Rhochi two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Bring a torch!!
I walked from Chirk to Rhosllanerchrugog, but took the long way round to the start point from the station, via Chirk Tunnel and Aqueduct, just for fun – highly recommended!
The walk along the canal was excellent, starting with a lovely shady cutting and followed by lots of wild flowers between the towpath and canal. I saw more people on boats than on the towpath! Then there was Whitehouse Tunnel and the fabulous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, where there were toilets, a visitor centre, and various refreshment options. It was quite busy during the school summer holidays.
The road section was tedious but probably necessary. The field crossing entrance was obscured from this direction, and the initial field contained cows. The path past the solar field was enclosed by hedges, with glimpses of the solar panels, and was in reasonable condition. The next road section seemed to go on a while too, but was safe.
I enjoyed the path down from the road, and then the cycle track into town. There were all necessary facilities at both ends and in the middle of this walk, which was 30% meh, 30% nice, and 60% utterly gorgeous!.

Much, much better than the original, for the main reason that it uses the wonderful Pontcysyllte Aqueduct!

Starting in the centre of Rhos' (an odd choice of node placing, in the middle of town on narrow roads, away from most shops and public transport), we soon join a hold tarmac footpath running between the backs of the gardens of the houses beyond. Eventually, a road crossing where we rejoin the footpath, curving away from town and the houses on the embankment of an old railway. We leave the path via steps down the bank to an earth and grass footpath between fences towards Wynn Hall. From here, we head along Plas Bennion Road (paved on the right) until we're past the solar farm. Here we join a green track, then, after a few gates in hedges and across small fields, we join the main road that runs between Ruabon and Llangollen.

We're on this paved road for a while, before turning into Cefn Mawr. After a short walk, we reach the car park and good tarmac footpath that runs to the marina and canal junction. There's a little visitor centre here if you want to break the journey. Or you could plough on over one of the wonders of the Industrial Revolution.

Thomas Telford's triumphant Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is an amazing feat of engineering. But it's not one for the light-hearted or those scared of heights. Longest aqueduct in Britain, and highest in the world, the towpath is quite narrow, with foot traffic passing both ways, but totally worth it for the views and exhilaration!

Once were over, it's a pleasant leafy canal walk all the way to Chirk, including one short tunnel. At the next tunnel, this is where we exit to the road up a slope, and a paved road into Chirk, where shops, pubs and a bus await!

A fantastic walk, a good chunk of it on canal. And look out for Boaty Toasties for a drink and a snack!.

Just as David says in the previous review, this is lovely at both ends, especially the Chirk end, with a long road section in the middle. It's safe and not toooo busy on the road (it was 6-7pm), so it's worth it for the lovely bits.
Very easy to navigate from the Chirk end, from the town to the station, and then along the beautiful canal for ages. Through a long exciting tunnel, and over the fantastic aqueduct!.

A very enjoyable route with 5 star sections at either end. I started in Chirk. The town is pretty and the walk along the pavement to the towpath of the Llangollen Canal is interesting and direct. After the brief shock of the Cadbury's factory the escape of the towpath is welcome. Beginning with woods which ring with birdsong, the surroundings open out and the views become spectacular. Froncysyllte is where things become properly touristy and there are various options to stop and refuel. The highlight of the walk involves crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO world heritage site. The views are amazing, although the towpath is narrow and you have to pass walkers coming from the other direction with care. Pontcysyllte offers more stops. The path beyond the canal was closed off when I attempted to walk it, however the alternative is immediately adjacent and extends through the car park to where it rejoins the Slow Way, through an ungated exit. The next section, by necessity, follows the pavement of the Llangollen Road and fun becomes functional. It is however, safe, offers shops and bus stops. The footpath that leaves the road does not seem much used. It passes a Solar Farm and joins Plas Bennion Road on the other side. There is a little more pavement pounding, on a quieter road before you leave it again. The last section was a revelation! A footpath takes you down to the Afon Eitha and then up to a cycle lane which you follow via a bus stop on the edge of Rhosllannerchrugog all the way to the end! Steps and stiles. Trains from Chirk, buses at either end and various road points.

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.