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across to the Berwyn Mountains, and along the Vale of Llangollen, with the town nestling far below
this 300-metre standpoint. Get there early in the morning – fewer people and the colours of the
countryside have that wonderful morning light effect.

River rafting and tubing. The River Dee provides some excellent white water adventures. See the
local Tourist Information Centre for details and bookings.

If whitewater isn’t your style (or even if it is) then take a more leisurely cruise on a horse-drawn
canal boat that starts from Llangolen Wharf. You can even take one of their aqueduct trips across
the Pontcycylite Aqueduct (see next entry).

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the largest in Britain, was built by Thomas Telford between 1795 and 1805.
There are 18 pillars made of local stone, the central ones over the River Dee being 126ft high up
to the ironwork.

Chirk

Chirk Castle is a 700-year-old marcher fortress, which
commands fine views over the surrounding countryside. It
was built in the late 13th century by Roger Mortimer, Justice
of North Wales for Edward 1. The castle was sold for £5,000
to Sir Thomas Myddelton in 1595 and his descendants
continue to live in part of the castle today.

British Ironwork Centre and Forge Falconry. Bit of an
odd mix of attractions, but it seems to work. The
ironworks is a family business spanning generations that
manufactures and sells all manner of metalwork. Plus
they have created a collection of animal sculptures, like
the silver backed gorilla (pictured).

The falconry centre gives you a chance to get up close
and personal with these magnificent, and deadly,
creatures.

For information on the attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shrewsbury and Ironbridge Gorge

click here . . .

For information on side trips along the way click here . . .

Chester to Caernarfon

Return to the Wales Menu

Between Chester and Caernarfon the interest is mainly historical – the “Iron Ring”, a line of
castles built by the 13th-century king, Edward I. Magnificent buildings that capture all the
magic of those mediaeval days when one can all but see knights and damsels, magicians
and jesters, kings and queens.