Chirk Base

Based on the breathtaking Llangollen Canal in North Wales, Chirk’s lovely marina is situated on the site of the Chirk Golf & Country Club. With much to offer, the Llangollen Canal meanders gracefully through the beautiful countryside where the World Heritage Site – the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – spans across the Dee Valley.

Suggested Routes From Chirk:

1. CHESTER AND RETURN

112 Miles, 70 Locks, 1 Week Cruise, 9 hours per day (ROUTE A)

A more challenging route, and you should not be disappointed if you do not reach Chester. Travelling down the canal, you pass through the towns of Ellesmere and Whitchurch to Grindley Brook with its staircase of three locks.

From here the locks become more frequent, taking you down through lovely countryside to the Shropshire Union Canal at Hurleston. The rural atmosphere continues through to Chester. You should remember that the Llangollen Canal flows so it will take longer to return. A visit to Llangollen itself is also well worthwhile.

Click here to find out more about the Chirk Base, Chester and return canal boat holiday

2. LLANGOLLEN AND WHITCHURCH

60 Miles, 4 Locks, 1 Week Cruise, 4 hours per day (ROUTE B)

A very pleasant and easy route. Travelling first to Llangollen, you cross the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct 120 feet above the River Dee. After this the canal perches on the side of the lovely Dee Valley up to Llangollen itself. Retracing your steps you encounter Chirk Aqueduct and through to the lovely small town of Ellesmere after passing through the only two locks on your trip. After Ellesmere you travel through the Shropshire Lake District with its meres to the market town of Whitchurch.

Click here to find out more about the Chirk Base, Llangollen to Whitchurch canal boat holiday

3. LLANGOLLEN CANAL

88 Miles, 42 Locks, 1 Week Cruise, 6 hours per day (ROUTE C)

A trip along the full length of this lovely canal. Travelling towards Hurleston you cross the Chirk Aqueduct and down the first two locks. After passing Ellesmere and its meres, you come to the less hilly Whixall Moss to Whitchurch. Undulating countryside sprinkled with locks takes you down to Hurleston with its reservoir, which provides the water for Chester. Retracing your steps cross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and up the Dee Valley to Llangollen. A delightful week.

Click here to find out more about the Chirk Base, Llangollen Canal boat holiday

4. FOUR COUNTIES RING

187 Miles, 136 Locks, 2 Week Cruise, 7 hours per day (ROUTE D)

For the more experienced crew. Travel down the Llangollen to Hurleston where you join the Shropshire Union Canal then travelling southwards through small towns and villages to join the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. This canal meanders through pretty countryside up to Great Haywood. Here you join the Trent & Mersey Canal and travel towards the more built-up area of The Peak District. Continuing up to Middlewich through a series of locks, you take the Middlewich arm to Barbridge, and back via the Llangollen Canal.

Click here to find out more about the Chirk Base, Four Counties Ring canal boat holiday