This narrowboat cruise from the Black Prince canal boat base at Chirk to Llangollen and Whitchurch features a very pleasant and easy route with very few locks – perfect for a first timer.

Llangollen Canal

Chirk’s marina is where your narrowboating journey begins. It is based on the magnificent Llangollen canal in North Wales, near the site of the Chirk Castle. In the location where breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a World Heritage Site – spans across the Dee Valley, the Llangollen canal can be seen gracefully meandering across miles of untouched countryside.

Pontcysyllt Aqueduct

The sleepy waterway of the Montgomery Canal is sure to impress. Only recently opened to narrow boats for the first time in half a century, it features four miles of glorious sights sure to stick in the memory of anyone enjoying a canal boat holiday.

The famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, standing 120 feet above the River Dee, is one of the first things you will cross on this narrowboat cruise as you head towards Llangollen. After this the canal perches on the side of the lovely Dee Valley up to the town of Llangollen.

In Llangollen, you can see the Castel Dinas Bran, a medieval castle that stands high above the town as its most famous landmark. Popular in literature, the castle can be accessed by a zigzagging path through the Welsh countryside from Llangollen.

Castel Dinas Bran

Retracing your steps, you encounter Chirk Aqueduct and go through to the lovely small town of Ellesmere. In Ellesmere you can visit the Town Hall, built in the 19th century, and take in a spot of food at The Boathouse Restaurant and Visitor Centre, which has recently been the subject of a £2million refurbishment.

After Ellesmere you travel through the Shropshire Lake District. While in the area, you can enjoy The Blake Mere, one of the most attractive lakes in the area.

Blake Mere is full of wildlife, with only a towpath separating the Llangollen Canal and the lake. You can either moor your narrowboat up in this lovely area or simply enjoy a walk.

Your final stop is the market town of Whitchurch. Whitchurch is notable for the sandstone Church of St Alkmund, a Grade I listed building that dates back to 1712.

All routes from this base