Nantwich canal tourists can travel the full scenic route through Wales once again, following the much-needed maintenance of a historic aqueduct.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, located in Trevor, Llangollen, reopened on Friday 15 March after being closed for over 10 weeks.

Built in 1805 from the design of Thomas Telford, the UK's longest aqueduct (336 yds), carries the Llangollen canal across the River Dee.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct stands as world's highest canal aqueduct (126ft) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Wiki Commons).

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct stands as world's highest canal aqueduct (126ft) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With work starting on January 2, a four-mile stretch was emptied between winding holes near the Kronospan factory, Chirk. and the Bryn Howel Caravan Park, near Llangollen.

Periodic maintenance is carried out on "the stream in the sky" most years, with 2024's closure one of its biggest projects in decades.

Water was pumped out at both ends, with aquatic life moved, allowing major maintenance of both the canal and the towpath.

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Maintenance was carried out in the winter period due to this being the quietest possible period for tourists.

The Llangollen Canal connects with The Shropshire Union Canal at Hurleston, Nantwich, half of a mile from Snugburys Ice Cream (Wiki Commons).

Now this aqueduct's preservation project has been completed, canal users from South Cheshire can visit the tourist attraction once again.

How does the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct link to Nantwich?

The Llangollen Canal connects with The Shropshire Union Canal at Hurleston, Nantwich, half of a mile from Snugburys Ice Cream.

This junction is located around 40 miles from the newly reopened Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, taking at least three days to cruise.

From Hurleston Junction, there are 21 locks, three tunnels and the historic Chirk Aqueduct before arriving at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Hurleston Junction, near Nantwich. The Llangollen Canal begins here with a flight of four locks raising the water level more than 34 feet (Wiki Commons).

From the aqueduct, tourists can travel a further six miles along the Llangollen Canal, before it ends at the Horseshoe Falls weir.

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Thinking of travelling from Nantwich to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, find out tour details HERE.