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The Chirk Walk via Two Aqueducts: Canal Paths, Tunnels, and Industrial Heritage

Pontcysyllte Viaduct spanning a wooded valley, with tall stone piers supporting a metal aqueduct channel. The structure’s arches rise above leafless trees and rolling hills, showcasing historic engineering in a winter landscape.

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Starting the Walk at Chirk Railway Station

The Chirk walk via two aqueducts is one of the most memorable canal and countryside walks on the England–Wales border, combining dramatic engineering, industrial heritage, and peaceful Welsh valleys. I began at Chirk railway station, arriving on a slightly delayed train from Chester, accompanied by an enthusiastic (and occasionally disobedient) Jack Russell on a long extending lead.

Bouquet of flowers wrapped in plastic placed at the edge of Chirk Viaduct, overlooking the canal below. The elevated aqueduct is flanked by leafless trees and a pedestrian path, with walkers in the distance. The tribute suggests remembrance at a significant drop, adding a quiet, reflective tone to the winter scene.
Bouquet of flowers

From the station, the canal towpath is easy to find, making this an accessible walk for those arriving by public transport. Before making my way down to the canal side, the sheer drop is striking. A small bunch of flowers left near the edge gave pause for thought, reminding walkers that these beautiful places also carry human stories.

A lightweight waterproof jacket is ideal for changeable Welsh border weather.

Mustard yellow hooded anorak with half-zip front, beige drawstring cords, and black-tipped ends. Features a front flap pocket with side openings and a small "FOM" patch. Lightweight and functional design ideal for casual wear or light outdoor activities.
Anorak

Crossing Chirk Aqueduct: The First Highlight

The first major landmark is Chirk Aqueduct, often described as the “little brother” of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Despite the nickname, it is an impressive structure. Walking across, you can admire the flat, calm surface of the canal on one side and the dramatic drop into the valley on the other. Narrowboats drift past, adding to the sense of timelessness.

A belted dog lead is ideal for ensuring the dog remains safe when crossing the aqueduct.

SparklyPets belted dog lead set with shock-absorbing bungee leash, adjustable waist belt, and drawstring pouch. Designed for hands-free dog walking or jogging, featuring padded handle, sturdy metal clips, and durable black-and-green strap with printed branding.
Belted Dog Lead

The Chirk Canal Tunnel: A Dark but Memorable Section

After crossing Chirk Aqueduct, the it is necessary to walk back along the canal towards Chirk railway station toward the Chirk Canal Tunnel.

Entrance to Chirk Tunnel on the Llangollen Canal, showing calm water leading into the arched stone tunnel. A towpath with metal railing runs alongside the canal, continuing into the tunnel. Reflections in the still water create a symmetrical, atmospheric scene highlighting historic canal engineering.
Light at the end of Chirk Tunnel

The tunnel is long and completely dark. I hadn’t brought a torch—something I would strongly recommend. My dog disliked the tunnel so much that I carried him for the first part, while other walkers passed confidently with head torches. Despite the darkness, there really is light at the end.

A head mounted torch light is great for passing through lengthy canal tunnels.

Durable LED headlamp with adjustable black and green strap, designed for outdoor use. Features high, low, SOS, and off modes for versatile lighting during hiking, trekking, and trail navigation. Rugged black casing with orange accents ensures reliable hands-free illumination in challenging environments.
Head Mounted Torch Light

Industrial Heritage Along the Canal

Emerging from the tunnel, the walk opens into a stretch rich in industrial heritage. Narrowboats glide quietly along the canal, harking back to the Industrial Revolution. Sheep graze in the surrounding Welsh valley, while a large factory vents steam nearby, symbolising the final chapter of fossil-fuel industry.

Two narrowboats moored along the Llangollen Canal, one with a green tarp and rising chimney smoke. A grassy embankment with staircase leads to a parking area with cars and vans. Leafless trees and dry reeds suggest late autumn or winter, capturing the quiet rhythm of canal life.
Narrowboats
Llangollen Canal

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: The Big Brother

After a lunch stop, we reached the centrepiece of the walk: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its scale is difficult to comprehend until you stand on it. Walking across, the drop into the River Dee valley below is breathtaking. The combination of historic engineering, natural beauty, and good weather made this the highlight of the day.

Pontcysyllte Viaduct spanning a wooded valley, with tall stone piers supporting a metal aqueduct channel. The structure’s arches rise above leafless trees and rolling hills, showcasing historic engineering in a winter landscape.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Coffee Stop and the Return Journey

Before heading back, we stopped at a canal boat coffee bar for a much-appreciated cappuccino and KitKat. As daylight faded, we chose to return via the roadside rather than re-enter the tunnel, especially as the dog had no desire to repeat the experience.

Floating café boat moored beside a wooded towpath, offering tea, cake, coffee, ice cream, and hot toasties. Black boat with white signage displays menu items and open hatches reveal snacks and barista supplies. A small outdoor table with condiments adds to the canal-side charm.
Floating café boat

Don’t want to chance the coffee bar not being open, an insulated bottle with tea or coffee is always a good idea.

Stylish reusable water bottle with aluminium cap and loop handle. Features a white-to-magenta wave design and "Qwetch" branding near the base—ideal for eco-conscious hydration with a modern aesthetic.
Qwetch Water Bottle

Practical Tips for the Chirk Viaduct Walk

  • Distance: Approx. 5–6 miles (depending on route taken)
  • Difficulty: Moderate; mostly flat but exposed in places
  • Torch: Head mounted torch light, essential for the Chirk Canal Tunnel
  • Dog-friendly: Yes, but be prepared to carry nervous dogs through the tunnel, a belted dog lead is also a good idea.
  • Clothing: Sturdy walking shoes recommended, a waterproof jacket is a necessity for the changeable Welsh border.
  • Best time to visit: All year
  • Facilities: Café boats and limited refreshment stops along the canal, an insulated bottle is a good idea.
Canoeists paddling along the elevated waterway of the Pontcysyllte Viaduct, with a parallel towpath used by walkers and a cyclist. Set in a winter landscape with leafless trees, the scene highlights the engineering marvel of the aqueduct and its scenic role in outdoor recreation.
Paddling
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Final Thoughts

The Chirk walk via two aqueducts offers a rare blend of natural beauty, industrial history, and quiet reflection. With a little preparation—and a torch—it’s a rewarding walk that showcases some of the finest canal engineering in the UK.

  • Chirk Viaduct spanning a green valley with tall stone arches and thick piers built from uniform blocks. A canal and towpath run below, framed by grassy fields and wooded areas. The elevated structure showcases historic engineering in a tranquil countryside setting.
  • Close-up view of the Chirk Viaduct, showing two large stone arches built from weathered rectangular blocks. Ivy climbs part of the structure, and a grassy slope with a small wooden shelter is visible through the central arch. The scene blends historic engineering with natural surroundings.
  • Three narrowboats moored along the Llangollen Canal, including the traditional "Willow Wren Stockton" with chimney smoke rising. A grassy towpath runs alongside the water, opposite a wooded embankment with rustic fencing. The tranquil scene captures canal life in a rural setting with hints of winter.
  • Scenic countryside view from the Llangollen Canal, featuring a grand stone viaduct with multiple arches spanning a green valley. Surrounded by grassy fields, leafless trees, and rolling hills, the tranquil landscape includes a dirt path and bench in the foreground, highlighting the canal’s elevated vantage point.

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Alison Little

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