Chiosw one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Interesting route this. Tricky to navigate around the canal due to building works - would definitely recommend following the canal tow path further as suggested in previous reviews. Oswestry Fort is an impressive structure with good views from the top - worth a detour.

An interesting walk to Oswestry, crossing the border into England at Chirk Bridge and taking in the old Oswestry Hill Fort outside the town- but some major road crossings and path diversions need careful navigating and possible re-routes.

The route out of Chirk across the Chirk Bridge into England is well marked. The route then leads across open fields to Preesgweene where it should run parallel to the Llangollen canal. This area appears to be under development and access to the footpath alongside the canal has been temporarily blocked. In any case, a more pleasant solution might be to re-route this section, crossing the Rhosweil Bridge and following the towpath on the far side of the canal. This would take you under the A5, thereby avoiding a busy and dangerous crossing. You could then access the route again at the Belmont Bridge, crossing to the other side and taking the right fork in the lane which runs back along the canal. It would also be possible to keep to the left lane after crossing the bridge, with Henlle Hall on your right, picking up Wat’s Dyke Way at the first junction. Whichever you choose, the paths join to lead you through Gobowen.

In Gobowen, you need to keep a sharp eye open for the footpath which takes you over the railway bridge. After crossing a field on the far side the A5 will need to be crossed. On a Saturday morning, this road was very busy. In view of this hazardous crossing, it may be preferable to keep to the established Watt’s Dyke route through Gobowen, this means more road walking, however, you’d be following a B road on pavement and would cross the A5 via a bridge. Personally I’d rather follow the WDW in this section - crossing the A5 is no fun.

Whichever way you take, the current path eventually joins with Wat’s Dyke Way again and leads you to the Oswestry Fort. There are one or two badly maintained styles but all are passable. The fort’s a great place to climb for the view, before heading down into Oswestry.

Chirk chirpy on a wet, cold, early Saturday morning. Thomas Telford's bridge out of town. Over the canal was nice. The route was blocked off at Rhoswiel/Preesegweene by a housing (?) development - trees down, building materials at the ready. No alternative route or diversion sign for walkers. Portable fences blocking off all angles. Hope they re-instate the public access once whatever is being built there has been built. Looked at Chiosw Route Two, along the Llangollen Canal, and this is preferable from Rhoswiel to Gobowen.
Some nasty crossings of the A5. Nice to get onto Wat's Dyke - cos the waymarkers were reassuring and nice pastureland with old farm buildings with bags of historical interest. We climbed to the top of Oswestry Hill Fort for a packed lunch. Shame the centre is barbed wired off. Oswestry looks a great town (bookshop, bijou cafes, a market) to spend a day in.

Good route which is easy to follow across the fields. Lots of historical sites on route including Old Oswestry and the start of Pontcysyllte UNESCO World Heritage Site around Chirk aqueduct. Many may prefer to follow the canal around Chirk with this adding no extra time but taking in a bit more scenery. Very good transport connections.

I walked this route (both ways) on 30/04/2021.
The route follows identifiable paths so is easy to navigate. There are a few issues for people with reduced mobility:
1. The route crosses the A5 twice. This is a busy, fast road requiring some patience and speedy footwork to cross safely.
2. The paths occasionally have a width reduced to about 600mm
3. There are a number of stiles, gates and kissing gates along the route
4. There is one closed farm gate having concrete blocks on their ends either side of the gate acting as the stile.
5. There is one narrow bridge with steep steps crossing the railway line.
6. Some paths passed through fields with cattle.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.