Narrowboat Holiday on the The Llangollen Canal
We turn onto the Llangollen from the Shropshire Union, at Hurleston Junction.These four locks take you up 34 feet. Watch for the tricky current from the overflow. There is a couple of water points at the top of the flight, and a rubbish disposal as well. The water pressure is slow,but,hey that's the idea of a narrowboat holiday, slow down! 
The views across the Cheshire Plain as you move through these locks are lovely.While resting at the top of the flight, why not wander down to sample some Snuggbery's ice cream just down the A51 towards Nantwich, delicious! The little shop once operating at Burland, has sadlyclosed, but at the pretty village of, Wrenbury there is a store and Post Office that will have most of your needs. Paradise Brewery, seems to have moved on. Also here at Wrenbury are two fine pubs, the Cotton Arms, and the Dusty Miller. I suggest, to be fair, you try both.The Cotton Arms, serving a very acceptable Greenalls Ale is down from bridge 20. The Dusty Miller, a converted stone mill is right on the canal. There can be fewer more pleasant ways to spend an evening than relaxing at the front of this pub, with a pint of Robinsons, watching the narrowboats glide by. Bridge 20 is a rebuilt electrified lift bridge, operated with a B.W. key. It's fun to operate, we usually watch a couple of boats go through before we attempt it, just to refresh our memory. By the bridge is the Alvechurch narrowboat holiday hire fleet, operating out of a fine building dating back to the opening of the canal, in the 1700's. There are good moorings each side of the bridge, with the Alvechurch base providing water point, and a well stocked souvenir shop. A pleasant hours cruise brings you to bridge 24 where an equally pleasant walk rewards you with the classic village of Marbury. It has a village green, black and white thatched buildings, church, and, of course, a pub. Walk to the back of the church, and enjoy the superb view of the mere and its inhabitants. Then wander down to the Swan for a pint of Greenalls. Once through the Quoisley locks, there is a pleasant surprise at Willeymore Lock. Appropriately called the Willymoor Lock Inn this lovely pub greets you as you rise out of the lock. Be sure to stop here for a while and sample the beer, said to be the best on the Llangollen. We wouldn't argue, and spent a very pleasant couple of hours in the sun with a pint of Theakstons chatting to the passing boaters. The locks at Grindley Brook can be a challenge. There are six of them, three are staircase locks. Usually there is a lock keeper in attendance to assist you through, but in peak times, bank holidays or weekends, expect delays. We moor well before the lock and check out the activity first. 
There are plenty of good mooring spots both above and below the locks, and a water and sanitary disposal at the top.While you are waiting, have a coffee at the adjacent shop,(shown here) recently expanded, where they sell groceries, cheese, bacon and have an off license, plus internet access. Also, it's well worth wandering down to the Horse and Jockey. This Banks pub has been renovated and expanded a while back and has a large dining area. One has to make an effort and walk to Whitchurch(below left), but once there, it is a pleasant town, with ample shops to replenish supplies. There is a nice fruit and veg, Spa, a big Tesco's, an a couple of butchers. Plenty of pubs to choose from, (although a couple have closed there doors recently, the Red Lyon being one.) Try heading upstairs in the Old Shoppe, for a cofee, a unique experience. We moored in the basin, and walked into town via the old canal path. There is a 70ft. winding hole at the end of the arm for easy turning. 
Platt Lane (above right) used to offer plesant moorings, and a nice pub. But, the area seems a bit overgrown now, and a large "private" sign has taken over some of the space. The Waggoners Inn is still closed, so it is not the place it used to be.
Prees Branch heads off just after lift bridge 46. After many journeys where we just headed straight to Ellesmere, we decided to have a look at the Prees Branch.The first lift bridge is a manual one, and operated by pulling on two long chains. There are mooring spots just before this bridge, there are not many along this branch. The next lift bridge is a normal one using windlass to raise and lower. The rural scenery on the Prees is pleasant and quiet, with ample birdlife At the basin at the end of the Prees is Wixhal mariner. Very limited moorings here and we didn’t really like the look of them, with long grass right along the towpath.The mariner is pretty full, but gives a good area for winding. Back on the Llangollen we get to Bettisfield, where a water point is located by bridge 48.Fern Wood, just near the winding hole past bridge 50, has lovely quiet moorings with views across Balmer Heath Take your time along this stretch of canal. Stop and explore Cole Mere, (down a track by bridge 55) and Blake Mere, right there beside the canal.Cole mere now has an easy to negotiate track right around it, so its a great place to linger and relax, while spotting the variety of wildlife supported by the meres. 
And so we arrive at Ellesmere itself. The old market town welcomes all visitors, and we always feel at home here. I am always pleased to arrive at Ellesmere. We have been here several times on our canal holiday, and emphasises wy a narrowboat holiday is such a great family vacation idea! There is a newsagent, Spar, Vermeulens deli, and a butcher. We always enjoy shopping here. There is a big developement going on at the old dairy factory by the basin, that will have, among other things, a big new Tesco's. The pubs we like here are The Market Tavern on Scotlaand Street,very friendly and uncommercal. We have had our ups and downs at The Black Lion, bat this time really enjoyed a meal and excellent service there. The good old Railway, seems to have closed. There are plenty of moorings in the arm of the canal, and a 70ft. turning point is at the terminus allowing you to turn. There is also moorings along the canal opposite the B.W. office. The fine building at the junction here is Beech House, the ex headquarters of the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company.
For more interesting information on Ellesmere, see here There is some more magnificent scenery along this stretch of canal. At Francton Junction, the Montgomery branches off down the Frankton Locks. It is worth walking down the Monty a bit, as it is a lovely canal, with a pleasant lock cottage, and garden. We will be cruising it next year, and will post a report here with our thoughts. The Narrowboat is a purpose built pub right by bridge 5. If you can moor right out the front, great, otherwise its down past bridge 6 or 7. But it,s worth it to enjoy a Tetleys on the front lawn. We visited here on our canal holiday in '01, and again in '02, and the barman remembered our drinks order! We were impressed! Also here Maestermy Narrowboat Holiday Cruisers have their hire fleet based here. Mad Jacks at Hindford is a great little place, good moorings before and after bridge 10. A bright, very British landlord, comfy bar, good food. We climb into the Welsh hills, and cling to the hillside in typical "contour canal" building style. There are good moorings along this stretch, between bridges 18 and 19. From here it's a stroll to the Poachers Pocket, (bridge 19) and the excellent Bridge Hotel. The Poachers has recently had a face lift, is friendly, and serves excellent meals. The Bridge, a Banks pub has a more traditional interior, and a great outlook to the Chirk aqueduct. Its a pleasant stroll over the aqueduct to Chirk, where there is a fine general store, bakery, and the Hand Hotel.
The railway viaduct rises above as you head on to the great Chirk Aqueduct, and cruise a breathtaking 70ft.in the air. On any other canal, this would be the highlight, but more is to come. The Black Prince base at Chirk Mariner offers water, gas and pump out, and a fine fleet of narrowboat holiday hire boats More good moorings are available after bridge 27, and water available on the LHS, just after bridge 28 (a lift bridge.)
The Ponntcycsylite aqueduct has to be experienced to be believed. At 127 feet tall, and 1000 feet long, and a sheer drop down one side, at is without doubt the most amazing piece of engineering on the canal. Just looking down on to the river Dee way below is a sight never forgotten. Trevor basin home of the Anglo Welsh hire fleet, has an interesting information area telling the story of the aqueduct and canal information. Also nearby is the very hospitable Telford Inn, offering Tetleys and fine food. lovely outside area overlooking the hustle and bustle of the boats. The cruise up to Llangollen is one of the loveliest waterways in the country, with ever changing scenery and magnificent views over the Vale of Llangollen. It gets very narrow and in places is one way working in three spots. Jen walks most of this part (good towpath all along here) and lets me know of approaching boats. The Sun Trevor, just before bridge 41, provides good moorings and John Smiths ale. It is a relaxing, friendly pub, with an open fire and excellent meals. Mooring in Llangollen can be tricky, as it is narrow, shallow and popular. But the new mariner, now operating, has eased the pressure somewhat.
All moorings have been upgraded, with light, power and water at your site. We didnt try the mariner, as we had no problems mooring on the towpath. 
Llangollen is a classic town. Its medieval bridge, with the Dee bubbling under it is sprinkled with interesting shops and buildings. And of course, the Llangollen Railway, offering daily rides through the Dee Valley.On every one of our canal holidays, we have enjoyed our visits to The Bridge End,the staff are always friendly, and the meals good.
The Corn Mill,(below) one of our all time favourites, offers balconies over the Dee, and fine outlook to the bridge. A friendly atmosphere, good meals, and Boddingtons beer. Unbeatable! 
The Prince of Wales, (Tetleys) and the Wynstanley Arms, (Burtons Ale) are also worth a visit. The Royal has been upgraded,since since our previous narrowboat holiday and now has an outside deck over the thundering River Dee. Very enjoyable.
And, an excellent Tourist Information Centre, with helpfull brochures and souvenirs Also an internet cafe is just opposite the Tourist Information Centre. There is also a fscinating range of books on sale as well. The walk up to the Horseshoe Falls is pleasant to conclude your canal holiday.....the start of the canal. A great familly vacation idea, a great narrowboat holiday.....the lovelly Llangollen!
For an interesting Llangollen website,see here. The Pearsons guide to a narrowboat holiday on the Llangollen canal, (and other Welsh Waters) is available here.
Llangollen and Montgomery Canals ("Waterways World" Canal Guides)
You can oreder a copy of this excellent DVD here. ...And if you're ready to give the llangollen a try....
Maestermam Narrowboat Holiday Cruisers Back to Great Canal and River Holidays Home Page.
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Mooring in Llangollen can be tricky, as it is narrow, shallow and popular. But the new mariner, now operating, has eased the pressure on narrowboatssomewhat. 
