TotXP 2026: England
Summer 2025: Llangollen Canal Adventure – 7 Nights
Looking for a family-friendly holiday filled with gentle cruising, spectacular scenery, and just the right amount of adventure? The Llangollen Canal in North Wales and the English borderlands offers one of the most beautiful and accessible boating experiences in the UK.
This unique journey takes you across two of Britain’s most famous elevated waterways — the Pontcysyllte and Chirk Aqueducts — both marvels of engineering and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With minimal locks, calm waters, and plenty of easy mooring spots, it’s perfect for travelling with kids.
Starting from Trevor Basin, you’ll explore charming canal towns like Llangollen, Ellesmere, and Whitchurch, passing through scenic countryside, historic tunnels, and peaceful nature reserves.
No boating licence is required in the UK for hire boats — your rental company will provide full instruction before departure. Lifejackets are available for everyone on board, and most companies are happy to accommodate families with children of all ages.
The week is planned at a relaxed pace, giving you time for short days on the water and plenty of shore stops for playgrounds, wildlife walks, and ice cream. You’ll see castles, steam railways, and lakeside parks along the way.
At the heart of this route is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which carries your boat 126 feet above the River Dee — an unforgettable, safe, and thrilling experience for everyone on board.
Highlights
- Spectacular Scenery:From the dizzying heights of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to the tranquil Meres at Ellesmere, this route is packed with variety — rolling hills, wooded cuttings, and sweeping valley views.
- Historic Engineering:Sail over the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain, explore the Chirk Aqueduct and tunnel, and experience working lift bridges. These feats of canal engineering date back over 200 years.
- Kid-Friendly Cruising:This stretch has very few locks, making it easy and safe for beginners. Short cruising days mean more time ashore for fun and exploration.
- Wildlife & Nature:Spot herons, kingfishers, and swans along the towpath. Visit Whixall Moss National Nature Reserve with boardwalks and bird hides.
- Memorable Shore Stops:Enjoy playgrounds in Llangollen and Ellesmere, tour Chirk Castle, ride the Llangollen Steam Railway, and explore charming market towns with cafés and shops.
Good to know
- •All bookings are by boat for the week — prices vary by size and operator. Fuel, mooring (if any), and provisions are extra.
- •Most hire companies require a refundable damage deposit (or optional damage waiver). Boats include kitchens, toilets, heating, and sleeping cabins — it’s your floating home for the week.
England • Llangollen
Trip Itinerary
7 nights • Kid-friendly pace • Pontcysyllte & Chirk Aqueducts
Saturday Day 1 (Evening)
Arrive at Trevor Basin
Check in, safety briefing, and boat handover at Trevor Basin (right by the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct). Stow bags, stock up, and take a short familiarization cruise if time allows.
Sunday Day 2
Trevor → Llangollen
Short but spectacular day. Cruise across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct into the scenic narrows toward Llangollen. Moor at the visitor moorings and explore the town.
Monday Day 3
Llangollen → Trevor → Chirk
Head back through the narrows, recross Pontcysyllte, then continue to Chirk. You’ll do the Chirk Aqueduct and tunnel — two showstoppers in one afternoon.
Tuesday Day 4
Chirk → Ellesmere (The Meres)
Gentle countryside cruising to Ellesmere. Easy day with time for lakeside picnics and wildlife spotting around the Meres.
Wednesday Day 5
Ellesmere → Whixall Moss → Whitchurch
Cruise the quiet, reed-lined cut by Whixall Moss National Nature Reserve, then on to Whitchurch Arm for the night.
Thursday Day 6
Whitchurch → Ellesmere (Return leg)
Unhurried cruising back toward Ellesmere. Refuel water, top up groceries, and let kids run at the park beside The Mere.
Friday Day 7
Ellesmere → Trevor (via Chirk)
Final long, satisfying day back over Chirk Aqueduct and through the tunnel to Trevor Basin.
Saturday Day 8 (Morning)
Disembark at Trevor Basin
Pump-out/water as needed, return the boat, and grab coffee at the basin before departures.
Choose Your Yacht
Recommended Boats
Traditional Stern 57 ft
Beautifully maintained 57-foot Traditional Stern narrowboat, constructed by Liverpool Boats in 2002. Offering classic styling and practical layout, it has been lovingly cared for by the same owner since its launch. The twin long gunwale windows and traditional stern design give it timeless charm, while its high-standard fit-out ensures comfortable cruising on UK waterways.
Traditioanl Tug 43ft
Exceptional condition and brimming with character. At her heart is a stunning 2 cylinder Lister air-cooled engine, renowned for its distinctive sound and reliable performance – perfect for those who appreciate classic engines. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a true head-turner, a vessel that commands admiration and conversation wherever she cruises.
Cruiser Stern 57ft
Bickerstaffe proudly exibited ‘The Katie K’ at Crick Boat Show in 2019, where she captured the attention of boating enthusiasts and industry experts alike. Her exceptional design and craftsmanship earned her a feature in the New Boat Review section of Waterways World, where she received glowing praise and rave reviews
England • Llangollen
Llangollen Canal FAQ
Where do we start and finish?
Trevor Basin (near Llangollen). It’s the best base for immediate access to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and an easy out-and-back week.
What are good airports and transfer times?
Manchester (MAN) or Liverpool (LPL) are common—about 1.5–2 hours by car. Birmingham (BHX) is ~2 hours. Rail to Ruabon or Chirk, then short taxi.
Do we need a boating licence?
No licence is required for UK hire boats. The hire company gives a thorough handover and driving lesson before you depart.
Is crossing the aqueduct safe with kids?
Yes—go slowly, keep children seated or holding an adult’s hand on deck, and avoid roof-walking while underway. Lifejackets are provided on request.
How many hours should we cruise per day?
Plan 3–5 relaxed hours most days, with two longer days (5–7 hours) to complete the Ellesmere/Whitchurch section comfortably.
How many locks are there on this route?
Very few—this stretch is famously light on locks (great with kids). Expect lift bridges and tunnels around Chirk instead.
Where can we moor overnight?
Towpath moorings are plentiful and generally free. Visitor moorings exist at Llangollen, Chirk, Ellesmere, and Whitchurch; some time limits apply.
Are there shore facilities (water, pump-out, rubbish)?
Yes—water points and refuse stations are frequent. Pump-out/elsan and limited shore power are available at marinas like Trevor, Chirk, and Ellesmere.
Do boats have AC or heating?
Most narrowboats have efficient diesel heating but not air-conditioning. Summer is usually mild; use windows, side hatches, and fans for ventilation.
What about Wi-Fi and cell coverage?
Mobile data is generally good along the route. Many boats include Wi-Fi routers; otherwise a local SIM/hotspot works well.
What should we pack for kids?
Soft-soled shoes, warm layers for evenings, rain jackets, sun hats/sunscreen, head-torches for tunnels, puzzles/colouring, and compact games.
Is provisioning included?
No—UK canal hires are self-catered. Stock up at supermarkets near Chirk, Ellesmere, or Whitchurch. Pubs and cafés are dotted along the route.
Are pets allowed?
Most hire companies allow dogs for a small fee. Bring a dog buoyancy aid if you plan frequent deck time.
Is there a damage deposit?
Yes—hire companies take a refundable security deposit or offer an optional damage waiver. Amounts vary by operator and boat.
Any rainy-day ideas ashore?
Llangollen Museum, Llangollen Steam Railway, Chirk Castle, and cafés in Ellesmere town. Board games on board are a vibe, too.