Chirk Aqueduct

Chirk Aqueduct (just outside Chirk) is a breathtaking - and dizzyingly 70ft high and 710ft long - aqueduct, carrying the Llangollen Canal across the Ceiriog Valley. Designed by the great engineer Thomas Telford, and completed in 1801, it is one of the major landmarks in North Wales. If you’re daring enough, you can walk along its length as the narrowboats glide past, but if at all squeamish about heights, don’t look down. Less well known, but well worth seeing, when you reach the centre of Chirk, turn left or right (depending which direction you’re coming from) at the 'Hand Hotel’ and head up towards Chirk Castle (you’ll know you’re going the right way, as you’ll see a huge Cadbury’s factory on your right). Park up at the railway station car park, and wander down onto the canal tow-path on the right hand side. This is the entrance to the famous 421 metre long Chirk Tunnel, which (if you’re equipped with a reliable torch) you can walk the full length of, reaching the picturesque narrowboats tied up at the other end. Watch your step - and think twice before allowing any small children to accompany you - but for the experience of reaching the mid-point of the tunnel, and seeing the daylight reduced to a dot of light at either end, it’s truly unmissable. And while you’re at it, imagine what it was like for the workmen laying the original bricks. Also, if you’re staying in the area for the day, don’t miss the equally splendid Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, outside Llangollen.