Yahoo News The bucket-list worthy trip right on our doorstep
It's the summer and there's a heatwave incoming. It's the kind of time we're all thinking about how to fill our weekends our what to do for a summer getaway.
And while far-off climes might sound appealing there's a truly jaw-dropping trip right on our doorstep here in North Wales that brings together the opportunity to explore, sightsee, and stay close to home at the same time. Tucked away in the beautiful hills of the Dee Valley the striking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – or Traphont Ddwr Pontcysyllte in Welsh – is the perfect gateway to the stunning Welsh landmarks, villages, and landscapes right on your doorstep. And if you've got friends or family across the border you can easily get them involved too – from Liverpool or Crewe it's merely an hour's drive away or there's the option of a train ride which takes an hour and three quarters with just one changeover in Chester, reports WalesOnline.
However you're getting there from either north Wales or much of northwestern England the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site is an easily accessible for a day trip. Mainline train stations at Chirk and Ruabon offer bus connections and stations along the Llangollen Heritage Railway, running between Corwen and Llangollen, provide access to different parts of the area.
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The site extends beyond the massive bridge that people canoe across, which you may have seen in pictures and videos that are popular on Instagram and TikTok. It actually covers 11 miles of beautiful canal and countryside along aqueducts, tunnels, and viaducts offering plenty of places to explore.
The aqueduct, completed in 1805 after a decade of design and construction, is the longest in Great Britain and the highest in the world. Unesco describes this world heritage site as "a masterpiece of creative genius".
The entire length of the site is designated a scheduled ancient monument of national importance and an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are various ways to experience the crossing for yourself, whether by joining a group experience, booking a separate package, or bringing your own boat as it's a route that allows different vessels to navigate the River Dee safely while offering stunning (or perhaps daunting for those uneasy with heights) vistas. While traversing it is likely the optimal way to absorb the surrounding beauty simply visiting and observing it from terra firma is quite an experience in its own right.
You can also head to the nearby Chirk Aqueduct and Tunnel, which spans the border and where you can literally stand with one foot in England and the other in Wales. In the vicinity it's definitely worthwhile taking a stroll along the Old Railway Line Walk. Originally set up in the 1860s to serve local industries, it's now turned into a peaceful two-mile jaunt down a disused railway track and a delightful canal.
If you have an appreciation for all things vintage and characteristic Plas Newydd is not to be missed. Once a humble five-room cottage this stunning old house adorned with Gothic detail also has a stone circle set within its extensive gardens. Today visitors can still admire the stones and the house, which has been labelled a "gothic fantasy" by guests.
