Ledbury Focus September 2019 Ledbury Focus September 2019 v2 | Page 31

Leisurely Travel I f you like to travel at a slow and leisurely pace, then you will love cruising on the canal. My husband, Michael, and I joined friends on a trip along part of the Llangollen Canal, which in 2009 was awarded world heritage status, by UNESCO. We were going to cross the world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The eighteen pillars that hold the aqueduct are made from local stone. I had heard about the famous aqueduct and had long wanted to sail across it. We boarded our boat just before lunch at Llangollen Wharf, and after instructions of what to do in an emergency, we started our leisurely trip. Our boat could seat forty passengers, with a kitchen, bathroom and viewing platform. We had room to spare and we were a happy group having a day away. As the boat started to move we could see the rooftops of Llangollen Town, and it wasn't long before we passed Dinas Bran Castle - this is locally known as Crow Castle and King Arthur's fame. We also heard about how the workers in years gone by removed lime from the hills, bringing it perilously down Ledbury Focus the steep slopes to the canal and loading it onto the waiting barges. The barges were also used to carry coal along the canal. We next passed through the Dee Valley with its breath-taking sights, and were each given time on the viewing platform. As we glided along, viewing majestic scenery, we saw kingfishers, herons, buzzards, mink and water voles, after which we enjoyed a delicious salad lunch and some excellent locally made cheeses. After cruising for nearly two hours we reached the highlight of our trip: the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. We cruised across the aqueduct slowly, at 126ft above the River Dee below; the views were breath-taking. We could see for miles; it was magnificent and I never stopped taking photos. We then reached the village of Froncysyllte, where our boat turned around ready to start back upstream to Llangollen The Aqueduct was opened in 1805 by its proud designer and engineer, Thomas Telford, and was part of the Shropshire Union system. The Furniss family, who operate the wharf, are renowned for their level of customer service. Family holiday boats can be hired, and full instruction is given on driving, mooring and canal etiquette. Smaller boats can be hired to celebrate birthdays afloat, or simply get together with friends, as we did. If you're on holiday in North Wales, then it is an ideal day out for all the family. The address for more information is: Welsh Canal Holiday Craft, Llangollen Wharf, Wharf Hill, Llangollen LL20 8TA. Telephone enquiries 01978 860702, or simply go to the website; www.llangollen. co.uk. If you prefer an even slower pace you can email: enquiries@ horsedrawnboats.co.uk. You won't be disappointed with the scenery, food or service: it's an ideal relaxing way to spend a day away. article & photos by Pamela Green 31