Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Llangollen in North Wales. Completed in 1805 and designed by Thomas Telford, it carries the Llangollen Canal across the valley of the River Dee on stone arches, 38 metres above the water. You can walk the narrow towpath, which overlooks the river and countryside, or cross by narrowboat. Allow time for the woodland path along the river and the pubs and cafes close by.
Built by Thomas Telford
The aqueduct was completed in 1805 and is credited to the engineer Thomas Telford, with William Jessop also named among its builders. Construction took around ten years before the aqueduct opened.
It was built so the Llangollen Canal could cross the valley of the River Dee. Its name is usually translated from Welsh as "the bridge that connects", and it links the villages of Froncysyllte and Trevor, which sit at either end of the structure. In 2009 the aqueduct and an 11-mile stretch of the canal were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making Wales's third site of that kind.
What you see on the structure
The aqueduct is about 307 metres long and stands 38 metres (126 feet) above the river, which places it among the highest navigable aqueducts anywhere. The canal runs in a cast-iron trough carried on 18 stone arches.
The towpath runs along one side, with railings on the edge. The sides are open enough that the drop is clear as you walk, and passing a narrowboat on the path makes the width easy to judge.
Walking across or taking a boat
Walkers use the towpath to cross on foot. Narrowboat trips take about 45 minutes, and some boats cross the aqueduct with a guide who gives commentary on the history. Some operators also run guided canoe sessions over the aqueduct, with staff on hand.
Boat passengers see the river far below from the water, which is a different view from the path. The crossing is not suited to anyone with a fear of heights, as the walkway is high and narrow.
Around the aqueduct
Steps lead down from the site to the River Dee and a riverside path through woodland, with several viewpoints along the way. A shop near the aqueduct sells drinks and ice cream, and a small museum covers the history of the structure.
The town of Llangollen is a short distance away, with its steam railway and the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran on the hill above it. Chirk Castle is also nearby. A pub and a cafe are close to the aqueduct, and one of the pubs stands by the canal.
Planning the visit
Parking at the site is paid, so check availability before you arrive. Free street parking and paid street parking are also listed in the area.
The site has a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom and parking. Toilets are available at the site. Weekdays and quieter seasons make the path more comfortable for a slow walk and photographs.
Preguntas frecuentes
Can you walk across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct?
Yes. A towpath runs along the aqueduct for walkers. You can also cross by narrowboat, and some operators offer guided canoe sessions over it.
Is Pontcysyllte Aqueduct suitable for people afraid of heights?
Not really. The walkway is high and narrow, and the drop is clear from the path and from boats. It is not suited to anyone with a fear of heights.
How long do you need at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct?
A typical visit takes 1 to 2 hours to walk across, look around and take photographs. A narrowboat trip takes about 45 minutes.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The site has a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible restroom and wheelchair accessible parking.
