Offa's Dyke – Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Llangollen

Offa’s Dyke Walk: Cloud Hill Pentre: The weather appeared undecided this morning, but at least it was sunny. Cloud Hill was close to the A5 and there was only a short distance to walk (along the Dyke) till we reached the towpath of the Llangollen Canal. The sky grew overcast, so we put on our goretex coats in anticipation of rain. The canal seemed devoid of life until around a corner a collection of canal boats, neatly moored against the opposite bank, showed that there was some activity here.

 

The rain came. The pitter patter of the raindrops on the canal waters was a reminder of how bleak life on the water could be.

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Continuing along the tow path we came to the famous Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct, the magnificent structure built by Thomas Telford in 1795 to carry canal boats high above the Dee River 120 feet below.We walked along the towpath which appeared suspended between heaven and earth and marvelled at the engineering which enabled such a structure to be built.

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The aqueduct is a cast-iron trough 1000 feet long supported by 18 stone piers. From here we walked through the thriving canal boat centre of Trevor. There is a great video on You Tube which shows how the Aqueduct was made – search for Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct.

 

The rain stopped and the sun returned. The wind now rejoined as the Path left the canal and we made our way up through Trevor Woods. It was an easy climb and soon we were at the metalled road of the Panorama Walk. So what has this to do with walking gear? – Good boots with grip and an appreciation for heights. – More later.

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