Chirk Base – Llangollen to Whitchurch

High above the town, the remains of this medieval castle dominate the skyline. The steep walk up is rewarded with wide views across the valley, and it’s easy to see why poets and painters were inspired by it. Moor in Llangollen and allow an hour or two for the climb.

Visitor moorings by the walls put you straight into one of the country’s best-preserved historic centres. The medieval Rows are unique, these two-tiered shopping arcades are filled with quirky boutiques and up-market shops. The Roman amphitheatre and cathedral are close at hand, but so are some characterful pubs. However you spend your time, two or three hours is enough to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.

Chirk has been strategically important since Norman times, with its 12th-century fortress and later castle guarding the Ceiriog Valley. Today it’s a friendly little town in Wrexham County, with shops, pubs and Chirk Castle and Aqueduct nearby. If you’re starting or ending your holiday from the Chirk base, it’s worth building in time for a wander.

Built in 1310, Chirk Castle has everything you’d expect: towers, dungeons, state apartments and a long gallery. The gardens are as impressive as the interior, with sweeping views over Cheshire and Shropshire from the terrace. This National Trust site is only a short trip from the marina, making it an easy and worthwhile visit.

Designed by Thomas Telford, the curved weir diverts water from the River Dee into the canal system. It marks the start of the World Heritage stretch from Llangollen to Chirk. A short walk from the town, it’s a peaceful spot with fine views of the river.

Arrive by canal and you’ll be rewarded with views as striking as the journey in. Llangollen is set against dramatic hills and has a lively little town centre. The steam railway and riverside walks are close by, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of a place that feels both tucked away and full of character. Two hours ashore gives you the highlights before you retreat back along the water.

The preserved railway runs for ten miles through the Dee Valley, offering a leisurely way to enjoy the scenery. Special events – including visits from a certain blue engine made famous on children’s TV – make it popular with families, but even without them, the combination of vintage locomotives and riverside views is hard to beat.

Crossing the Dee valley at 126 feet, this 19-arch aqueduct is the longest and highest in Britain. Completed in 1805, it still carries boats across its narrow trough. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a highlight of any Welsh canal holiday, and walkable from Chirk base if you prefer to admire it from the towpath.