Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct soars above the treetops with minimal protection from the elements
.
The Willeymoor Lock Tavern stands next to its namesake. In 1983 the pub designed and
had built a metal bridge over the canal to give access to the pub and to be used by walkers
and emergency services rather than having to walk across the lock gates. A very sensible de-
cision as lock gates are not the easiest of moves even before starting drinking.
A lifting bridge at Wrenbury dates from 1982 and tilts to 80˚, steeper than its listed prede-
cessor, which caused accidents. There are two mill buildings, the older of which dates from
the 16th century. The miller had his own fleet of narrowboats. The Dusty Miller by the canal
is accompanied by the Cotton Arms down the road towards the battlemented church of St
Margaret with its 16th century west tower, 18th century chancel and pulpit and fine 19th cen-
tury monuments.
The four Hurlston Locks are fitted with experimental low-geared enclosed paddles intro-
duced in the 1970s. The penultimate lock has been suffering with a wall moving in, making
it too narrow for some boats to pass, otherwise the canal would be even busier.
At the foot of the flight the Llangollen Canal meets the main line of the Shropshire Union
Canal at Hurlston Junction. Here it is just 2km from the end of the Middlewich Branch.
