Canoeists are increasingly joining the thousands of people who each year enjoy visiting the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal World Heritage Site, which is cared for by us.
This stunning 11 mile stretch of waterway is one of the busiest and most popular canals in the country. Protecting the canal banks, looking after the wildlife and making sure everyone stays safe and happy is a key priority for the charity.
In a project funded by Natural Resources Wales and public donations to the Trust, two new canoe slipways have been constructed at the top end of the canal close to the Horseshoe Falls at Llantysilio. These provide free access to canoeists to enter and exit the Llangollen Canal and also link into the fast-flowing and more challenging River Dee.
Further down on a canal bank opposite the Llangollen Pavilion near the town centre, a third canoe access point has been created for organised groups only, by advance agreement. Email the local Canal & River Trust office at [email protected] for more information.
Nicola Lewis-Smith, our Enterprise Manager, explained: "Canoeing is growing in popularity on the Llangollen Canal and it's great to see more people out enjoying the beautiful waterway. The 11 mile World Heritage Site takes you across two countries, along two aqueducts and through two tunnels – it would be hard to find a more interesting and spectacular journey.
"We believe these new canoe slipways will help to stop bank erosion at the busiest locations and make it easier for less experienced canoeists to enter the water.
"We have also produced a new canal canoe guide and map which offer top tips on paddling along the waterway safely. With so many boaters, walkers, anglers and canoeists all using the same space it can get a little congested at times, so we appeal to everyone to treat the environment and other people with respect."
Nick Thomas, Natural Resources Wales Operations Manager said: "The Llangollen Canal and river Dee are great places for people to enjoy being active outdoors with all the health benefits that this can bring.
"This project will help ensure safe, well managed and responsible access to the waterways by canoeists, which will benefit other recreational users and local wildlife as well."
You can download the free canoe guide “Paddle the right way” here Versions are available in both English and Welsh. Leaflets are also available from the Trevor Basin visitor centre.
