretty unusual setting. But then everything’s a bit unusual here; not least the llamas keeping foxes at bay. Feed the free-range chickens and ducks, and see traditional hay meadows full of colour in summer at this pesticide and chemical-free working farm. Enjoy a picnic of goodies, then take a walk with a ‘calorie map’ afterwards. Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre There’s so much to do at Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre. Enjoy world-class fly fishing on an upland reservoir stocked with rainbow trout. Hire a bike and go for miles on the tracks and trails. Walk around the man made lake. Or sail over it. Enjoy tea and cake while the kids go free-range in the adventure playground. www.llynbrenig.co.uk Alyn Waters Country Park This country park in the beautiful Alyn Valley is split down the middle by the River Alyn. Will you choose to explore the Gwersyllt side with its visitor centre; or the Llay side with children’s playground and Local Nature Reserve? The whole site has an exciting programme of activities throughout the year as well as Green Flag accreditation, so why not try both? Nant Mill Visitor Centre Set in ancient woodland on the River Clywedog, Nant Mill Visitor Centre is a great place for families, with a playground, mole tunnel and minibeast display. Watch the birds, squirrels and bank voles from the bird hide and race ducks on the river, or give your legs a bit of a workout and join The Clywedog Trail which passes through the grounds at Nant Mill. Loggerheads Country Park Brimming with wildlife and history. Enjoy wonderful walks along the river, through the woodland and take in the amazing views from the top of the rocks. Explore the old water mill or visit our audiovisual room revealing the stories of the area. The Tea Gardens are an open green space ideal for family picnics and games. If you haven’t got a picnic, Caffi Florence serve local, homemade food with a smile. To help plan your visit pop into the Clwydian Range Centre where our staff can help or you can pick up a leaflet, buy a map, book or beautiful gift. Like us on facebook Loggerheads Country Park. packs a lot in Llangollen Surrounded by rolling hills and the Berwyn mountains, the small town of Llangollen on the River Dee packs a lot in. With more events than you can fit on a calendar; from the Dee Rocks festival to Llangollen Fringe and the International Musical Eisteddfod, there’s no shortage of things to occupy you for a whole weekend or longer. Plenty of places to stay, from cottages to campsites; and loads of great cafés, bars and restaurants to keep you fed and watered. If you’ve ever fancied a ride in a canal boat pulled by a horse, the Llangollen Canal is the place to try it. The town’s top attraction, Llangollen Railway Station is now beautifully restored complete with vintage Brief Encounter-style tea rooms. If trains are your thing, don’t miss the chance to see classic steam locomotives in all their glory, or be the first to ride the new extension to Corwen. Llangollen Railway This charming heritage railway takes you through the beautiful Dee Valley 7.5 miles from Llangollen to Carrog. Thanks to the hard graft of volunteers working on the line to restore this well-loved railway, this summer you’ll be able to carry on to Corwen. www.llangollen-railway.co.uk 16 17 The Dee Valley Way This 15 mile waymarked walking route takes you from Corwen to Llangollen, or the other way round if you prefer. With stunning scenery all round, highlights include Caer Drewyn hillfort, the villages of Carrog and Glyndyfrdwy, the Llantysilio Mountains, Llantysilio church and Telford’s Horseshoe Falls. For something a bit shorter, just choose a section and start walking. Too much like hard work? Hop on a steam train or horse-drawn canal boat and give your legs a rest. Fly fishing in the Dee Valley A perfect habitat for fish makes the River Dee one of the best fly fishing rivers in Wales, with a reputation amongst aficionados as one of the best grayling rivers in Britain. Expect to see (and with a bit of luck catch) brown trout, salmon, and sea trout here too. Set out on foot in Denbighshire You don’t have to book a week off work and spend days hiking to appreciate our surroundings. Denbighshire’s Community Miles is a collection of short waymarked walks which just take an hour or a bit longer if you like. Though less challenging than some, they still show off our best bits and you can try mountain, vale, woodland, riverside or coastal varieties. Alternatively there are lots of shorter, circular walks around our heathlands, forests, and country parks, many linked by the local bus service. High Adventure However you do it, Thomas Telford and William Jessop’s awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueduct has to be crossed to be believed. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Grade I Listed structure and part of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail, this masterpiece of civil engineering is more than two centuries old and still standing strong. The aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee and every year 1000 canal boats make the 1007 feet journey across this ‘stream in the sky’ – a terrifying 126 feet up. Its monumental proportions make it the longest and highest navigable aqueduct in the world. Whether you choose to cross it on a canal boat, or on foot or by bike, those with even the tiniest fear of heights best not look down. www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk The story begins here The 18 kilometre long World Heritage Site kicks off at Horseshoe Falls where the Llangollen Canal gets its water from the River Dee. The waterway we know and love today was originally part of the Ellesmere Canal, Thomas Telford’s first big project. It links Llangollen with Cheshire and Shropshire and is Britain’s most popular canal. Probably the best way to enjoy it is on a horse- drawn canal boat trip from the wharf in Llangollen. Visitors have enjoyed gliding through the Welsh countryside this way for over 100 years. www.horsedrawnboats.co.uk Chirk Aqueduct Just a few miles downstream from Pontcysyllte is Thomas Telford’s other aqueduct at Chirk. Built in 1801, this navigable aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the Ceiriog Valley to the English border. At 70 feet high and 710 feet long it’s no match size-wise for its big sister, but it still cuts an impressive figure on the landscape and enjoys fabulous views of the Ceiriog Valley below. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site your camera! forgetDon’t 18 19
