Llangollen Canal still open for holidays
30 miles of the Llangollen Canal from Llangollen to Whitchurch are still open
Despite the breach on the Llangollen Canal on 22 December 2025 at Whitchurch in Shropshire, most of the Llangollen Canal is still open for holidays.
The canal and towpath are closed between Bridge 31A Whitchurch Bypass Bridge and Lock 6 Grindley Brook Lock. The Canal & River Trust is currently planning the engineering works needed to repair the breach, but this section is unlikely to re-open in the 2026 boating season.
You can still cruise the Llangollen Canal from four of our bases
Cruising to Llangollen and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct UNESCO World Heritage site from our Whitchurch, Blackwater Meadow, Chirk and Trevor canal boat hire bases remains open and available.
Thirty miles of the Llangollen Canal are still navigable from Llangollen to Whitchurch, including the 11-mile section designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. And an 8-mile stretch of the Montgomery Canal from Frankton Junction to Crickheath is also open and accessible from Trevor, Chirk, Blackwater Meadow, Whixall and Whitchurch.
Anyone who has booked with us to cruise the Llangollen from Wrenbury, Bunbury, Nantwich should contact us on 0344 984 0322 to transfer the booking.
Examples of canal boat holiday routes and destinations still available:
Float across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to Llangollen
On a weekend break from Chirk, you can cruise the 11-mile section of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen. Along the way, you’ll cross the 38-metre high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct experiencing stunning views of the Dee Valley below. When you reach Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting the historic town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls.
The journey to Llangollen and back travels 14 miles and takes around 6 hours.
Cruise across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and on to Ellesmere
On a short break (3 or 4 nights) from Trevor near Wrexham, you can cruise across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and on to the historic market town of Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. Once at Ellesmere, you can moor up to explore this historic market town, including its famous Mere, with woodland walks, castle, gardens and Boathouse café.
The journey from Trevor to Ellesmere and back travels 28 miles, passing through 4 locks (2 each way) and takes around 14 hours.
Cruise through the Shropshire countryside to Chirk
On a weekend break from Blackwater Meadow you can cruise through the Shropshire countryside to Chirk. The journey crosses the stunning Chirk Aqueduct, spanning the border from England to Wales. Then goes through Chirk Tunnel to Chirk Marina, where you can moor up to visit the National Trust’s Chirk Castle up on the hill. There’s a café at the castle, and choice of canalside pubs, including The Bridge at Chirk Bank.
The journey from Blackwater Meadow to Chirk and back takes around 11 hours and there are only 2 locks to pass through each way.
Explore the Llangollen and Montgomery canals
On a week-long break from Whixall Marina, you can cruise to Llangollen and Crickheath on the Montgomery Canal. The journey begins cruising through the Shropshire Lake District along the Llangollen Canal. You can stop off to explore the historic market town of Ellesmere before continuing to Frankton Junction, where the Llangollen Canal meets the Montgomery Canal. There are 4 locks to go through at Frankton and then there’s an 8-mile-long section of the Montgomery Canal to explore, passing through Oswestry and Maesbury Marsh. You can turn at Crickheath Basin and head back the Llangollen Canal. Then travel on to Llangollen, experiencing the 11-mile section of the canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Chirk and Pontcysyllte Aqueducts.
The journey to Crickheath and Llangollen and back travels 67 miles, passing through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 34 hours.
Cruise through the Shropshire Lake District to Llangollen
On a week-long break from Whitchurch, you can cruise to Llangollen and back. The route takes you through the Shropshire Lake District and the historic market town of Ellesmere. Then on along the 11-mile UNESCO World Heritage section, including the Chirk and Pontcysyllte aqueducts. Once in Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and take time to explore this beautiful town on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains.
The journey from Whitchurch to Llangollen and back travels 61 miles, passing through 4 locks (2 each way) and takes around 27 hours.
