PICTURESQUE, BUT POPULAR

Stretching 41 miles between Nantwich and Llangollen, the Llangollen Canal is one of the most beautiful waterways in Britain. For that same reason, it’s also one of the most popular, which, combined with its narrow and tricky course, can make navigating it somewhat challenging. It will take at least three days to travel from one end to the other and patience is vital for if you’re going to enjoy the journey.

Although the many feats of engineering along the route – aqueducts, tunnels, bridges and locks – will take your breath away, the peaceful beauty of the surroundings are just as splendid. The 11-mile stretch between Chirk and Llangollen has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site (in which you’ll encounter the Horseshoe Falls weir), while you will also pass through fields grazed by sheep, rolling hills and the historic market towns of Whitchurch and Ellesmere. NARROWBOAT HIRE John and his grandsons hired their narrowboat from Anglo Welsh, which has more than 160 boats available from 10 sites across England and Wales. Full tuition is included, so you can get the hang of steering, mooring up and working locks. anglowelsh.co.uk; 0117 304 1122